A powerful portable flash unit can be used effectively to control the light ratio between the subject and the surrounding environment. Here the Elinchrom 1200 ELB has achieved just that.
There is a light ratio power dynamic at work here. The effectiveness of the portable flash unit largely depends on its power and distance to the subject, relative to the sun’s intensity on a given day.
Another factor is the modifier. A modifier is the attachment like a dish or a soft-box that modifies the quality of light.
A large soft-box can absorb upwards of two stops during its light modifying process. Lesser powered flash units can also be used but would struggle on bright sunny days unless earlier or later as the sun weakens.
Smaller soft-boxes or dishes that don’t sap as much flash power would also be preferred. All that said, everything hinges on the specific effect you want to create. Would you like to master using flash on location.
Please get in touch.
Bjorn.
