Quick few questions.

[Ronann]

Hey, I'm currently studying photography at college and am really enjoying the studio work (Especially low-key portraits).

I was thinking about painting my walls black and using my room as a mini studio and wanted to ask how possible this would be, and also what equipment I would have to buy.
I'd be wanting one softbox, and I wanted to know if I had to buy a light and then the softbox seperately or if I could/should buy it in one. Suggestions and links would also be much appreciated, thanks a lot.

 

[paul williams]

Hey, I'm currently studying photography at college and am really enjoying the studio work (Especially low-key portraits).

I was thinking about painting my walls black and using my room as a mini studio and wanted to ask how possible this would be, and also what equipment I would have to buy.
I'd be wanting one softbox, and I wanted to know if I had to buy a light and then the softbox seperately or if I could/should buy it in one. Suggestions and links would also be much appreciated, thanks a lot.

How about making your tutor(s) work for a living and get their advice?

Personally, I'd enjoy the course and not get too into converting your own room - presumably the college will let you book studio time?

But to your specific questions about the room - can't really say, how big is it (height is important as well) and do you really want your room painted black? In any case probably better painting the ceiling black as its easier to cover the walls with fabric or painted movable panels perhaps.

For the light (studio flash?) and softbox - together or separately makes no real difference except you will need some form of modifier to control the light. Most individual heads (lights) don't even get supplied with a standard reflector so that should be budgeted for as well, also a 5in1 reflector.

But once again perhaps hire from the college initially if possible - far better to spend as little as possible until you know what you are doing, but if you do spend make sure what you get is of a reasonable standard. Good place to start would be the Lencarta site - check out their Learning Centre for tutorials.

Paul