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donkeymusic

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Carlo
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Hello,

Wanting to get into a studio and get some experience, which has led me to think of alternatives so that i can test equipment and see how i manage with it all before taking bigger steps.

So my initial plan is to buy the equipment and then to rent out village halls or the likes so that i can set up my equipment and not pay large stuido rental fees; plus i saw a bloke on tv as pro photographer doing the same, so thought good idea.

Not got massive amount of money so cant go top end, so at the initial stage i have a few queries.

Equipment, i am thinking i need two flash heads + stands, brollies and softbox, with regards to the flash heads, what power should i be looking at as a minimum and what brands would you recommend? looked at bowens but slight too expensive and the cheaper brand of Inter-fit. Would i need more than two flash heads?

i am aware i will need a backdrop and stand as well as a light meter.

Is there anything else i should be considering with this idea and equipment wise?

have looked as well and the Lencarta kit as it seems a lot of you use it and the following on eBay, http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/900W-STROBE-S...graphy_StudioEquipment_RL?hash=item2a0471db07 - Any thoughts

Thanks for any advice offered.
 
Before deciding on your equipment maybe think about the style of portraits you want to produce? If you are looking for the white b/g high key then you may have to look at more than two lights as you will likely need two just to blow out the background?
 
1, 2 or 3 (or more) heads - this just restricts you to what you can and can't do. Large reflectors can make up for the lack of an extra head but you loose the control aspect, minimum 2 for me, but 3 is better. Most modern heads from 200ws would be adequate for full length portraiture IMO. For me the biggest issue with a portable studio set-up was always the getting things as compact, light and portable as possible. Add to this good storage cases or bags are a must, to allow ease of transport and with organising the kit.

Paul
 
also what lenses are you using?

if you have only got the kit lens then i would give you two recommendations for not much money. the sony 50mm f1.8 is perfect for head and shoulder shots and possibly full body, and the sony 30mm f2.8 macro will be good for group shots or if you want to take detaileed features of hands and feet on babies.
 
also what lenses are you using?

if you have only got the kit lens then i would give you two recommendations for not much money. the sony 50mm f1.8 is perfect for head and shoulder shots and possibly full body, and the sony 30mm f2.8 macro will be good for group shots or if you want to take detaileed features of hands and feet on babies.

can i ask why the 50mm f1.8 lens would be better than the kit lens?

thanks
 
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