Advice for setting up a home studio...

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0202

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Hi, we are completly new to photography and would like to start taking pictures of our children using a white backgound which we understand we will require lighting but really do not know where to start as there is so much choice and dont really inderstand the different types.

We have read it would be best to go for 3 lights, 2 to light the background and 1 to light the subject.

Having a quick look we see there is flash lighting and continuous lighting which is more suitable? (We have a canon 500d in case that makes any differnce with flash lighting) also do we need umbrellas or soft boxes?

We are looking for suitable set of lighting but as cheap as possible.

Are there any recommend books about studio lighting?

Thank you in advance :)
 
Hi,

I believe Lencarta do a 3 head lighting kit with bags and stands for under £400?
 
amyliz said:
Hi,

I believe Lencarta do a 3 head lighting kit with bags and stands for under £400?
Click to expand...

Link to Lencarta Smartflash 3 head kit

Yes, you will need 2 heads on the background if you want it pure white, making 3 heads in all

There are a few tutorials on the Lencarta website that may help and I also sell detailed tutorials on my Photolearn website (see signature link) - most of which are under £6 each.

Get flash, forget about continous lighting, it won't be as easy to use and is unsuitable for photographing people generally and children in particular.

Softboxes or umbrellas? Each has their own role, softboxes produce a more controlled light, important if shooting in a small area, but are more bulky and cost more than umbrellas.
 
I did these with a £25 flashgun. I think you need to think about what you want and how often you use it before you splash cash.

unless you wanna splash cash, then go for it.





And I know they are not perfect, but I am very happy with them.
 
Hi, thank you for all the replies :)

Hi Lawrie29 your pictures are lovely can you tell us more about your set up and what flash trigger you have and would it work with a canon 500d? as it may be worth us trying this out first before we splash out!

thanks
 
I have just started out doing a few of these shots and my advice is to go for a 3 head set. If you are shooting kids and want some action go for the biggest softbox that the space and your wallet can afford.
I would also think about what to use on the floor. A reflective board or acrylic really do make the editing so much easier as the white background is reflected. You also get a nice reflection which most people seem to like. The other attraction is it is easy to keep clean.

Here is one of my efforts.
JackFreeze.jpg
 
My setup is small so can on ly get headshots really.
 
0202 said:
Hi, we are completly new to photography and would like to start taking pictures of our children using a white backgound which we understand we will require lighting but really do not know where to start as there is so much choice and dont really inderstand the different types.

We have read it would be best to go for 3 lights, 2 to light the background and 1 to light the subject.

Having a quick look we see there is flash lighting and continuous lighting which is more suitable? (We have a canon 500d in case that makes any differnce with flash lighting) also do we need umbrellas or soft boxes?

We are looking for suitable set of lighting but as cheap as possible.

Are there any recommend books about studio lighting?

Thank you in advance :)
Click to expand...

I would go for flash lighting, there are plenty of good makes around Lencarta,lastolite,elinchrom etc...

You should buy the best you can now rather than having to upgrade later...
Something around the 400 to 500w power...

Camera doesnt really matter because the radio trigger will fit in your camera hotshoe...

You will probably want umbrellas/softboxes but these come with many kits...

For ideas of studio equipment try lastoliteschoolofphotography. Dont need to buy their kit but good to see how things work...

:thumbs:
 
If your looking for neat n cheap ,£5.99 each @ Aldi, indoor background supports these may be worth considering http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/2827_12774.htm

Product_detail_Wk4S11.jpg


Support plasterboard, wood panels, ceiling fixtures and more. Fully adjustable, the support is also handy for securing loads in the back of a van.

* Adjustable from 116 to 290cm
* Max. load capacity: 30kg
* TUV/GS approved
 
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