Help with my first home studio set up

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simondubz

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Evening all, I am looking to get a cheap ( i know i know, you get what you pay for) n cheefull set up at home to shoot products and full body shots.

Was thinking about setting it up in my garage but theres sections of the roof that are transparent so will be alot of daylight coming through. For that reason I think I'm going to set up in the spare room, its small but should just about fit

Was thinking of buying these two:

Backdrop

http://www.amazon.co.uk/PhotoSEL-BD...U4SK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1357502327&sr=8-3

The room is only 2 metres wide but I need the train effect for the full body shorts

Continuous Lighting

http://www.ebuyer.com/337598-light-kit-2-13m-light-kit-1

Would appreciate any feedback

Cheers
 
When shooting with studio flash you're mnormally shooting at f8, ISO100 and SS of say 1/200th. You would pretty much need bright sunlight to be streaming through the roof to cause any issues. You may get some nice fill light but for the moment try taking a shot in the room at those settings and if the screen is black you can use that room no problem.

If there is a little light showing you can use a higher power setting on your flash and shoot at f11. A light meter can help there but you can do by doing some test shots.

Having written this I now see you want to use continuous light.... Well the light from above may have helped but not good as you want to shoot black.

My advice is AVOID! £46 for lights?!!

Buy a single strobe and a brolly and start there - Usually some in the for sale section
 
As above. Those "1000 watt" lights are actually 85 watts, and nowhere near powerful enough for any kind of people photography.

And the daylight coming in from above will pollute your lighting and take away what little control you would have had without it.

Get flash.
 
Thanks for the replies!

Can anyone reccomend a strobe light and brolly (cheap as poss dont mind pre-owned?) I really have no idea haha

Is the strobe flash or continous?

I dont have a speedlight or anything like that only the flash on the camera, do i need to use an on-camera flash if using a strobe or softbox?

Do you think a single strobe & brolly with NO OTHER LIGHT will be enough to get decent full body shots (to show details on clothes) ? And close up product shots?

Appologies for the 21 questions

Thanks in advance
 
Oh and what are people thinking about the backdrop? I want to shoot on a white background
 
Do you think a single strobe & brolly with NO OTHER LIGHT will be enough to get decent full body shots (to show details on clothes) ?
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No. As an absolute minimum, you'll need either a silver or white reflective umbrella (brolly) as key light and a softbox as fill, or vice versa. All that you will be able to do with a single light is to produce enough quantity of light, it won't provide the quality you need to show details on clothes.
Is the strobe flash or continous?
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Flash
I dont have a speedlight or anything like that only the flash on the camera, do i need to use an on-camera flash if using a strobe or softbox?
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Get a studio flash
Oh and what are people thinking about the backdrop? I want to shoot on a white background
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A white wall will do the job. You will need 2 extra flash heads to light the background.
And close up product shots?
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Close up shots of which products?

You will also need some knowledge
 
Garry Edwards said:
As above. Those "1000 watt" lights are actually 85 watts, and nowhere near powerful enough for any kind of people photography.
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To be fair the 85W lights are compact fluorescent lights with an output equivalent to a tungsten bulb of about 340W. They are pretty damn bright & could be used for product shots although not for full length body shots. That lighting kit is amazingly cheap given that the bulbs cost £9.99 each & I am almost tempted to buy one to see what the quality is like as we do use CFLs for continuous lighting for video although normally with a fixture with 2X85W or 4x85W lamps. Given that we need spare bulbs anyway a couple of softboxes with lighting stands for £25 is cheap.
 
nigelbb said:
To be fair the 85W lights are compact fluorescent lights with an output equivalent to a tungsten bulb of about 340W. They are pretty damn bright & could be used for product shots although not for full length body shots. That lighting kit is amazingly cheap given that the bulbs cost £9.99 each & I am almost tempted to buy one to see what the quality is like as we do use CFLs for continuous lighting for video although normally with a fixture with 2X85W or 4x85W lamps. Given that we need spare bulbs anyway a couple of softboxes with lighting stands for £25 is cheap.
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Fair comment, but the equivalent of 340 watts is nothing, and won't overwhelm the light coming into the room from above, so there will be no lighting control.

Yes, they are very good value for money, but what about the Color Rendition Index? If it is too low - and I bet it is - then some colours will be rendered badly.
 
