Basic studio kit help.

[Messiah Khan]

Im having expensive thoughts again. Ive got a fashion shoot coming up in a few weeks. I was going to borrow some of the kit from work (I work in a 6th form college), including lights and backdrop etc. However ive discovered that they only have white muslin and white paper backdrops, whereas I could do with a black backdrop. so im considering looking at basic and cheapish studio setups. Are there any bargain kits or setups including; Black backdrop with stands etc, Lights (Maybe cheap flashes and pocket wizards?) and reflectors. I certainly wouldn't like to spend more than £200 as im not likely to use it very often, although remote flashes could be usefull. any help or advice is appreciated.

 

[dazzajl]

Could you not use the college kit and buy yourself a black paper roll for the shoot. They're only £30/£40 ish and you could even be really nice and let the college keep what you don't trash.

Always good to keep sweet with those that can help you out.

 

[markp]

Shame you're not nearby, I've got a roll of black material in the garage you'd have been welcome to borrow. I believe this was discussed in a thread recently - try here

 

[Messiah Khan]

Thank you for the suggestions. I might end up getting one of those backdrops markp. Im just wondering if 2m X 3m is going to be enough. the room im going to be shooting in is all blacked out (Black walls etc) anyway, so that should help if I need wider shots. Will have to have a think about this one. I would also like to try using stong colour backgrounds, matching say the models eyes or makeup.

 

[ben g]

I got a couple of backdrops from here which i think were good value.

 

[Messiah Khan]

I got a couple of backdrops from here which i think were good value.

Oh, thats more like my pricerange. whats the quality (reflectivity etc) like? Also do they come with a pocket at one end to fit a rail through? If not, how have you mounted them?

 

[ben g]

yes they have a pocket but i usually use some spring clamps to clamp onto a curtain rail at home. I am thinking about getting a couple of cheap lighting stands and some pvc pipe to make a backdrop stand though. I've got a black and a white one and they are lightweight polycotton but a fine weave. Just like large bedsheets really, i've found they do the job ok.