BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Questions

Equipment needed to take Professional Portraits

I have the following equipment:

Body: Nikon F100
Lenses: Nikon 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6D
Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6G
Flash: Nikon SB-28
Promaster 2X Teleconverter
MonoPod with a Pan Tilt Head

I would like your recommendation on what other equipment would be required; i.e. lighting, reflectors, backdrops, filters etc.

For portrait work I will be taking pictures in the studio and outside.

Also, I realize that I should have a backup body and lenses. Should I look at getting a different format other than the SLR? I do see the need for 8X10 portraits. If so, what is your recommendation.

Finally, could you explain the computor port on the F100. What does it do?

I know this is a rather lengthy question but appreciate your advice.

Bruce

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September 03, 2001

For studio equipment you should look for some monolights. I use Photogenic Powerlights and love them. All you really need is one but more will give you more options. As far as power goes, if you are only shooting individuals you might get away with the lower powered units. But if you plan on shooting groups or expanding to weddings you should look for something with at least 500w/s of power. Reflectors can be made from foamcore sheets. You can take two 4x8' sheets and tape them together so they stand up by themselves. Photoflex makes light discs which can be used in the studio and also colapse nicely so you can use them outdoors. Backdrops can be made from sheets of muslin (see Chicago Canvas and Supply for large pieces) and dyed to suit your needs. I hang mine via a tracking system. They are the same tracks they use to hang hospital curtains. It's pretty cheap and easy to install. Let me know if you want more info or tips regarding tracks. About the only filter I use is a soft focus filter. Many of the filter manufacturers make them and they all have their own characteristics. Which one you choose is a matter of taste. I use Tiffens Soft FX filters. Don't bother with warming filters since you will likely be using negative film. Make sure you use a good lens shade. Also, a tripod on cable/remote shutter release is nice. It allows you to get out from behind the camera and interact with your subject.

If 8x10 is as large as you plan to enlarge I wouldn't worry too much about getting into medium format. As long as you aren't using fast film you should have no problem getting 8x10's from 35mm. Use Kodak Portra 160NC (or fuji's counterpart) and you should have no trouble getting 8x10's (or 11x14's for that matter).

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September 03, 2001