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Understanding Watt-Seconds—AdoramaTV

Understanding Watt-Seconds—AdoramaTV

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Digital Photography One on One

This week Mark answers the question: "How many watt-seconds do I need?"


What are watt-seconds, and how many do you need? Mark Wallace takes several minutes to explain watt-seconds, how they influence the amount of light emitted by a flash, and what other factors may effect light intensity. He also does a comparison of the watt seconds and flash output of several popular studio strobes, and gets some surprises. Come along for an enlightening look into power and light in the photo studio.

 

Understanding Watt-Seconds—AdoramaTV

 

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About The Author

Mark Wallace is the host of AdoramaTV videos

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Reader Rating and Comments

7 readers rated this article. Average rating: 4.9 stars
 
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0 of 0 people found this comment helpful
 
Great Video!

Great instructional video Mark! One question though... how is Kelsey triggering the Profoto D1 heads with the Sekonic L758 light meter? Can the Profotos be triggered via the Pocket Wizard built into the L758? I thought Profoto had their AIR system. I already have a Sekonic L758, and I really want to get Profoto monolights after watching your excellant video, but I don't want to invest in a new triggering system if I don't have to. Thanks!

by in Wisconsin on

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful
 
Learning for free is great!

As a technical person, I thought I knew about watt-seconds, but again I learned a lot from the experimental approach used by Mark, and he has access to lots of equipment. He's great!

by in Houston on

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful
 
Complicated Issue Made Clearer

The comparisons between the lights was informative. However, one can not help but notice that the Paul C. Buff products where not evaluated as much due to the fact that they are not sold retail.

by in Long Beach, CA on

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful
 
Big lights & Big mods

Nicely done Mark! Looking further into the specifications of all these brands and models of lights would have evidenced that some are offering 9 f-stops of power range and are remotely controllable.

by in Abbotsford on

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful
 
"Ah hah" moment

Very clearly understand Watt seconds! Thanks Mark!

by in Portland on

0 of 0 people found this comment helpful
 
Thank You!!!

This information is very important and hard to come by. THANK YOU! As always a great program.

by in Perth on

1 of 1 people found this comment helpful
 
Concise and clear!

Extremely well presented! Excellent work!

by in Hong Kong on

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