Portraits - Getting Started Equipments

chouglez

chouglez

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Planning to start shooting portraits and wondering what I will need to get a basic startup. Any suggestions/advice is appreciated.

Thanks.
 
try using the light from a window its free and will give you some idea of using available light (bon chance)
 
Well if youre just starting out & will be using natural light, Id say a 50mm or 85mm lens would do nicely, as would a reflector or two, and some willing vict ..... I mean models. ;)
 
hepburn said:
a camera helps :)
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Duh! :lol: Got 2 of these creatures.

Looking for 2 lamps and a backdrop preferably white to start with on those lines........
 
Go and read Garry Edwards Basic Lighting Guides.

Seriously, that's what you need to know.
 
chouglez said:
Duh! :lol: Got 2 of these creatures.

Looking for 2 lamps and a backdrop preferably white to start with on those lines........
Click to expand...

:) now how was I to know that?

There's a wide range of studio lights you could use. I have the Interfit EXD200 kit which suits my needs. Some would recommend you buy smaller cheaper ones, and others will tell you to go more expensive and powerful. The main thing I would consider, after power/price, is the range of accessories and how they fit to the lamps (industry standard vs bespoke fittings).

For a backdrop you could start with cloth, clamps, and a curtain pole. Or again, spend some money and buy a proper background system.

HTH. :)
 
Hi chouglez,

I take portraits for me and my family only. When I researched the best value for money was the Elinchrom d-lite 2. Personally I prefer the black back drop which I find easier as a novice to get right.

I have yet to get the white backdrop correctly exposed but appreciate I need to light the back and move my models away from it.

DSCF1427.jpg

Me with Daughter behind me, Son, partner and grandchildren

DSCF8411.jpg

Daughter and Nieces.

Hope that helps.

Oh, by the way I see you are from Sunbury! I was born in the cottage at 11 Forge Lane and my Father ran a haulage business there after the war until he died a few years ago. The yard is now full of mews style houses but the white cottage is listed and is still there. This is just round the corner from the Police college!

If you or your folks have lived there a long time, they may have come across him. Fred or Tony Grew (he went by both names)

Cantankerous old git!

Regards

Chris
 
Many many thanks Chris for all your advise and suggestions mate.

The piccies look great. I am after something similar and look into this option.

Glad to know you were once local [Sunbury-on-Thames] to which I have made my home. Although I am a naturalised UK citizen and my wife was born in Harrogate, Yorkshire I love my quaint little village and with the river just a mile away it's always a joy to just walk down to the river and spend some quality time in peace and quiet.

I will surely research about 11 Forge lane over the weekend and possibly post some piccies just to send U down memory lane. :)

Zahir

G2EWS said:
Forgot to mention, this is where I got my backdrops:

http://www.colourscape.co.uk/

Good prices and pleasant people to do business with.

Regards

Chris
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