Greg,


Welcome to the forum.


Wow....nice resume'. I don't feel qualified to assist based on the fact that I didn't recognize any of the terminology you were using there. But maybe this guy can help... www.strobist.com.


To answer your question, I would "guess" that most photographers use strobe. I can't say I've ever seen a presentation done with hard lighting. That doesn't mean, of course, that it's not used. I'm a grain of salt in the photographer demographic.


I use Alienbee studio lights and modified Vivitar manual strobes. I use light modifiers like Octoboxes, Umbrellas, snoots, grids and gels. I also havea 4 cannel wired controller that allows me to adjust the output of the AB strobes from where I'm shooting. Makes studio shooting much easier especially when you have grided or snooted backlights up high.


I like working with flash because the ambient environment is easier on the subject and I can cancel ambient out with the power of the strobes. Or mix it in if need be.


I understand that working under constant (hard)light can be hot and annoying. No, I don't use it.


Hope this helps a little,


Chuck