Ad200 Pro: When to Use The Bare Bulb
- Mike Crompton
- Studio Flash
- 12 Sep 2022
- 25views
The Godox AD200 is a versatile portable flash unit that comes with both a bare bulb and a standard speedlight-style flash head. The choice between using the bare bulb and the standard flash head depends on the effect you want to achieve in your photography. Here are some scenarios where using the bare bulb on the Godox AD200 might be advantageous:
1. Soft and Even Lighting: The bare bulb produces a softer and more even spread of light compared to the standard flash head. This can be particularly useful for portrait photography, where you want to minimize harsh shadows and achieve a flattering, wraparound lighting on your subject's face.
2. Larger Light Source: The bare bulb creates a larger apparent light source due to its design, which can result in softer and more diffused light. This is beneficial for creating a natural and pleasing look in various photography genres such as portraits, fashion, and even some product photography.
3. Group Shots: When photographing larger groups of people, the bare bulb can help ensure that the light covers a wider area and provides more even illumination across the group.
4. Creative Effects: The bare bulb can also be used creatively for unique lighting effects. For instance, you can place it behind a subject to create a halo-like effect, use it to simulate sunlight streaming through a window, or experiment with silhouette shots.
5. Subject Isolation: In some cases, the bare bulb can provide better subject isolation from the background due to the softer light falloff, allowing your subject to stand out more prominently.
6. Artistic Portraits: If you're going for a more artistic or unconventional look, the bare bulb can help you achieve a distinct and moody atmosphere in your images.
However, it's important to remember that the bare bulb's wider spread of light might not always be suitable for every situation. In scenarios where you need more controlled and focused lighting, or when you want to maintain a specific lighting ratio between your subject and background, you might opt for the standard flash head instead.
Ultimately, the choice between using the bare bulb and the standard flash head depends on your creative vision, the mood you want to convey, and the specific needs of your photography session. It's a good idea to experiment with both options in different shooting conditions to see how they impact your results and to develop a better understanding of how each type of lighting affects your images.