 Ben Martinez |
Studio Lights I'm thinking of acquiring studio lights, but I'm not sure what type or what kit to buy. Fortunately, I do have about three grand to spend, so I can get a very nice piece of equipment, just not sure what to buy.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Jeff S. Kennedy |
What are you planning on shooting with them? How big is your studio? Do you plan on using them on location? More info please.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Judith A. Clark |
I'm going to assume you want these for portrait type work. It would be helpful to know what you shoot with and the space you have, but for the basic beginner in studio lighting here is what I can do to help. You should start with a three light setup with lights stands and umbrellas. Add on barn doors, a snoot, a jel set, and a softbox, and maybe a boom stand for your background lights. I suggest that you spend some of your money on a lighting course. Vik's has taught me a lot, on this website under Photo courses. This is a great start and probably won't take your whole budget, but save that money, you may want to add more stuff as you learn. I suggest Photogenic lights, you can the StudioMax 300Plus for about 800.00. If you have more room you may need more powerful lights like the PL1250DR but your talking closer to 1800.00 for three lights. Lights are almost like cameras and lenses, everyone has there favorite. I do suggest you go with strobes if you are going to shoot people, they are not hot, only a little more difficult to learn.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Ben Martinez |
As far as space, it's an abandoned warehouse, a bit dilapidated, but cheap and serviceable. It has two rooms, I would say 30ft by 30ft, but there is a second room at about twice the size. I was planning to use the lights primarily for portraiture, with occasional use on-location, since I do my job requires me to work at some beach resorts in tourist spots. One key question about lighting, if I used more than one model, will that require additional lights, as they might cast shadow on each other?
|
|
|
|
||
|
Judith A. Clark |
You can light small groups with just a main light and a fill light set pretty even so that you light an even area. This is one of the hardest things I have tried to learn, but I'm finally getting it. You might also need a few reflectors, these help reflect light into the shadow areas, without needing another light. Lighting is not easy to learn on your own, I highly recommend taking some classes. If the lighting is even slightly off it can ruin the whole mood of the photo. I have learned so much from the lighting course on this web site. It helps just to have someone else critique your work.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Gregg Vieregge |
Go to www.alienbees.com There lights are very affordable and have great features.
|
|
|
|
||
|
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here
Report this Thread |
||