 Dawn M. Hammond |
Studio Lighting Equipment - What To Buy I have been doing outdoor location photography for quite some time now, and am ready to open up a small studio in the basement of my home. I am trying to figure out what lighting system to purchase. I am not very familiar with lighting systems. I did work for Picture Me Portrait Studio for 4 years, however everything was already set up for me. Someone local is selling all of their studio equipment including a complete Excalibur 6400 2 light system with modeling light, umbrellas, stands and carry bag. Will this work for me in my small studio? I do not have very high ceilings. I would appreciate any feedback I can get. Thanks, Dawn M. Hammond
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Mark Feldstein |
Buy one (monolight) light along with at least one modifier like an umbrella or softbox. Practice with it a lot and in the meantime, draft a business plan that includes a budget for the first year with start-up expenses, contingency plans, permits, and liability insurance. Then figure out how to either raisr the basement ceiling or lower your subjects. :>) Understand Dawn, this subject and this very question has been discussed here often and a LOT. As we often say, don't buy cheap lighting. It'll break your heart.
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Mark Feldstein |
For example, look at this thread just below yours here. You may find it helpful as well http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.php?threadID=32829
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Debby A. Tabb |
Dawn, Could you supply the4 amount of room you'll be working with and your buget, if you'd rather you can email me direct. Also the Studio Threads will really help anyone starting out as they went through thier 23 parts, many opened up thier studios there and posted a whole lot of info. on how they were doing and thier ideas. included is lighting,studio set up, posing,templetes,how to do business,ect here is part #1 of the 23: http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.php?threadID=17534 I hope you have a great time looking through all this info.
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Dawn, I’ll just kick in a few words here to agree with Mark & Debbie. If you really plan to charge people for your work you should be looking fo gear that will do the work well. If you compromise your work will show it. I like to suggest that you start with one light that has at least 600 watt-seconds, and that is real watt-seconds not effective watt seconds. Good luck! John Siskin
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Dawn M. Hammond |
First of all, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has sent a response. I am under great stress trying to figure this all out. I am going to read through all of the Threads and then I will be back with questions, I am sure. The amount of room that I will be working with is about 10X14 with an 8 foot ceiling. I do not want to go cheap with the lights. I am hoping to get something good for around $1,000.00. I am wondering about this Excalibur system that I mentioned. It is the Excalibur 6400 SP. Is this a good system? It is in excellent condition and I believe I can get a good deal on it. I have heard from some that it may be too powerful. If anyone can let me know about this that would be great. I do not want to buy something too powerful or not powerful enough. She is also selling a back support with 4 20 foot Muslin backdrops. I just want to make sure I purchase what will work for me and not be too difficult to deal with. Thanks, Dawn Hammond
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Mark Feldstein |
Generally, Dawn, it's a good idea to get what you need for the present with plans for what you want to shoot in the future. An expandable lighting system is good from a manufactuer with a good reputation and for equipment that can be serviced in either the U.S. or ideally, locally. $1,000 bucks is certainly a reasonable sum to start with but it'd be helpful to know generally what you're going to be shooting at this point and what you plan to expand into in the future, whether it's individuals and portraits, groups, wedding parties, products, architecture, etc. and how portable you want/need to be. One reason John and I often recommend mono lights for starters (or not) is because they're very portable although you can do a lot with a single powerful flash head like a Nikon SB 600 or 800, depending on what you're shooting.
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Dawn, Probably the reason that nobody said anything about the Excaliber system is that no one had anything good to say. Mark and I often mention the Calumets, and I have said good things about the Alien Bees. Debbie I’ve forgotten what gear you mention, I’m very sorry. Even though they sound like a good deal, I would suggest you don’t get a get to start with. Buy one strobe that has at least 600 watt-seconds, real watt-seconds. Learn what that strobe does. Then figure out what you actually need. Dawn I have 16 strobes, mostly Norman, and I know why I have them. If I started with all this gear I would have gone nuts. I use one 20 foot gray muslin. I change the color with my strobes. It works well for my current circumstances. I have had more muslin and paper backgrounds in the past.
