Photogenic hotlights.....Boudoir Photography??
Sep 6, 2011 11:53:24 #
Please do not rush out to buy lights... natural light is always the best.
Go into your local camera store and put your camera on any gitzo carbon X6 tripod, just check out the shake, it should not shake. A ball head is quick and easy.
Go buy or steal your own shower curtain. Push pins work.
you can always raise your ISO if the light get too low.
Are you a Los Angeles local? I ask because you can look at Samy's camera and buy from BH to save the tax.
Go into your local camera store and put your camera on any gitzo carbon X6 tripod, just check out the shake, it should not shake. A ball head is quick and easy.
Go buy or steal your own shower curtain. Push pins work.
you can always raise your ISO if the light get too low.
Are you a Los Angeles local? I ask because you can look at Samy's camera and buy from BH to save the tax.
Sep 6, 2011 11:57:29 #
I have done an immense amount of Boudoir Photography. I have shot Boudoir with hot lights (LTM,) fluorescent lights (Kino Flo,) and strobe lights (many brands.)
I can tell you hot lights become uncomfortable very quickly. They are like putting butane camping stoves all over the room, one stove = one light. Hot lights can be the cheapest, but when you get to the good stuff (like LTM fresnels) it becomes a different story, where even one small fresnel costs about the same as a low end pro strobe with similar (or better) accessories.
LTM Fresnel:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/383308-REG/LTM_PK_1_420_One_Light_420W_Kit.html
about $574 with barn doors and scrim set
Photogenic Strobe:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/404233-REG/Photogenic_906910_AKC320_StudioMax_III_320.html
With accessories, about $590 (barn doors and set of grids)
For the $20 difference, I'd take the strobe any day. Cooler operation, ability to turn off the model light to make BIG irises in the model (cannot do that with hot lights) and no nasty heat build up.
If you find half scrims of use, you can duplicate it on the strobe with some neutral density gel taped to the reflector. Strobes do not burn gel like hot lights.
The images attached are lit with two Kino Flo movie fluorescents and a Lowell Caselite, gelled. All fluorescent means less heat.
I can tell you hot lights become uncomfortable very quickly. They are like putting butane camping stoves all over the room, one stove = one light. Hot lights can be the cheapest, but when you get to the good stuff (like LTM fresnels) it becomes a different story, where even one small fresnel costs about the same as a low end pro strobe with similar (or better) accessories.
LTM Fresnel:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/383308-REG/LTM_PK_1_420_One_Light_420W_Kit.html
about $574 with barn doors and scrim set
Photogenic Strobe:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/404233-REG/Photogenic_906910_AKC320_StudioMax_III_320.html
With accessories, about $590 (barn doors and set of grids)
For the $20 difference, I'd take the strobe any day. Cooler operation, ability to turn off the model light to make BIG irises in the model (cannot do that with hot lights) and no nasty heat build up.
If you find half scrims of use, you can duplicate it on the strobe with some neutral density gel taped to the reflector. Strobes do not burn gel like hot lights.
The images attached are lit with two Kino Flo movie fluorescents and a Lowell Caselite, gelled. All fluorescent means less heat.
Friend and famous Glamor Model Liz Ashley
Liz Again, same lighting
Liz Ashley Boudoir Portrait
Sep 6, 2011 12:00:33 #
Ok, so I have be doing boudoir and glam sessions for a couple of years now. Take a look at my weekend sessions here:
http://blog.paulapaivaphotography.com/
I have taken a few workshops and started with a small lighting kit, but use available lighting when I can. I too, use different materials to create a natural softbox as well. Although, I do have a softbox which I love, but I still use my umbrella lighting more since I do more in-home private sessions and it seems that the two light set up I use is easier than one large softbox. Also, my style is a little different than the normal and I don't always go with the low light mood setting. It's more about what my client is looking for and what she plans to do with those photos once they are created. This is a similar set up that I use: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=lighting+kits&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=6220996933231565496#
I am around if you have any questions, and hopefully I have helped you out some too and not only confused you more.
~paula
http://blog.paulapaivaphotography.com/
I have taken a few workshops and started with a small lighting kit, but use available lighting when I can. I too, use different materials to create a natural softbox as well. Although, I do have a softbox which I love, but I still use my umbrella lighting more since I do more in-home private sessions and it seems that the two light set up I use is easier than one large softbox. Also, my style is a little different than the normal and I don't always go with the low light mood setting. It's more about what my client is looking for and what she plans to do with those photos once they are created. This is a similar set up that I use: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=lighting+kits&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=6220996933231565496#
I am around if you have any questions, and hopefully I have helped you out some too and not only confused you more.
