Old and basic lighting

Blasted

Blasted

Suspended / Banned
Messages
927
Edit My Images
Yes
Morning,

I've been interested in taking portraits for a while now and have begun to understand the need for decent lighting. As a beginner I've been reading numerous threads and articles and watched countless you tube video guides.

Very kindly my dad has given me his old lighting set up. It comprises of 2 lights produced by Jacobs a good few years back (power flash PR200/AM200, orange square box, 200watt each and not that adjustable) a single porta flash 336v, a 60x60 softbox, a gold backed umbrella and three stands plus a number of material backgrounds and a flash meter.

Is this set up good enough for me to learn on? As the flashes aren't adjustable is doing camera only adjustments enough?

The gadget side of me wants to go out and buy loads of shiny new stuff, but the sensible side of me says I can't afford it and it may not even get used that much.

I did think of trying to get another soft box.
 
Use these to begin with and once you've mastered them move on!

As for adjusting the lights, position them where you want them then move them back and forwards. Do this AS WELL AS in camera adjustments to give you more flexibility.

Hope this helps,

Dean
 
Trust me. Learning how to best use this basic kit will help you massively when you do eventually get some "shiny" new kit!!

I would've lived somebody to have given me some kit gratis!!

I had to make do with an eBay cheapie kit which I still use as a portable kit.

Enjoy!

Dean
 
From memory I think that these are probably the old Powerflash units and frankly they were awful - not only did they only have 1 stop of adjustment (when it worked) but the power was very inconsistent.

But they'll do to get you started, just don't blame yourself for inconsistent results.
One way of controlling the power is to use neutral density gels, or even bits of white cloth, over the front - but not with the modelling lamp on, because of the risk of fire.

It doesn't matter how poor a flash unit is, you can still learn a lot about light placement, simply by experimenting.
 
Powerflash were Jessops own brand & like Garry said were pretty dire pieces of kit,:thumbsdown: Mine spent more time back @ Jessops being repaired than with me.:thumbsdown:The brollies were square & light was not very controllable. But if they are working ok they will teach you basic lighting:thumbs:

Toonie
 
Thanks guys, I certainly didn't want to come across as ungrateful, I got them for free and they served my dad well.

But as has been said, practise first.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top