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John H. Siskin |
Opps, I missed a work. Don’t get a kit to start with. John Siskin
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Dawn M. Hammond |
Thanks Everyone! I wanted to let you all know that I truly appreciate all of the input. I really need it because I don't have much time to get this up and running. My customers keep asking when it will be opening. With the photography that I have done I just have not had to deal with lighting. The thought kind of scares me. I don't do well with reading and have scanned over many of the threads and there is so much information. I do know I will have to learn about it and will as I work with it (I learn better that way.) I just need something that will be durable and easy for me. Something I will not have to mess with too much, kind of like what I had at the portrait studio. I feel that what makes me a good photographer is that I am creative and am good at making people feel relaxed and good with making babies and kids smile naturally. People are waiting for me to get this going and I am freaked out about this lighting thing. I have a husband who is behind me all the way and willing to spend enough to get whatever equipment I need, within reason of course. We own a pizza place so he will be handling all the business end of this, thank God! I just wish it was all set up for me already. I know life cannot be that easy. I would rather purchase my lights and backgrounds and whatever else I need from good respectable companies so if I have any issues, I can turn to them. Would B&H be good? Do they sell what I need for this small space? 10X14 area and 8 foot ceilings. Our basement is not damp, it is a bi-level home so the basement is half above and half below. I also work with a company in Minneapolis called Herff Jones, for all of my outdoor shooting prints and they can get me lights. They recommend a White Lightening? Studio Max Set 2 or 3 lights, with umbrellas, stands, and case. I think they said they get it through Pro-Mark. I did call B&H and they told me that they recommend a 2 light kit with 320-500 watts per head with soft boxes at $850.00 ELDL4k and the SEL3085 Flash Meter. The lights may have been Aari? I have received too much information and am just slightly overwhelmed and can't keep it all straight. They recommended me to get seamless paper backgrounds that are about $40.00 per roll and are 9X36 feet, support would be another $100.00. Is fabric or paper better? I am sure I will want to do a lot of floor shots. Anyway, I am sorry for this long crazy email. I just know I have to get going with all of this and know I need something kind of "fool proof," if that makes sense and then I will learn as I go along. A photographer friend of mine told me I should go with softboxes and not umbrellas since they are a little more fool proof and I have worked with them before. We also had the light on the side for the silouette type photos and the people loved those, so I probably need something like that. I will be doing mostly baby, children, school, graduation, engagement, family and pet photography in my studio and continue doing the outdoor stuff, that I love until the first blizzard hits which is not too far off. So, after all that what would you recommend? I already decided against the Excalibur system from what you have guys have told me. Thank you for that input. If I want to buy what you recommend, where do I purchase these strobes - Calumet, Norman, Alien Bees? Can I get everything I need from one place to get this studio up and running ASAP? I really appreciate you writing me back and taking the time to read this. (Hopefully) Dawn
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Dawn, Almost anybody can quickly learn to take pictures. I saw a cover of National Geographic that was shot by a guerilla, pretty good shot too. Making pictures is more difficult. Lighting is a technical skill acquired mainly by practice. So if you expect to get lights and instantly start using them effectively you are likely to be disappointed. That’s why Debbie has done so much work creating threads about lighting. It is why I have been teaching lighting to photographers for about twenty years. Get one light and learn how it works. Alien Bees are made by the same people who make the White Lightening, but ever so slightly cheaper. Get a B1600, the biggest they make, you may need it. You can buy Alien Bees at www.alienbee.com. Or buy something else, but get at least 500 watt-seconds. I like umbrellas better than soft boxes. They do almost exactly the same thing; umbrellas are easier to set up and cheaper. Or you can buy everything and throw out what you don’t need. Good luck, John Siskin
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Sarah G |
Great info and so I'm tagging this thread. I am very interested in lighting. When I get to it I'll be buying that one light as you have suggested. I've read that "method" of learning else where and it is nice to have it confirmed. Thanks for taking your valuable time to respond to this thread.
