All studios light fall into one of three categories. Before examining light quality let s take a look at these three categories. They are as simple a way or working as possible. Hot lights are difficult in people photography due to the fact that the exposure of these continuous lights sources usually results in a slow shutter speed, offering the possibility for motion in subjects that move. However, there are many still life and advertising photographers who work with hot lights for that exact reason.
All strobes have a flash tube and a capacitor.
The flash tube is always in the light head itself while the capacitor is located in the power pack or generator of these types of strobes. Power packs allow the photographer to utilize from one to four different strobe heads in the same power pack. These heads are connected by way of a cable, which distributes the power output depending on the power setting and number of heads plugged in at the time. Some power packs offer the photographer the ability to work in either symmetrical or asymmetrical modes meaning the power output can be distributed evenly from head to head or depending on the brand, uneven from head to head. The benefit to working with power packs is the weight of the heads.