Home Studio Lighting for Newborn/baby portraits?

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yorkshirechap

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Hi all,

With my son due in December, I'm on a quest to set up a reasonable little studio at home to take his portrait in.

I'm a bit stuck when it comes to which lighting kit to buy. I've had a look at Bowens, Lencarta and Ellinchrom. Each seems to offer something different. I think I've settled on a pair of softboxes rather than 1 brolly and one box. They are a little fiddly to set up, but I'm not going to be pressed for time.

I have a budget of around £600 and I'd like something that gives the flexibility for use with my son as he grows up and the occasional spot of product photography. I would like the heads to have good modelling lights, as I'd like to minimise exposure to strobes during test shots.

Body is a D800 and I have a selection of lenses but will most likely use either my 50 or 24-70 (if nikon repair it in time!). I could possibly justify an 85.....it's for the baby if wifey asks.

I'd love to hear your recommendations.

Many thanks.
 
You don't need loads of power, so don't think you need to go for 'mid range' or 'top end' heads.

Think of the heads like a camera body and budget accordingly. Be prepared to spend lots on modifiers, they have more influence on the result than the choice of Bowens/ Lencarta.

A couple of assumptions you've made are a bit out, you'll need the flash for test shots, and the quick to put up soft boxes really are worth their weight in gold. Especially if you have a temporary studio. You'll want your set up time to be spent placing lights etc. not swearing at soft boxes.
 
mike weeks said:
D800 has such good low light, just buy a big reflector and enjoy the time with your son

Mike
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This is very true.



I have some lencarta heads - I got there via firstly buying and selling speedlights (I had 4 at one stage) and quality/cost wise I can't think of better value. Very happy with the quality.
 
Thanks everyone. I think I might try and go to see Lencarta as they are only a few miles from me. I was thinking of two 600W heads, one softbox of 100cm and one umbrella. It seems a very reasonable price.

The area I have to use has limited natural light available so a reflector isn't really practical for this situation. However, it's something thats been on my shopping list for a while and becoming a parent is a good excuse I think.

PhilV, Lencarta profold, would these do the trick do you think? I've seen them mentioned as being a good choice, I think?
 
I'd say so.

Lencarta don't have a 'shop' as such on site, but Garry does like to show the stuff off, so give him a ring.
 
Phil V said:
I'd say so.

Lencarta don't have a 'shop' as such on site, but Garry does like to show the stuff off, so give him a ring.
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Well, we sort of do have a shop on site now, or at least we do when I'm not using it as a studio:)
600Ws per head would be massive overkill for a home studio. Not only do you not need to spend that much money or need that much power, the power would cause problems if you want to shoot at fairly wide apertures.

A Profold 8x5cm Octa softbox or a Profold 70 x 100cm softbox would be a natural choice for your needs. Lencarta does sell kit options that include 2 softboxes, simply because that's what some people want, but when people ask me I normally recommend 1 softbox and 1 umbrella - much more versatile as well as being both cheaper and easier.
 
Garry Edwards said:
Well, we sort of do have a shop on site now, or at least we do when I'm not using it as a studio:)
600Ws per head would be massive overkill for a home studio. Not only do you not need to spend that much money or need that much power, the power would cause problems if you want to shoot at fairly wide apertures.

A Profold 8x5cm Octa softbox or a Profold 70 x 100cm softbox would be a natural choice for your needs. Lencarta does sell kit options that include 2 softboxes, simply because that's what some people want, but when people ask me I normally recommend 1 softbox and 1 umbrella - much more versatile as well as being both cheaper and easier.
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Garry, I'm going to give you a ring this week to discuss. Maybe we can arrange a suitable time for me to pop over and have a look at your products?

Cheers.
 
Yes, no problem
 
Frankly, it wouldn't throw a spanner in my works...
Portable flash is perfect for location photography where mains power isn't an option, but it's less than perfect for 'studio' use because
1. It costs a lot more
2. Recycling times are much longer
3. Unlesss you get the Lencarta Safari, modelling lamps, if they exist at all, are weak.

It really makes sense to get the gear that's right for your present needs, and then buy extra in the future, if needed.
 
I think i have some more reading to do then ill be in touch too Garry!
 
an example
One of the top UK NewBorn photographers uses One Light (Elinchrom D-Lite 200W and a big softbox - that's all you need in lighting terms to start with. The rest is backdrops and props
 
Hi all,

A little update. I went to see Garry at Lencarta. Great experience, he's a thoroughly knowledgeable chap and very friendly. The options were clearly explained and I made a choice, although sadly they had no stock of the item, so I am now going to speak to Garry about an alternative model.

Cheers.
 
yorkshirechap said:
Hi all,

A little update. I went to see Garry at Lencarta. Great experience, he's a thoroughly knowledgeable chap and very friendly. The options were clearly explained and I made a choice, although sadly they had no stock of the item, so I am now going to speak to Garry about an alternative model.

Cheers.
Click to expand...
Careful, you'll destroy my reputation for being a curmudgeonly anti feminist misogynist who kicks dogs and eats children :)
 
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