Starting up advice (again !)

PeteMo

PeteMo

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Hi guys,

Already asked something similar a few months ago but things never got moving for one reason or another so stick with me here.

The wife runs a playgroup and is STILL nagging me for some shots of herself and staff plus shots of the kids during the session.

What I want to know is (baring in mind I'm still on a tight budget here) can I make do with cheap cloth background and stand plus a SINGLE LIGHT and REFLECTOR for the staff shots or would I Ideally need 2 ?

I've got a 30d with 50mm 1.8 and was thinking of hiring either a 17-55 or 24-70 2.8 as well for the kids during activities.

Has anyone else done something similar ?

If the shots came out well it may lead to other or similar requests.

I almost splashed out on a Hilite and Lencarta Smartflash a few months back but didn't due to cashflow. ( I'd probably still be waiting for the Smartflash anyway as it's always out of stock !!! :lol:)

Any suggestions welcome boys and girls.
 
Been doing a bit of digging and I might just get a light stand with speedlite adaptor, umbrella and a reflector for now (for a bit of fill) and see how I fare with that for the formal staff shots. Maybe a couple of extra stands with a cloth background too.

Does that sound sensible guys ?

Cheers
 
Depends what shots during the session means.

If the kids are running around then best of luck with a light on a stand. If she wants the classic nursery white b/g and bright sharp images then....better just get in touch with one of the local pros. They will do a great job and possibly pay commission on sales.

As for pics of staff....well, your question really becomes "how do I take a headshot?". Personally I'd go for a small softbox and shoot in an area where the wall gives fill. You could use a speedlight (cheap if you have one, small, light, relatively slow) or small studio light (faster, more reliable, easier to fit mods to).

Other people would use more lights and reflectors.
 
Thanks Jonathan but not sure whether you misunderstood or I was a bit vague.

The stand & flash are purely for the staff shots, I realise that's no good for moving kids. I'm not a complete clown :bonk:

She can't afford a pro. If she could, I wouldn't have posted.

Don't need a pure white background either. The shots of the kids won't be posed and will them in their normal daily routine.

Just wondered whether the gear I'd suggested would be fine for starters ?

Cheers
 
I guess you missed the bit where I said any sensible playgroup could run this at a profit? Just doing my accounts now and I've written £000s of cheques to playgroups/nurseries etc this year...

But yeah, camera and flashgun and you'll be fine.
 
^^^ Agree :thumbs:

Sounds like a safe an economical start. Depending on where you want to take things, it could be all you need. If you said you've got £1000 to spend, I would still say start with one brolly and a reflector - very capable combo with a bit of experience and knowledge - before splashing out and confusing yourself with too many lights. Almost all studio photography is about one main key light, first and foremost.

After a bit of practise you'll get a feel for what's what and the way forward will become much clearer.
 
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