Can anyone help suggest lighting solutions for my home studio which I'm in the process of setting up. I've only been studying photography for around 18 months so feel a little confused by the many choices. My area is high key portraiture. Thanks to anyone that can help!
Setting up my first studio
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Shutterbox
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A hilite will help if you have limited space.
mastertrinity
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for high key portraits, as said above is the hilite thats the best piece of kit you could get.
EOS_JD
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The ebay versions look interesting. I have a Lastolite 6x7 - perfect size. Maybe get the vinyl floor too!
Look at the D-Lite studio lights too - maybe 3 x 400w lights if you can or 2 plus a big reflector.
A meter will help - maybe ther Sekonic 308s
A radio trigger helps keep cables down to the minimum and allows you to move freely.
This does cost a few quid though
Look at the D-Lite studio lights too - maybe 3 x 400w lights if you can or 2 plus a big reflector.
A meter will help - maybe ther Sekonic 308s
A radio trigger helps keep cables down to the minimum and allows you to move freely.
This does cost a few quid though
HoppyUK
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I'm guessing that you might not have the budget for a £300 Lastolite Hilite background just yet, and quite likely not a three light outfit either
I would start with a two light kit around 200-400ws. There are lots about around £200-400. Interfit is cheap but okay, Elinchrom, Bowens and Lencarta are good brands. You will also need a background support. A flash meter makes life much easier.
What's your budget?
EOS_JD
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I'm guessing that you might not have the budget for a £300 Lastolite Hilite background just yet, and quite likely not a three light outfit either
I would start with a two light kit around 200-400ws. There are lots about around £200-400. Interfit is cheap but okay, Elinchrom, Bowens and Lencarta are good brands. You will also need a background support. A flash meter makes life much easier.
What's your budget?
Ebay HiLite (8x7) is about £160
Good background stand say £100 and even paper about £30
So for only £30 more you get a big portable backdrop.....
Garry Edwards
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I agree that the Hi-Lite is the way to go if you want white backgrounds in a small space. I believe that one of the TP members is selling a version of this (there are plenty of different of versions made but of course only the very expensive one with Lastolite written on it can be sold in this country). Quite a few people seem to be happy with the results with just a couple of hotshoe flashes used with them, so all in all producing white background shots may not be too expensive after all, if you shop around.
Speaking of saving money, the best value home studio kit is the Lencarta SmartFlash, £250 for a two head kit and £380 for a 3 head kit with all the bits
Speaking of saving money, the best value home studio kit is the Lencarta SmartFlash, £250 for a two head kit and £380 for a 3 head kit with all the bits
dgillespie
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would a 2 head setup not be a more suitable option for someone on a tight budget?
what would be the main concerns for a 2 head setup opposed to the 3?
what would be the main concerns for a 2 head setup opposed to the 3?
Al Brum
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The brutal truth is that a 2 head kit will become very limiting and you'll find yourself looking for another head or even 2 more very quickly. Cheaper to get 3 heads now. You'll need 1 to light the hi - lite, 2 for the subject. This is as a minimum. If you end up charging people then you'll need at least one more light as a spare in case of kit failures.
Garry Edwards
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Agreed.
BUT if you're not producing white background shots then many portraits will be better lit with simpler lighting, using just one light + (sometimes) a reflector, and sometimes 2 lights.
EOS_JD
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Main issue is lightig a high key background. I use 2 lights for that alone usually!
With a low key b/g, I get away with one or two.