I looked at a book called ‘Portraits’ by William Cheung.
Monoblocs
Main flash units that have the flash tube,modelling lamp, controls and mains transformer built into one package are known as monoblocs.They are more powerful but more expensive.Portability is a key benefit with monoblocs.

Here are some accessories that you can fit on to the flash to modify lighting quality –
- Softbox (available in the studio)
Soft boxes are also known as light-tents and fish-fryers.They are basically a tent of reflection material held in position in front of the light on a frame.They give a very directional effect like strong window light.

- Spill Kill reflector
Every mains flash is supplied with a standard spill-kill reflector. As the name implies, a spill-kill stops light from being scattered around and lets the photographer have some control over the direction of its output.Normally,this reflector type is necessary when a lighting umbrella is in use.

- Lighting brollies
Light direct from a main flash is harsh and needs to be modified to give a softer, more flattering effect.A popular method of doing this is by bouncing the flash into a lighting brolly so that the subject is lit by reflected light.These are available is all different sizes and colour finishes with white and silver being the most popular.White gives the softest light although you can get a more directional light with a white translucent ‘shoot through’ brolly.Silver and gold coloured brollies give more extra warmth to the models complexion.

- Snoot
This conical-shaped accessory gives a spot-lighting effect.it will light up small areas of the scene so the result can be very dramatic.Some flash systems have a optical spot lighting attachment which can focus light very accurately but these are generally expensive attachments.

- Barndoors
A set of barndoors comprises four independently adjustable flaps or ‘doors’ mounted on a frame, which then fits on the flash unit.It is a useful gadget that allows quite precise control of light and is ideal for highlighting areas of a background or even more specific details such as a models hair.

Equipment-
Tripod
Its main purpose is to provide a stable platform for the camera particularly at slow shutter speeds.A tripod also provides a focal point for the shoot.You can move lights, adjust the model or experiment with props knowing that the camera viewpoint remains constant.
Light meter
Camera meters measure reflected light and they can be fooled into giving false readings if the scene is either predominantly light or dark.A hand eld meter avoids this because you can take incident readings, measuring the amount of light actually falling on to the subject.
Flash diffuser
Different types of diffuser are available.A popular type is made of moulded plastic and this slips on to the head of the flashgun, giving a directional but more attractive light.
Another type of diffuser is the bounce card, which gives a softer light.This also attaches to the flashgun head and reflects or ‘bounces’ the flashguns output on to the subject.
On location plan a shoot-
Find a quite location for an outdoor shoot, especially if you are working with an inexperienced model.This means there are no passers-by who might get in the way or be a distraction.Visit the location before hand and check things like the suns direction during the time your planning on shooting.Look for potential backgrounds.
Cheung, W. (2002). Portraits. Worthing: AVA.














































