Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register ☰
Main Photography Discussion
Lighting
Page 1 of 5 next> last>>
Sep 26, 2012 08:16:14   #
kit_kit Loc: NYC
 
Opinions please. Would this work as a portable inexpensive lighting system for indoor portraits?

http://www.cowboystudio.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SINGLE_KIT

Reply
Sep 26, 2012 11:17:58   #
kit_kit Loc: NYC
 
Considering this as well.

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Studio-Umbrella-Continuous-Lighting/dp/B001NDYTKA/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Reply
Sep 26, 2012 11:29:19   #
CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver
 
If you decide on these - get the brightest bulbs allowed as these are not all that bright and will require a longer shutter duration/ wider aperture than you may desire. That is not a terrible thing- just something to realize - you will probably not be shooting at 1/250 and f11. Bumping the ISO, of course, can mitigate that to a degree.

The 33" umbrellas are a bit small. the 45" and 60" are much better and these do not appear to have a removable black backing, so some light will be lost out the back of these things.

Your question is, "will they work?" Yes. For individuals and groups of two or three, these will give you a starting point. If you really get into it, you will ditch these for speedlights or studio strobes where you have way more control and power. And at a much greater cost, too.

Reply
 
 
Sep 26, 2012 11:35:43   #
kit_kit Loc: NYC
 
CaptainC wrote:
If you decide on these - get the brightest bulbs allowed as these are not all that bright and will require a longer shutter duration/ wider aperture than you may desire. That is not a terrible thing- just something to realize - you will probably not be shooting at 1/250 and f11. Bumping the ISO, of course, can mitigate that to a degree.

The 33" umbrellas are a bit small. the 45" and 60" are much better and these do not appear to have a removable black backing, so some light will be lost out the back of these things.

Your question is, "will they work?" Yes. For individuals and groups of two or three, these will give you a starting point. If you really get into it, you will ditch these for speedlights or studio strobes where you have way more control and power. And at a much greater cost, too.
If you decide on these - get the brightest bulbs a... (show quote)


Thank you CaptainC!
Since I have a limited budget which of the 2 would be better with brighter bulbs?
What size bulbs should I opt for?

Reply
Sep 26, 2012 11:54:07   #
CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver
 
kit_kit wrote:
CaptainC wrote:
If you decide on these - get the brightest bulbs allowed as these are not all that bright and will require a longer shutter duration/ wider aperture than you may desire. That is not a terrible thing- just something to realize - you will probably not be shooting at 1/250 and f11. Bumping the ISO, of course, can mitigate that to a degree.

The 33" umbrellas are a bit small. the 45" and 60" are much better and these do not appear to have a removable black backing, so some light will be lost out the back of these things.

Your question is, "will they work?" Yes. For individuals and groups of two or three, these will give you a starting point. If you really get into it, you will ditch these for speedlights or studio strobes where you have way more control and power. And at a much greater cost, too.
If you decide on these - get the brightest bulbs a... (show quote)


Thank you CaptainC!
Since I have a limited budget which of the 2 would be better with brighter bulbs?
What size bulbs should I opt for?
quote=CaptainC If you decide on these - get the b... (show quote)


I cannot make that call - the first one is just ONE unit but you can opt for different bulbs - get the brightest. But you need TWO units at least.

The second choice has three stands - two 7 foot and one short one. That is a nice combination but it looks like no bulb choice. I would get the three stand unit and just buy the brightest bulbs they will accept. Try the ones that come with it and if you need brighter, just go buy them. Photography is not cheap - never has been, never will be.

If you are going to get into doing portraits with stuio-style lighting, you are very soon going to discover that you need a background stand and some backgrounds. You can make your own backdrops by getting fabrics with muted designs on them or even making your own. Whatever you do DO NOT use a wrinkled white bedsheet as a backdrop - nothing looks sloppier.

Reply
Sep 26, 2012 12:01:02   #
kit_kit Loc: NYC
 
Thanks again for your very helpful info!

Reply
Sep 26, 2012 15:32:04   #
unclebe1 Loc: NYC & Wellington, FL
 
I strongly second what the Captain said. These units, while usable, are very limited. In addition to having a relatively low output, you cannot control the light output of any of the lights (no dimmers or output control), except to move them closer or further from the subject. Again, not a killer, but a serious restriction. Also, you need to invest in a hand held light meter so that you can properly meter your subjects and measure/establish/learn to ratio your lights. While these lights do not require a flash meter, your next set will. Learn and enjoy.

Reply
 
 
Sep 26, 2012 16:04:42   #
Danilo Loc: Las Vegas
 
The Captain is, as usual, very thorough and concise in his appraisal, requiring little additional comment.
I would only add that it's good for you to jump in and begin shooting this type of work, using friends as subjects, in order to find your style, and methodology. Starting simple and taking careful note of various deficiencies will help avoid purchasing unnecessary equipment.
There is no shame in being on a budget, only shame in misusing a budget!
Good luck, and be sure to have fun!

Reply
Sep 26, 2012 16:59:07   #
kit_kit Loc: NYC
 
This kit is higher priced. All things considered, would it be a better choice?

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Lighting-Backdrops-Background/dp/B003G9DRPC/ref=pd_cp_p_3

Reply
Sep 26, 2012 17:03:25   #
kit_kit Loc: NYC
 
Danilo wrote:
The Captain is, as usual, very thorough and concise in his appraisal, requiring little additional comment.
I would only add that it's good for you to jump in and begin shooting this type of work, using friends as subjects, in order to find your style, and methodology. Starting simple and taking careful note of various deficiencies will help avoid purchasing unnecessary equipment.
There is no shame in being on a budget, only shame in misusing a budget!
Good luck, and be sure to have fun!
The Captain is, as usual, very thorough and concis... (show quote)


Thanks Danilo. I appreciate your sound advice!

