Starting up a studio
Feb 4, 2012 21:05:07 #
tks
Loc: OHIO
I am interested in setting up an in home studio. i will be using a room that is 12'x20'x9'(high). i have shot portraits in this room before but i would like to get photography lighting. what would you suggest as a "middle of the spectrum" lighting equipment? Cant afford top dollar stuff but i dont want bottom of the barrel either!
Feb 4, 2012 23:13:02 #
Go on line and look at "White Lightning" Lights I have used them for 18 years. Good price and power.
Feb 5, 2012 05:33:02 #
I use Novatrons and have for years. Great prices and there are kits for every need. Very inexpensive,also.
Feb 5, 2012 07:34:05 #
Feb 5, 2012 10:16:13 #
My advice would be to not forget to explore the cost and availability (variance) of the modifiers for the light. Light is light, control is the name of the game.
M2C
M2C
Feb 5, 2012 13:58:49 #
Feb 5, 2012 14:01:09 #
Cheap screw-in "slave" lights are great for fill and back or hair lights. These slave lights can be used in cheap clamp-on lights.
Feb 5, 2012 14:14:33 #
Uriah wrote:
My advice would be to not forget to explore the cost and availability (variance) of the modifiers for the light. Light is light, control is the name of the game.
M2C
M2C
Absolutely! Look at softboxes, umbrellas, reflectors & grids for them. Keep a supply of white foamcore.
Feb 5, 2012 15:31:51 #
Here is another vote for the whole Paul C. Buff line: Alien Bees, White Lightning, and Einstein - in order of increasing price. Those darn Alien Bees are a phenomenal value. I know many VERY successful professionals who still have their Bees even after moving up to more expensive, Einstein, Photogenics, Elinchrome, or ProFoto units. The Buff units also have a very capable radio slave system you can grow into and it will work with all the various Buff units.
For light modifiers, PhotoFlex, Westcott, and Creative Light all make good quality but reasonably priced umbrellas and softboxes.
I would suggest starting with umbrellas. They are FAR less expensive and allow you to learn and practice. Get the type that have the removable back so you can use them as reflective or shoot-through.
A single 5in1 reflector will be very valuable also.
For each light, you will need a light stand and one for the reflector - don't go cheap. Spend at least $35-$50 on the stands. More is not a bad idea,
For light modifiers, PhotoFlex, Westcott, and Creative Light all make good quality but reasonably priced umbrellas and softboxes.
I would suggest starting with umbrellas. They are FAR less expensive and allow you to learn and practice. Get the type that have the removable back so you can use them as reflective or shoot-through.
A single 5in1 reflector will be very valuable also.
For each light, you will need a light stand and one for the reflector - don't go cheap. Spend at least $35-$50 on the stands. More is not a bad idea,
Feb 5, 2012 15:35:07 #
I just purchased lights for same project....learning as I go...i would highly recommend for your main light something large....big softbox or large 60" umbrella...with mono lights.........here you can move the light very very close to your subject and get real soft light and if you are making full body shots get good coverage..and your best investment is a light meter this way exposure will be right-on every shot. You can go on e-bay and find used mono lights, softboxes, etc. and really keep your investment down. I purchased two 300 w/s lights, 24" softbox and 36" umbrella with stands for $155.00....frankly the 24 '' box is way too small for full length body shot....I borrowed a 60" across umbrella with a shoot through back curtain and it's outstanding for a the key light...very soft. Hope my mistake helps you....bill
Feb 5, 2012 15:43:49 #
You have to check out this website: http://www.owens-originals.com/ . They have everything from backdrops to lighting. And everything is at a great price. I have known the owner my whole life (Brad Owen)(His son is a good friend of mine). Brad puts his customers number one. Although he has several people working for him, he takes care of any problems himself. I have bought a starter set from him, 3 backdrops (black, white, and green screen), backdrop stand, 2 studio lights and stands, 2 cds of digital backdrops. All was valued at around $600, and he had it on sale for $160. If you don't at least check out this website before you buy, you will kick yourself later. Let me know what you think.
Feb 5, 2012 15:50:15 #
Feb 5, 2012 16:19:56 #
After looking at the dimensions of the room consider this, hang black muslin (cheap) backdrops along side walls to absorb light spill or this will quickly become a headache with ratios and scene control.
I would limit the maximum dimensions of soft boxes to 24X32 and seriously consider grids for main and hair lights as 9 ft will more than likely show in photo unless subjects are very low in area. I purchased a 300ws flat panel light with barn doors just for this reason. A strip box used as a kicker works equally well as a group hair light gridded also (9-12X36).
Reflectors for the light should be able to accept common size honeycomb grids, odd sizes limit availability and cost more, 7" is pretty common.
Lastly, staying with a known brand of light and modifiers will mitigate the added cost for speed ring adapters that can be a costly, if you mix light manufactures and soft boxes also
OK 4c this time and I'm done
I would limit the maximum dimensions of soft boxes to 24X32 and seriously consider grids for main and hair lights as 9 ft will more than likely show in photo unless subjects are very low in area. I purchased a 300ws flat panel light with barn doors just for this reason. A strip box used as a kicker works equally well as a group hair light gridded also (9-12X36).
Reflectors for the light should be able to accept common size honeycomb grids, odd sizes limit availability and cost more, 7" is pretty common.
Lastly, staying with a known brand of light and modifiers will mitigate the added cost for speed ring adapters that can be a costly, if you mix light manufactures and soft boxes also
OK 4c this time and I'm done
Feb 5, 2012 16:29:05 #
tks wrote:
I am interested in setting up an in home studio. i will be using a room that is 12'x20'x9'(high). i have shot portraits in this room before but i would like to get photography lighting. what would you suggest as a "middle of the spectrum" lighting equipment? Cant afford top dollar stuff but i dont want bottom of the barrel either!
Will you see clients or is this just for fun?
Check zoning laws, covenants and deed restrictions if there are such things in your area. And even if you do not think restrictions exist, do a little work and research. According to rules in my location, I cannot run any kind of business out of my house. My lawyer looked into it and apparently, the vague nature of the statement "No business of any kind . . . " means no writing.
I guess the Selectric keeps my neighbors up at night. Probably needs typewriter oil.
I recall a news story about covenants and deed restrictions that mandated the owner move his new truck out of his garage because old trucks were not allowed on the property. Sorry to lawyer up the discussion, but these days, every time my kitten farts, I start looking to see if it is some crazy arse violation.
I read that the state executes kittens for minor infractions. Or perhaps I got it wrong.
If it is just for fun, good luck to you. I designed a perfect darkroom/studio in my mind, but not yet built.
Feb 5, 2012 16:44:08 #
I always use amazon here is there page you could always upgrade. I bought my set and it has served me well. I would find a set that has a couple backdrops like 45, the 10x10 will help get you started. Good Luck
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dphoto&field-keywords=lighting+kits#/ref=sr_pg_2?rh=n%3A172282%2Cn%3A%21493964%2Cn%3A502394%2Ck%3Alighting+kits&page=2&keywords=lighting+kits&ie=UTF8&qid=1328478089
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dphoto&field-keywords=lighting+kits#/ref=sr_pg_2?rh=n%3A172282%2Cn%3A%21493964%2Cn%3A502394%2Ck%3Alighting+kits&page=2&keywords=lighting+kits&ie=UTF8&qid=1328478089
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