I've been shooting with strobes forever and recently started to use fluorescent lights as well.

Although not as powerful as a strobe, they allow high degrees of light control and run cool - Best part is you can tuck them under things for added light control.

Regardless -- my question is as follows :

Does anyone else use fluorescent lighting and if so, what types are you using ? I use the Impact VA903 (5 bulb 24W) and then have 2 single bulb holders.

I'm still looking for other light fixtures for them, but have searched many lighting manufacturers to no avail. Any input / tips or comments would be appreciated.

I'm not replacing strobes, just complimenting them..

Here's some shots taken with only the fluorescent lights..

Beautiful results

I really like the Mole Richardson “Molescent Biax” lights.  I have 2 and they are great.

http://extranet.mole.com/public/index.c … =1899-2004
&id=63393

Rololights are also cool…  You can join multiple kits to make 1 massive light.
http://EN.softbox.rololight.com/iiix/home/

If you want something small and compact…go with Gyoury. 

http://www.meansst.com/gyoury/default.htm

Why is it when i think of fluorescent lights I think of harsh greenish light when I am shooting in a school gym...? My ignorance I guess, as I look at your photos with just the fluorescent and they are gorgeous!

I just looked at that ROLO light softbox demo video and whoa! I want to know more about the fluorescent light set ups. Difference between that and standard studio strobes... do tell

Loews and HomeDepot have a bunch of plug in ballasts. not listed online.
I would love me some KinoFlo's

I have used Eiko SP23/65K (aprox. 100w equiv output) for still life work with very good results.

They have been set in F.J. Wescott Spiderlights for added versatility.




Also I have had the chance to play with a Rololight, found it to be fun but gernerally not enough output for fashion.



The new Photoflex Constellation 3 is a very cool and useful rig, still a bit cost prohibitive IMO.



Personally I am waiting for high output LED's to drop in price. More light output, variable light output and less fragile with longer life.

I have been using a litepanel for about a year now and have had very good results.

http://www.litepanels.com/

Most of these are out of my price range -- The Impact Lights I bought have 5 bulbs and are 139.00

I'm using other full spectrum bulbs in cheap lamp sockets with aluminum reflectors that cost about 15.00 each..

I don't mind spending money, but I guess what I'm really looking for is something portable (a kit perhaps) that would be able to move around with me.

Anyone tried fluorescent light on battery packs ?? With the less power I assume you would get more time ?? No idea though.

best bang for the buck is http://www.coollights.biz/-c-25_31.html  tell them I sent you

Stephen Eastwood
http://www.StephenEastwood.com

Thanks to the advice you guys gave, I found (2) x  $29.95 fluorescent trouble lights from Lowes and tried them with Model Emily Lynn -- I shot at ISO 800 but I like the results (set to cloudy mode on white balance)


Bayco Rite Lite

Nice results with fluorescent lighting.  I do a lot of portrait work in my home studio which is a small space with little ventilation.  Going fluorescent might be just the thing.

It looks like the light is soft and even enough that I wouldn't need to use the umbrellas   that I use to mellow the rather harsh light from filament bulbs.

I really dig the stuff I've seen with KinoFlo lights. Definitely one of my favorite light sources evar!

There was a local professional photographer who for decades shot B&W portraits for customers using two fluorescent shop lights hung appropriately in his studio. You would never have known it to look at the results, which were always excellent. He did have strobes and other lighting for some of his color work.  When his studio was sold after he retired, the next guy immediately ripped out the shop lights, then wondered why his B&W stuff looked so different since everything else including the camera was the same.

I have experimented over the years using simple and readily available fluorescent shop lights, and find they can work very well. I prefer the "cool white" lamps over some of the more pink colors that are available today.  There are a couple of old film B&W's in my portfolio which were done with a single shop light off to the side.