I definatley need a back drop so think il go with the photosel

The lighting thing is stressing me out. The reviews on ebuyer are really good for the lights i posted!

Im on the verge of just buying these but if anyone can send me some links of and alternative it would be much appreciated

Or maybe another light to compliment the soft boxes?

Thanks again
 
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simondubz said:
Maybe buy another set so ill have 4 soft boxes?
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4 lights is way too many
2 lights is all i've ever used for everything on this page (scroll down for white background shots) www.clarkjamesdigital.com/commercial
i've just got a third, but you really don't need it

simondubz said:
The reviews on ebuyer are really good for the lights i posted!
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really? are you sure you're not just ignoring the negative comments?

"ok, but not as bright as i was expecting. will most proabably have to buy a more powerful set of lights. I wouldn't buy these again. pay a bit more and get a better set."

for the money it sure is tempting, I don't know how they make the stands/softboxes/all for that price

I have this kit http://www.jessops.com/online.store...l-_-all&ovc=&gclid=CMLaxITQ2LQCFe7MtAodohwATg but I always use flash and I find it underpowered even though it has twice the output of the one you're inerested in


Garry Edwards said:
Fair comment, but the equivalent of 340 watts is nothing, and won't overwhelm the light coming into the room from above, so there will be no lighting control.
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just shoot at night, problem solved
 
Thanks alot for this mate

You lost me here though

"but I always use flash and I find it underpowered even though it has twice the output of the one you're inerested in"

Are the lights you posted flash or continuous?
Do you use the flash on your camera even when using external lights?

So would i only need to buy that kit from the link you gave me? Do i need anything else to remotley connect the flashes etc?

Thanks again



mrjames said:
4 lights is way too many
2 lights is all i've ever used for everything on this page (scroll down for white background shots) www.clarkjamesdigital.com/commercial
i've just got a third, but you really don't need it



really? are you sure you're not just ignoring the negative comments?

"ok, but not as bright as i was expecting. will most proabably have to buy a more powerful set of lights. I wouldn't buy these again. pay a bit more and get a better set."

for the money it sure is tempting, I don't know how they make the stands/softboxes/all for that price

I have this kit http://www.jessops.com/online.store...l-_-all&ovc=&gclid=CMLaxITQ2LQCFe7MtAodohwATg but I always use flash and I find it underpowered even though it has twice the output of the one you're inerested in




just shoot at night, problem solved
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simondubz said:
Are these any better than the orignal softboxes i posted ?

http://www.stableimaging.co.uk/stud...daylight-continuous-lighting-kit/prod_39.html
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Not really continuous lighting really is poor for photos and you are probably better off with a window and daylight.

If you want to keep cost low there are interfit two head kits available on the forums for around £100 originally these retail around £200 I even think jessops had them on offer these are simple but do the job for home or mobile set ups.

If you get continuous yes they are cheaper yes they sound good but from experience you will have them 10 mins before thinking that really ain't doing sod all for my lighting requirements.
 
Also the ebuyer thread will likely be full of people who know little about lighting. They'll be great for a few shots until you realise the limitations. Then you'll look for flash. Save money and buy right first time (second hand market is usually good if you want a bargain)
 
Cheers phil but thats far to advanced for me, feels like im reading a different language !?!!!! Some one please help and send me some links for everything i need. Doesnt have to be a perfect set up jus something cheap and cheefull
 
simondubz said:
Cheers phil but thats far to advanced for me, feels like im reading a different language !?!!!! Some one please help and send me some links for everything i need. Doesnt have to be a perfect set up jus something cheap and cheefull
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It's actually much simpler than it looks.
This kit, with twin umbrellas, to light the background
This kit, with one umbrella and 1 softbox, to light the main subject
This radio trigger set, to fire the flash

Other manufacturers offer similar products that will also do the job for you, some are cheaper, some are more expensive.
 
Why don't you read some and understand yourself what you need. It's not really that difficult. A single flash, a stand for it, a cable (or preferably a radio trigger and receiver) to fire the light, a modifier like a cheap shoot through brolly and a backgrouind of some sort.

You can use a camera flash that is more portable or a studio flash that is faster and more powerful. Choice is yours. Many use the Yongnuo flashes that are about £50 and produce light. Start there and you can also use it (or them if you buy more) with various modifiers inc a brolly/softbox.
 