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Debby A. Tabb |
Dawn, I will really read over your responce tomorrow,but skimming through, I saw you mention the Studio Max and John could not remember what I shoot(thats quite alright John,LOL) I use Photogenic's and have for years my first set was 35 years old and still going. I now have the 2500DR Powerlights. You just can't go wrong with photogenics! and I will post a set that will be great for that size room. Though it is posted on the Studio Photography Threads as well. I know your excited, I hope we can help you get on your way, Debby
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Debby A. Tabb |
Ok, I always recommend you have a 3 light kit. Main, fill and back. I am sending links from B&H but do check Sammys as well. this is a nice kit to start the AKC160 is your backlight: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/398139-REG/Photogenic_907345_AKC800K_Master_Studio_Three.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/301901-REG/Photogenic_958192_Powerlight_Studiomax_III_3_Light.html and this is the least I ever recommend http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/245820-REG/Photogenic__StudioMax_III_3_Light_Portrait.html you will need to get reflector of some type for your backlight, I work with these: http://www.photogenicpro.com/store/item.php?ITEM_ID=313&DEPARTMENT_ID=77
Personally I like the Lite Link products as seen here: http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/CE1560/ And I do have a easy to understand Cd available through my web site/ Ebay on studio equiptment and set ups if you find yourself intrested. I do hope all this helps,
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Dawn M. Hammond |
John, I know almost anyone can take a photo, but I still feel that a person has to have an eye for it to consistantaly take photos that capture people's interest or make them want to come back to you for more. I definitely have not been doing it as long as you, but I finally feel confident that I do a good job. It took me awhile to realize that this is my talent, when for so many years I felt I had nothing. People keep coming back and that means the world to me. I know that I cannot learn the lighting techniques overnight and I know it is something I have to work on learning. I am willing. I appreciate your input on what lights I should or should not purchase, however I believe I may go with a kit such as the ones that Debbie suggested, do to not having a lot of time to get this thing going. I know what worked in the last studio I worked in and know I need something similar for my space. As far as the information on liking umbrellas better than softboxes, I am realizing that seems to be what most photographers prefer. It is just that at the last studio I worked at we used a softbox, but I am definitely willing to go with the umbrellas if they do almost the same thing and are just as easy to work with for someone like me who does not know much about lighting, yet. Again thank you for your input, it is greatly appreciated in this very scary and exciting time for me. Dawn
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Dawn M. Hammond |
Debby, I totally appreciate your information on the B&H lighting kits. I know they are a good company and feel confident to order through them. I believe that I will be going with one of the first two you recommended. It seems that both you and John feel the umbrellas are better to go with. It is just that I worked with a softbox at the last studio I worked at. B&H gave me this kit to look up - #ELDL4k, but it is only a 2 light. Is there another one that is a Photogenic that has softboxes? Or one that is similar to what you suggested but with softboxes. If you feel the umbrellas are the better way to go, that is what I will go with. I just want to make sure. Also, as far as the reflector, I thought that came with the kit. Maybe not. Also, I am not really familiar with radio controllers and would like a little more info. on them. I did look up that site you gave me. Now, if I could possibly ask you one more thing. I need a background setup. I am not sure what to go with, muslin or paper or what. I will also be doing a lot of floor shots. What would you suggest? I want you to know that I checked out your website on Better Photo and your work is amazing! I will be posting some of my work on a Better Photo Website, right now I just have mine on photographybydawn.myphotoalbum.com. Again this is all a learning process for me. I know I will need a website of my own. All with time. This truly is my passion and I am so excited and scared about it all. Thank God for people like you who are willing to take their time to help out. I will check out your cd. Again thanks!!! Dawn
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Debby A. Tabb |
Dawn, Thank you for the kind words. I know all this is a lot to take in and the dessions can be difficult. The Cd I came up with has compparisons on lighting, talks about different softboxs and reflectors and shows how to connect your lighting with graphs so for some it has come in handy. I usually recommend the kits with umbrellas due to cost, they charge so much for the kits with the softboxes. So here is what I do, I recommend the ones with Umbrellas due to the lower cost,then recommend this softbox kit that I use as well(no special reflectors of rings ect. you use it as an umbrella): http://www.amazon.com/Westcott-Portable-Standard-Illuminator-Reflector/dp/B00009UTYW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1220289551&sr=8-3 as far as your backlight, just get a akc160 to start,I use these because they are less expencive and I usually will use a couple of backlights at a time. This is really fun when using gels.You can use low watt backlights in pairs or three at a time with different gells to add great effects such as a Red,White and blue background or 1 bright and 1 on each side with diffuser gels for a soft modled look on the sides. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5209-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_2960_Complete_AutoPole_Expan_Kit.html I do hope this helps,
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Dawn, I have been teaching lighting for almost twenty years. I have worked with a lot of people who had a fine sense of design; unfortunately many of them had little patience with learning the craft of lighting. I hope you will not find this a problem. Umbrellas and soft boxes do essentially the same thing: they make a little light source big. The bigger the light source the softer it is. A 3X4 foot soft box and a 45 inch umbrella have a very similar surface area, so they will produce similar light. The soft box costs $140 and the umbrella $30 both from Photoflex. Small soft boxes are not as good as larger umbrellas. Umbrellas are much easier to set up.
