BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

BetterPhoto Member

Newbie to portable studio set up

Hello all photography fans. I have been an amateur in photography for a long time and have just recently purchased a canon 20d, and I’m ready to take my photography a step farther in my spear time. I thought I would start with family portraits beginning this upcoming thanksgiving when the family is all together. So I would like to make my own little portable studio in my apartment to take the shots on turkey day.
So I have a two tripods, canon 20d, 580ex flash. I have been reading a lot and taking tons of photos getting to know my camera and learning the flash system. I think I need another flash, say a canon 480 on a tripod shooting into an umbrella, say on the left or right of my subjects and or a reflector on the right or left of my subjects. I don’t know if I should take the flash off the camera or not and put it in place of the reflector. Can I get a little help please. I also need help on the backdrop. I would like to use black my first and need feed back on that please and where can I PURCHASE a cheap back drop that I can use. Does that back drop need stands? THANKS ALL FOR YOUR TIME AND HELP

To love this question, log in above
September 19, 2005

Samuel Smith

welcome oran,
no oran you won't need stands for your portable backdrops,just a whole lot of starch.
geeez oran you're asking someone on here to give you the short course on lighting,why not huh?
it is about the light,but what effect are you trying to achieve?
i only play with the master of light,mother nature.i sometimes disagree,but settle for it.
a black backdrop.depending on aperature and lighting the backdrop may be insignificant?almost non existant.
hobby lobby,sheets from anywhere.
you don't have a gallery so where do we start?window light?lense?
have you done a search of questions and answers?i'd say no.
i catch myself looking for the easy way out.and i.
i've been stalking a spider for two weeks.beautiful little booger.it captures,it stores food,it attacks new prey and feeds.i can't bring myself to take a picture.it's just so beautiful I feel compelled to not record it.
anyway oran,there are many people on here that can guide you,maybe they will.sometimes what a person asks is more than what someone wants to give up?
i think I need my medication?eh?
sam

To love this comment, log in above
September 19, 2005

Samuel Smith

hey oran,
i was kinda short with you on your post.sorry.i really have no clue on studio setups,sorry about the starch thing unless you had a good laugh.
i've seen threads on here go on and on about just your question.
i really can't believe no one else helped you out.
i guess you set your stuff up and take practice shots and see what works for you.
best of luck,sam