Reply
Sep 26, 2012 18:02:21   #
CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver
 
kit_kit wrote:
This kit is higher priced. All things considered, would it be a better choice?

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Lighting-Backdrops-Background/dp/B003G9DRPC/ref=pd_cp_p_3


Better - Yes. You get the lights and the backdrop stand with three backdrops - ditch the Chromakey green for now. You are not ready to futz around with that. Keep it, but put it away for now.
With the black, you will definitely need a third light to separate your subject from that black - dark hair will blend into it without a separation light.
I don't know about the build quality of the stuff, but it does make a great starter kit. When you move to speedlights - and you will get tired of the continuous light after a while - the background stand and fabric will still be perfect.

Reply
 
 
Sep 26, 2012 18:10:59   #
kit_kit Loc: NYC
 
CaptainC wrote:
kit_kit wrote:
This kit is higher priced. All things considered, would it be a better choice?

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Lighting-Backdrops-Background/dp/B003G9DRPC/ref=pd_cp_p_3


Better - Yes. You get the lights and the backdrop stand with three backdrops - ditch the Chromakey green for now. You are not ready to futz around with that. Keep it, but put it away for now.
With the black, you will definitely need a third light to separate your subject from that black - dark hair will blend into it without a separation light.
I don't know about the build quality of the stuff, but it does make a great starter kit. When you move to speedlights - and you will get tired of the continuous light after a while - the background stand and fabric will still be perfect.
quote=kit_kit This kit is higher priced. All thin... (show quote)


Are the 3 included included bulbs adequate or should I go with higher watt bulbs?

Reply
Sep 26, 2012 18:21:35   #
CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver
 
kit_kit wrote:
CaptainC wrote:
kit_kit wrote:
This kit is higher priced. All things considered, would it be a better choice?

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Lighting-Backdrops-Background/dp/B003G9DRPC/ref=pd_cp_p_3


Better - Yes. You get the lights and the backdrop stand with three backdrops - ditch the Chromakey green for now. You are not ready to futz around with that. Keep it, but put it away for now.
With the black, you will definitely need a third light to separate your subject from that black - dark hair will blend into it without a separation light.
I don't know about the build quality of the stuff, but it does make a great starter kit. When you move to speedlights - and you will get tired of the continuous light after a while - the background stand and fabric will still be perfect.
quote=kit_kit This kit is higher priced. All thin... (show quote)


Are the 3 included included bulbs adequate or should I go with higher watt bulbs?
quote=CaptainC quote=kit_kit This kit is higher ... (show quote)


I have no idea. But I do know that all of these types of units are low on power so I would get the brightest bulbs that for which the receptacles are rated. Just my $0.02.

Reply
Sep 26, 2012 19:04:17   #
kit_kit Loc: NYC
 
CaptainC wrote:
kit_kit wrote:
CaptainC wrote:
kit_kit wrote:
This kit is higher priced. All things considered, would it be a better choice?

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Lighting-Backdrops-Background/dp/B003G9DRPC/ref=pd_cp_p_3


Better - Yes. You get the lights and the backdrop stand with three backdrops - ditch the Chromakey green for now. You are not ready to futz around with that. Keep it, but put it away for now.
With the black, you will definitely need a third light to separate your subject from that black - dark hair will blend into it without a separation light.
I don't know about the build quality of the stuff, but it does make a great starter kit. When you move to speedlights - and you will get tired of the continuous light after a while - the background stand and fabric will still be perfect.
quote=kit_kit This kit is higher priced. All thin... (show quote)


Are the 3 included included bulbs adequate or should I go with higher watt bulbs?
quote=CaptainC quote=kit_kit This kit is higher ... (show quote)


I have no idea. But I do know that all of these types of units are low on power so I would get the brightest bulbs that for which the receptacles are rated. Just my $0.02.
quote=kit_kit quote=CaptainC quote=kit_kit This... (show quote)


According to the specs, 105 Watt bulbs are the maximum they will hold.

Reply
Sep 27, 2012 05:30:59   #
pooterpa76 Loc: Lebanon, Pa.
 
even 105 w bulbs aren't that bright. when you add up the cost of the continuous fixture & the "higher" wattage bulbs you're probably getting close to at least some lower end strobes. just a thought
kit_kit wrote:
CaptainC wrote:
kit_kit wrote:
CaptainC wrote:
kit_kit wrote:
This kit is higher priced. All things considered, would it be a better choice?

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Lighting-Backdrops-Background/dp/B003G9DRPC/ref=pd_cp_p_3


Better - Yes. You get the lights and the backdrop stand with three backdrops - ditch the Chromakey green for now. You are not ready to futz around with that. Keep it, but put it away for now.
With the black, you will definitely need a third light to separate your subject from that black - dark hair will blend into it without a separation light.
I don't know about the build quality of the stuff, but it does make a great starter kit. When you move to speedlights - and you will get tired of the continuous light after a while - the background stand and fabric will still be perfect.
quote=kit_kit This kit is higher priced. All thin... (show quote)


Are the 3 included included bulbs adequate or should I go with higher watt bulbs?
quote=CaptainC quote=kit_kit This kit is higher ... (show quote)


I have no idea. But I do know that all of these types of units are low on power so I would get the brightest bulbs that for which the receptacles are rated. Just my $0.02.
quote=kit_kit quote=CaptainC quote=kit_kit This... (show quote)


According to the specs, 105 Watt bulbs are the maximum they will hold.
quote=CaptainC quote=kit_kit quote=CaptainC qu... (show quote)

Reply
Page 1 of 5 next> last>>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
Home | Latest Digest | Back to Top | All Sections
Contact us | Privacy policy | Terms of use | DMCA
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.