I went on a studio lighting course and attended some studio practice nights with models before I decided on buying anything. Helped a lot as then I knew what I wanted to do and what kit I needed to do that.
 
ShoeQueen said:
I went on a studio lighting course and attended some studio practice nights with models before I decided on buying anything. Helped a lot as then I knew what I wanted to do and what kit I needed to do that.
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Lynn's idea is probably a good starting point, we can tell you what we'd buy, but we have no idea what photographs are in your minds eye that you want to be creating 6 months from now.Go and play with some stuff, learn what it does and then you'll know what you need to buy.
 
First off, thank you all so much for the help. The problem is im so busy trying to start this business aswell as working full time i just dont have the time to get into the photography as much as i would like. Cost is another issue for me right now, i just need something to allow me to take decent/passable product shots (shoes, clothes and being worn) for my website asap

Then in the futre when i have had a play with what i have, can invest a bit more time and money

Are people sure the initial continuous lights for £45

http://www.ebuyer.com/337598-light-kit-2-13m-light-kit-1

wont help me get started with some "passable" images?

If not

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=290839445856

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=190780032645

Or this one but i think i need to buy a remote trigger for this option right?

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=140904044023

Thanks ��
 
Right, so now we have it.
You're starting a part time business selling clothing and you want to produce adequate photos that will sell your products. Fine, but you're by no means the first to want to do DIY photography with no equipment and no knowledge and there's plenty of info on this forum that is ideal for you.

Basically, you need to decide whether or not you have any chance of surviving in this very competitive business with photos that are less good than those of your many competitors. Once you've made that decision you can move forward and either commit yourself to adequate equipment + knowledge, or not.

You may want to start by reading this thread
And then read this one
 
Well, nothing is moving, your setting up in a room you can block out daylight, you want cheap, you want simple, you want to learn and wysiwyg is a nice way to do that, it's a no brainer.

Go for the ebuyer crappo stuff, that is the cheapest way for you to begin to understand something about lighting straight off the starting blocks if you have no time to look harder for advice. :)
 
Hire a pro - if you don't have time to learn you will have just wasted money.
 
Ah now it makes sense, we run a fashion website and use models, video, mannequins, and its still sooooooo tough, and we have free access to the studio and staff.

You need some decent gear or I wouldn't bother.

You are in for an uphill struggle, but it can be done, your images are the only thing you customer sees so get it wrong and they will be gone in a click.
 
Haha you guys really arent happy with me are you,Sorry!

But out of the links i sent which "crappy" set is best to get me started/learning?

Or if anyoneelse can recommend a low cost starter kit please send me the link, im open to preowned aswell.


Cheers
 
simondubz said:
Haha you guys really arent happy with me are you,Sorry!

But out of the links i sent which "crappy" set is best to get me started/learning?

Or if anyoneelse can recommend a low cost starter kit please send me the link, im open to preowned aswell.


Cheers
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Well, I'm not trying to put you down here and I'm sure that nobody else is either. We're trying to help.

Frankly, you come across as someone who doesn't have any money to waste. My take on that is that if money is tight, you can't afford to buy a crap kit that won't do the job and which will end up in the garden shed - buy once, buy right.

Because of this, most of us are advising you to either buy the right kit now, and learn how to use it well, or buy nothing and get a pro photographer to do it for you.

Nobody is being elitist, unhelpful or obstructive. We're just trying to help you.
 
Spot on Garry
 
Sorry i really didnt mean it to come accross like that, im really greatfull for all the feedback i have received. ��
 
Pmc2011 said:
Not really continuous lighting really is poor for photos and you are probably better off with a window and daylight.
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Continuous lighting can be fantastic for photos just as it is for TV & movies but the lights need to be powerful & the bright ones are either very very hot or expensive. The advantage of flash is very high light output for low cost & heat.
 
I think you need to take the advice here. If you are talking starting a business then you need to invest in the right gear. I have done the buy cheap route and guess what, it didnt work.
As tuppenth worth I am doing a flash photography course, then a portraiture photography course, then learning how to use multiple speedlights, then trying to borrow some studio time THEN looking at buying studio kit once i understand lighting.

If you want a plug n play solution that your not going to want to bin out of pure frustration in 2 weeks listen to Garry and the others and invest in decent gear (second hand if need be).
 
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