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Debby A. Tabb |
When it comes to photographers,This a fact! I really enjoy and agree with many of Johns responces because we have been in the business of and teaching photography for close to the same amount of time.(he just spells better,lol!) I have been teaching for this last company for 15 years,and many times have 2-5 photographers in training and in those months of hands on training,I may meet 1 or maybe not one at all that Truly gets "Turned on to Light". The studios you trained in are really good as are others for teaching the basics and the ability to deal with and get expression from clients. However, the Biggest complaint I get from clients about Picture People is that " It's good for a while,but it is all that bright flooded look,it's missing something?" Well what it is missing is what "Traditional Portrait Artist" are able to give, the ART of mixing light & shadow to give one a "soft elegant" look to the "dramtic" shadows from dark to light. I to this day remember how I felt the first time Art Bisop showed me how to bring out those shadows and get the skin tones to POP,I remember just how excited I was and have since been about playing with the lights to get the most out of each subject. and you can see it happen to those you teach ,when it does. When you get your lights, set them up, and get yourself a model. Turn only one light on,your main. Then spend time taking it closer & further from your model.Then take your light in a cressent way and move it from left to right,back and forth,watch the light & shadow fall & rise on your subjects face and then the body. This is a great excersie. and the biggest reason you'll see me recommend wheels on your light stands,especially when training. I hope all this helps, Debby
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Dawn M. Hammond |
John, I am excited and also a little scared to learn the craft of lighting. I know I have a lot to learn and know I will not learn this overnight. Thank you for the info. on the umbrellas and softboxes. Dawn
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Dawn M. Hammond |
Debby, Wow, thank you so much for all of the great information. Will that softbox kit work on any lighting system? Also, thank you for the info. on the background system. I do understand what you mean by the bright flooded look and something missing. I guess people get what they pay for. I also understand that working with lighting is a complicated form of art, that I am looking forward to learning and will probably need to either take a class on or purchase a CD or DVD. At Picture Me, I did not get a chance to work with or learn the lighting system, as it was already all set up and we could not really alter it. I am more used to working with outdoor, natural light. This is what I prefer, but I hope to be able to learn to use studio lighting and be good at it, eventually. I have a lot of work ahead of me. Again thank you for all of the tips. A photographer friend recommended a dynalite kit, which I believe is more expensive than the photogenics. There are 3 kits he recommended. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16622-REG/Dyna_Lite_M52BT_PS_M52BT_PS_Basic_Package_System.html http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/220649-REG/Dyna_Lite_M112E_PS_M112EPS_1000_Watt_Second_Two.html http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/304988-REG/Dyna_Lite_M523W_PS_M523W_PS_Two_Pack_Three.html He also said that the stands are kind of flimsy with these sets and recommended http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/253066-REG/Impact_LS_13HB_Heavy_Duty_Light_Stand_.html What do you think about these? Since the photogenics are less expensive and if they would work good for me, I would probably prefer to go with those. It would be great if you could let me know what you think about this. Thank you for your patience with me.
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Debby A. Tabb |
Yes Dawn It will! you are very welcome,it is a pleasure to help. I love the Photogenics and have worked with them all my life, My first set was 35 years old and going strong!I used it for 10 more years EVERYDAY in my studio shooting 8 - 10 familys a day 5 days a week.They are realiable! I have used the Calumet/Bowens and did own a kit as well. I do love the Calumet stands,they are tough,I prefered the Photogenic DR's over thier Lighting Though. If you email me I'll give you my Phone number, so you can get a hold of me if you'd like. Take a look at Laura's web site, she started on those threads and then we worked by phone as well. She is quite a TALENT. But she started on the Studio Threads and Played with her Lights a lot and what beautiful work she does! I have to get going now, I am so late!lol. Debby
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Dawn, Leave yourself time to learn and experiment and you will be ok. If you have expectations of instant success you may be disappointed. Thanks, John Siskin
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Dawn M. Hammond |
John, Thank you for the advice. I plan on working very hard and experimenting a lot. Dawn
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Dawn M. Hammond |
Debby, Just checking to see if you got my the e-mail? Let me know. Dawn
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Debby A. Tabb |
I'm sorry Dawn, I didn't. Did you e-mail through BP? Usually I grt those.
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Dawn M. Hammond |
Yes I did and it said it was sent. I saved a copy of it, so how can I get it to you, as your email is not listed. My email is photographybydawn@charter.net
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