I Got a Photoshoot

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tiler65

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I have been asked to do a 'Calendar Girls' style calendar for a local sports club.

Although I feel competent at taking photos I think I might need some help in the flash department.

I am a flash kit virgin http://www.jacobsdigital.co.uk/index.php?target=products&product_id=138580 (or similar) with things like this so I was wondering if these are needed although I would not mind using them.

Are they easy to set up and do they make a big difference to the shoot. I have access to a Calumet store if things are cheaper to hire.

Any feedback would be most welcome.
 
If you are working inside then the kit will make a big difference over a standard flash. They are not the hardest things in the world to use but, to use them effectively, it does take a little thought.

Very basic set-up: put up stands, set light on stands, add brollies and reflectors etc, hook up to camera body, adjust settings and fire away.

By adjusting power outputs you can get different effects and can totally change the look of the shoot. It depends what you are going for? Seductive? Sexy? Cheerful? Bright?

Are you shooting indoors or out?

Is there a theme?

If you are definitely going to use the kit then get plenty of use before the day of the shoot. You will want to spend time talking with your models and building a rapport rather than fiddling with settings; it should be second nature.

I will presume that the 'models' will have never done this before and will therefore be looking to you to lead the way.

Where is the venue? Will you have plenty of space?

Have you thought about clothing (or lack of), makeup, hair etc. I hate makeup and prefer a natural look.....red nails are my pet hate!

I used to own a cheaper kit before my Bowens and found that fuses used to always blow....make sure you carry spares!

Just be confident and try to let that come through and I am sure you will do well.

Good luck.
 
Thanks for the reply Brains.

The shoot is a cricket club with females being the models. Hopefully it will be in and out of doors, weather permitting. There is plenty of space and the models are all volunteers. I can use the facility anytime for practice so I think I will take the plunge and buy a boxed kit.

Does anyone recommend a book on studio set up lighting?

Ta in advance
 
Sorry I can't help, as I have no experience in this area at all.

But I do wish you luck!
 
I would hire a basic lighting kit from Calumet before taking the plunge to buy. I use the Calumet shop in Edinburgh for lens hire sometimes and they are very helpful. You could do worse than just call in and have a chat.

Good luck!

Bob R
 
If you have access to Calumet I would recomend hire instead of buying, especially if you are not sure you are going to do alot of this kind of shooting.

The thing is that the kit you linked to is only 150W (I think that is right), which not very much power at all, especially if you want to use them outdoors to overpower daylight. The last time I shot in daylight it was getting dark, but I was still at half power on my 500W lights even though I had placed the lights fairly close to my subject.

Also that will not be very much power if you want to shoot group shots and need to use a large softbox to light everything.

One more thing is I would highly recommend hiring a make up artist for this shoot if you can, as it can make life so much easier lighting wise, and post processing wise.
 
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