Using Continuous Lighting

xibo · Nov 21, 2006

Hi all, I'm new here and am looking for some help. I recently got two lighting fixtures. I really don't know anything about lighting! Basically I want to use it for portraits and just basic indoor photography because I hate the way the flash on my camera makes my subjects look. The equipment I have to work with are two lighting stands, I think the lights are 500w but I really don't know what that means. If someone could explain that to me, I'd much appreciate it. I also have a white umbrella and a reflective one. I have two 100w lightbulbs that came with the stands but it really isn't providing light that my camera is registering. What kind of bulbs do I need to get to provide adequate light?

I realize I'll probably have to include more info but I'm not sure what other info right now, so just let me know what else would be good for you to know in order to help me.

Thanks so much !