BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Cheap Studio Lighting

Need to use the cheapest way to light the subject. How many light to use and what type. And how to place the objects. I was advised that I could use two hundred watts bulbs.

Will appreciate any help

Thanks

To love this question, log in above
December 17, 2005

First, do you know how to do custom white balance with your camera? Very important for me.

Second, do you have a tripod? Very important because you won't have enough light to capture a crisp picture with 200 watt bulbs.

Now, I would try to do some sort of make shift light tent around your subjects. For extremely small subjects you can use a milk carton but for hand bags and scarfs you could use white sheets. I've tried the milk carton but not the white sheets. A lighting tent can help prevent harsh, unflattering shadows.

The two hundred watt bulbs should be just fine as long as your using a tripod. I would use two lights and experiment with how close or far you position them in relation to your subjects.

And last thing to consider is that I'm in no way an expert in this area of photography. However, I recently took a class and the stuff I'm mentioning to you is key. Hopefully someone with more experience can offer some better tips.

To love this comment, log in above
December 17, 2005