 Tammy Aurand |
What Is the Best Lighting Equipment? I am a former BetterPhoto student and would like any advice on what is the best lighting equipment to buy on a tight budget? I am using a Sony A-700 Digital Camera. What setup would be compatible with this camera? I am looking at starting up my own studio and need any advice on how to start out. I have mostly taken outdoor shots of landscape, nature, and people, so the indoor shoot would be different for me. Any help is greatly appreciated - thanks!
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
Hi Tammy, I suppose you are asking about strobes. I have Alien Bees and what is good about these is that you can buy one light and build on as you have the $$. If you are asking about a flash to mount on your camera - check the Sony HVL-F56AM Digital Camera Flash. I also have 2 speedlights w/STE2 remote and small stands for a very portable setup, but the Alien Bees are great for studio work. I strongly recommend John Siskin's An Introduction to Photographic Lighting course. It is so worth the time & money as John gives you a great understanding of where to start and how to build as you go. He provides a ton of information and takes away the mystery of how to get the type of lighting that will fit how you shoot. Cheers,
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Debby A. Tabb |
Good day, There can be many suggestions on brands it can all get very confusing. You can take a look at my referance page for some more help,but here are a couple different price ranges on one of the most popular brands: a 3 light system is always the best to start with. But if finances are an issue then building slowly towards your goal can work as well. If you have me Cd on studio equiptment there are set ups available to help. Also try reading the old "Studio Photography" threads. You'll see many discuss brands and make desissions and start their studios right there on the 28 threads that make up the "Studio Threads" Ok here are the less expenssive of my suggestions: http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.php?threadID=17534 This would be really good: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/301901-REG/Photogenic_958192_Powerlight_Studiomax_III_3_Light.html
I wish you the very best in your new venture,
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Tammy, Thanks Carlton. You need not only strobes to control lighting, in a professional way, you also need light modifiers. White all these things, stands, umbrellas, light panels ... do add up, you can still spend less than you might for a camera and a couple of lenses. Keep in mind that a digital camera has a short life because the technology is changing so fast, but the strobes can last more than twenty years. Mine have. I also think the Alien Bees are a good value. There are also good values in used equipment. I have often evaluated auctions on eBay for my students. You will probably be better off if you stick to one brand. Also, I would suggest that you start with a powerful light, more than 500 watt-seconds. This will give you more options on how you manipulate the light. Additional lights may not be as powerful. I will attach some information about what to buy from my class. Thanks, John Siskin Here is a one light kit that I would put together. I would suggest that you start with one light. You will understand lights better if you do that. With a second light, which would probably be lower in power based on your usage. I would also get: If you add a third light I would get
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