Studio equipment: I'm thinking about setting up a "studio" in my workshop. I would be taking photos of my dogs with different scenes I create. Other than my camera and tripod, what...

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

I'm thinking about setting up a "studio" in my workshop. I would be taking photos of my dogs with different scenes I create. Other than my camera and tripod, what kind of lighting would you purchase first? Secondly, what equipment would you add to have a proper studio? I would like to keep the dollars to a reasonable minimum. Thanks for any suggestions.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Golden,1, if you want to go cheap, use hot lights from home depot. The new LEDs cost more, but put out a very good light, w/o the heat of hot lights.
2, Next there are speedlights, like the Yongnuo's. You could use homemade stands. Just make sure you have a master and slaves, etc.
3, for full on strobes there are the Paul Buff, Alien Bees. Very nice for the price.
All of the above are good for small spaces.
Don't forget you need umbrellas for some of the set-ups.
If you are in a populated area, or close to one, keep your eye on Craig's List, sometimes you can get a great deal on some older lights.
Non-mono lights need a power supply, and it helps to know what your looking at. Good luck. ;-)
SS
PS, when you finally make it, Profoto's are really nice, even for the money!

amehta Loc: Boston

SharpShooter wrote:

Golden,1, if you want to go cheap, use hot lights from home depot. The new LEDs cost more, but put out a very good light, w/o the heat of hot lights.

The middle ground are CFL lights. More energy efficient than hot lights, and they last longer, but cheaper than LEDs for the same light output.

Do you have an approximate budget: $100, $200, $500, $1000, or more?

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

I would like to start out with minimum and add equipment along the way. Maybe, start with $500 and work up from there.

amehta Loc: Boston

Golden Rule wrote:

I would like to start out with minimum and add equipment along the way. Maybe, start with $500 and work up from there.

Well, that's convenient. I have two of these CFL lights from Calumet, they work very well in a studio setting. This kit has 3 lights and light stands, for $500, though it is back ordered: http://www.calumetphoto.com/product/calumet-quattro-fluorescent-light-3-light-kit/CF0003K3/

The 2 light set is $340, but also back ordered: http://www.calumetphoto.com/product/calumet-quattro-fluorescent-two-light-set/CF0003K1/

To diffuse the light, I put light gauze cloth in front, separated by a few inches from the reflector with A-clamps.

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

Thanks for the info! I will take a look.

amehta wrote:

Well, that's convenient. I have two of these CFL ... (show quote)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Golden Rule wrote:

I'm thinking about setting up a "studio" in my workshop. I would be taking photos of my dogs with different scenes I create. Other than my camera and tripod, what kind of lighting would you purchase first? Secondly, what equipment would you add to have a proper studio? I would like to keep the dollars to a reasonable minimum. Thanks for any suggestions.

This might be useful.

http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2014/01/21/home-studio-setup-6-things-every-photographer-needs/

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

All your dogs or some 'visitors'? I've been warned that some dogs do not react well to strobes, the flashing upsets them, my personal experience is primarily with dogs that know me or are comfortable with me so it hasn't been a problem but I have been warned. Bob.

guy145 Loc: Norridge IL

www.cowboystudio.com/category_s/257.htm

try this

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

Golden Rule wrote:

I'm thinking about setting up a "studio" in my workshop. I would be taking photos of my dogs with different scenes I create. Other than my camera and tripod, what kind of lighting would you purchase first? Secondly, what equipment would you add to have a proper studio? I would like to keep the dollars to a reasonable minimum. Thanks for any suggestions.

I've posted this before , but it still works. Add your own choice of lighting to what you build and you'll be in business. Paul

Links and Resources -> Dean Collins "Tinkertubes" PDF FREE (go to message) Apr 21, 13 12:36:46
http://media.software-cinema.com/documents/tt-book.pdf
How to make your own light modifiers out of PVC tube, rip stop nylon and other available materials.

houdel Loc: Chase, Michigan USA

SharpShooter wrote:

use hot lights from home depot

Can you (or someone else) give more specific terminology for the type of fixture/bulb holder you would get from Home Depot or other home improvement superstore to use as studio lighting? The search engines on these HI sites are not real specific; a search for "hot light" on Home Depot brought up 20 items, only one of which was a lighting fixture and that one was a "hot" pink swag "light". The remainder were such things as a "hot" tub timer with indicator "light", etc. Not really helpful.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Quote from a tutorial, "If youve never used studio lights before, its best to work with a model who you know will be patient with you. This will enable you to experiment and discover exactly what each studio light does as just a small movement in the position of each one can completely change the ambience of your picture."

Go to eBay and search for mannequin heads, used by cosmetology students. Many are under $20.

My Susie-Kin is Very Patient
My Susie-Kin is Very Patient...

For your fuzzier friends, a suitable substitute?

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

houdel wrote:

Can you (or someone else) give more specific termi... (show quote)

Google 'DIY photo', then go to the lighting section, lots of ideas

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

houdel wrote:

Can you (or someone else) give more specific termi... (show quote)

The usual fixture used is a clamp lamp, 'hot lights' refer to incandescent lamps that are continuous light as opposed to strobes, LEDS and CFL are relatively cool hot lights

jethro'spal Loc: Oklahoma

Try Cowboy Studio triple lighting kit - about $60 on Amazon.