~paula
Sep 6, 2011 12:01:33 #
As for a reflector: The Chameleon in a 32" size.
Lincoln Fabric has a great selection of sheers.
cr827@ca.rr.com
Lincoln Fabric has a great selection of sheers.
cr827@ca.rr.com
Sep 7, 2011 01:22:51 #
As far as doing a web site is concerned, check out Xara Web Designer 7 (http://www.xara.com/us/products/webdesigner/). I have used it for several web sites with good success. The software is advertised for $49.99 or $99.99 for the Premium version. It's very easy to use. Check out the web sites that I used it on: http://www.pcqc.org and http://www.qcgunclub.org.
You can find a good hosting service for $10/month or less. I use Webmasters (http://webmasters.com).
You can find a good hosting service for $10/month or less. I use Webmasters (http://webmasters.com).
Sep 7, 2011 23:13:09 #
If I am in my studio I like the softbox. At their home I use indirect light. This is one of my favorite types of session. We always have fun and laugh. It's important to get them to relax.
Sep 11, 2011 00:32:52 #
Sep 22, 2011 10:57:58 #
DaveQ
Loc: UK
Seems to me that you're trying to leap in the deep end a bit too early. The lighting is important, but the equipment is less so at this stage - and the 'right' equipment will depend on how much space you have, whether you are going to vary your location a lot etc.
Unless you have a large studio, my recommendation for most people starting out is to master using window light + reflector.
Next I would add speedlights with remote triggers; this gives you a lot of control, great portability and not much outlay.
If you are desperate to buy some studio lights (I admit that I've been there!) then get a cheap 3 head set with variable power so that you can balance the light from each.
As mentioned in another reply, frontal lighting is usually flat, so add a softbox or white umbrella. Rear lighting should be directional so a snoot or barn doors are useful.
Pretty much every option has limitations - whether that be heat, portability, range etc so think careful about how and where you are going to be shooting before you buy.
Dave
Somebody else already linked to my site so I dont feel too bad about adding my own. Its a huge topic, but there is some info here... http://www.better-boudoir-photography.com/photographic-lighting.html
Unless you have a large studio, my recommendation for most people starting out is to master using window light + reflector.
Next I would add speedlights with remote triggers; this gives you a lot of control, great portability and not much outlay.
If you are desperate to buy some studio lights (I admit that I've been there!) then get a cheap 3 head set with variable power so that you can balance the light from each.
As mentioned in another reply, frontal lighting is usually flat, so add a softbox or white umbrella. Rear lighting should be directional so a snoot or barn doors are useful.
Pretty much every option has limitations - whether that be heat, portability, range etc so think careful about how and where you are going to be shooting before you buy.
Dave
Somebody else already linked to my site so I dont feel too bad about adding my own. Its a huge topic, but there is some info here... http://www.better-boudoir-photography.com/photographic-lighting.html
Sep 25, 2011 11:00:56 #
Sep 26, 2011 18:07:45 #
SAVE YOUR MONEY!
Boudoir style images usually involve a bed and a model. If you want to diffuse window light, buy a white plastic table cloth and place over the window. For lights, go to kmart or similar and buy some automobile mechanic lights that are a simple silver disc/relector with a cord and socket and usually a clamp. Remove the incondescent bulb and replace with Compact Florescent Bulbs (CFL) which are cool in both temperature and color. They are a lower Kelvin which will produce a warmer image. your expense is less that $100 and is a good starting point to understand lighting and shadows.
Boudoir style images usually involve a bed and a model. If you want to diffuse window light, buy a white plastic table cloth and place over the window. For lights, go to kmart or similar and buy some automobile mechanic lights that are a simple silver disc/relector with a cord and socket and usually a clamp. Remove the incondescent bulb and replace with Compact Florescent Bulbs (CFL) which are cool in both temperature and color. They are a lower Kelvin which will produce a warmer image. your expense is less that $100 and is a good starting point to understand lighting and shadows.
Sep 26, 2011 18:35:06 #
Nov 9, 2011 07:32:10 #
robtekirsch
Loc: Bergenfield, N.J.
window light, el natural is most flattering & always best. Reflectors of natural light. Second to that I would recommend lamps that stay cool. Soft boxes, umbrellas or you may try the NEW Gray Fong reflector for your flash. I would want to give mood & directional lighting. You will need to try variations to get the mood & look YOUR happy with as well as your client.
Jan 23, 2012 01:04:39 #
Hi, there!! Wonderful information. You know l love boudoir photography, I already done 3 photo shoots of my wife and I use only my house and little lighting effects which look perfect. I wish I could share some picture here. I always wonder what makes woman more beautiful, is it camera or boudoir styles.
boudoir photography
boudoir photography
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