Starting out with portraits- planning for retirement

ChrisHeathcote

ChrisHeathcote

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Firstly I know this topic has been done to death, but hopefully I am going about it in the right way. I will explain. Recently I have been thinking about my long term goals etc and have decided to use my passion (which is photography :-) ) to subsidise early retirement and pension as as things are going I would be looking at working into my 70's. firstly I am 34 so have got time on my side, and am looking at maybe 15-20 years into the future.

I have been into photography for many years but have steered clear of portraits etc (even though family and friends have asked) due to lack of knowledge.

My career has been in business, sales and training, so I am confidant with my inter personal skills, business and marketing etc. it's my portrait work that needs help.

So with all this in mind and the fact I am looking at practicing and learning over the coming years to fine tune my trade rather than diving in blind, what equipment would I be looking at building up, I am thinking 2 maybe 3 strobes +modifiers , but not sure on the whole reflectors etc.

Than you for all your help
 
After some research my list so far is

2 x Lights with stands (300ws minimum)
Background stands, however I am unsure as to colour of background
1 soft box
1 shoot through umbrella
Lightmeter (I know this isn't essential but I feel it would be easier to balance multi light set ups)

I already have a 430exii and diffuser.

Is this a good starting point to practice on family, friends and other freebies as I do t want to start charging until I am happy I can both commit time and have the required knowledge.
 
I currently am setting up a similar setup, I have done many outdoor shoots but lost a significant amount of work due to no studio so building a 16x12 foot one in my garden is next on my list!

Your list above is similar to what I have gone for, we have 3 flash guns if we want them though too.

Good idea on starting on willing participants, even might be worth suggesting that you can offer a free portrait shoot to friends friends of their kids or family to see how it goes with smaller ones as often people want their kids shooting etc? (not literally of course!) :D
 
Thanks Dale, this also came about because I was recently asked to take some "proper" photos of my step brother, his wife and their daughter to go in a memory book of her first holiday, I was put on the spot and didnt like to say no. I also knew what their photos would be like :-). They are thrilled with the results and are even looking at getting a couple put on canvas. I know this isn't a glowing recommendation but I got such a buzz out of it! I'm also personally rather pleased with the results. If I can get their permission I'll post a few for critique. (They're a little paranoid of photos in the public arena)
 
If your new to portraits I would say buy a £10 reflector and learn the light, if you start out with a load if speedlites or even just 2 there's a good chance you will tie yourself in knots.
£10 reflector , see the light and practise practise practise, then when your ready buy 1 light repeat the above then buy a 2nd light etc etc
 
Sorry you may need to ignore my previous post, I thought you were doing outdoor portraits . Don't mind me LOL
 
stumac said:
If your new to portraits I would say buy a £10 reflector and learn the light, if you start out with a load if speedlites or even just 2 there's a good chance you will tie yourself in knots.
£10 reflector , see the light and practise practise practise, then when your ready buy 1 light repeat the above then buy a 2nd light etc etc
Click to expand...

This.

I know you're not planning outdoor portraits, but practice some more on people and learn how light works. Too many people buy a load of flash gear and then tie themselves up learning about all the gear. If you have a knowledge of lighting, the gear becomes a mere technicality.

Whilst I like a guy who plans for the future, we have no idea what kind of photography businesses might be sustainable in 20 years time, be prepared for your plans to have completely changed by the time you're 'getting serious'.
 
Thanks for the advice it has all been taken on board.

As a very good friend has just had a new baby I am thinking of offering my services, as I know they wouldn't be able to afford to get them done professionally. So I am looking for a basic setup.

All work I have done so far has been outdoors and I have a basic grasp of lighting subjects. So to keep things simple my thoughts are the following equipment.

430ex ii and diffuser (already have)
Reflector
Light stand and umbrella
Background and stand (what colour would you advise.) my thoughts are grey or black to provide a contrast
 
Hi Chris,

You can get a two sided collapsible background for under £100. One side white, one side black which should be ample for you're looking for. You can also get a cheap lighting kit like the Interfit ex150 mk2 second hand for between £100-£150 which is more than capable of lighting single portraits. Give it a bash and see how you get on.

Regards

Scott
 
Read strobist lighting 101 from strobist blog spot - truly inspirational!
 
Update.

Thanks for all your help. I am just waiting to take delivery of a reflector and I am looking at getting either a single head or just a stand to fit my flashgun to for now. Have a play with that and build from there.
As I mentioned I might post a few of the pictures for critique. I have uploaded them to the Critique section. Here is a link. http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=5785437#post5785437

Please have a look and provide constructive critique.

Thanks again
 
ChrisHeathcote said:
Update.

Thanks for all your help. I am just waiting to take delivery of a reflector and I am looking at getting either a single head or just a stand to fit my flashgun to for now. Have a play with that and build from there.
As I mentioned I might post a few of the pictures for critique. I have uploaded them to the Critique section. Here is a link. http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=5785437#post5785437

Please have a look and provide constructive critique.

Thanks again
Click to expand...

I've posted a comment :) You got that book yet Chris?
 
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