I’m probably in the minority, but I still like shooting continuous lighting in my home studio for photography as well as video.
I have a few reasons.
1) I also shoot video. I use a mix of Mole-Richardson and LTM Pepper continuous lights. They give me beautiful light.
2) I don’t shoot photographs or video in long sessions so I don’t worry about heat build-up from the tungsten lights. Also, my space is large enough that heat dissipates easily.
3) Since I shoot video fairly actively and I’m lazy, I have a semi-permanent set and several lights up on Matthews light stands at all times. I love Matthews light stands.
4) It’s darn predictable even if a bit dim for still photography.
5) Did I mention that the light is beautiful? These have been used to create the best in movie and TV for years.
6) I don’t have to deal with much movement in my still photography.
7) I’m always prepared to interrogate someone. 😉
A few safety notes:
I don’t deal much with child photography, unpredictable people, or the general public so I am a little less concerned, but no less cautious, about someone getting burned. It is important that anyone you may have on your set understand that tungsten lights can cause serious burns.
I never leave my lights unattended once lit.
I don’t touch them without leather gloves once lit.
I sandbag the base.
I leave plenty of head-room between lights and ceiling.
They’re great instruments. Just be careful.
