Strobe lights Help!

Mcgill322

Mcgill322

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Brian
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Hey guys, first post on here and hope not to annoy anyone cause am sure this has been asked before.... But still can't find much info out there?
Looking to purchase 1 or 2 Strobes and have no idea where to look, brands, models etc.

I've spent endless time researching and hard to find good help here in UK!
Looking for something to light up a fitness/bodybuilding show (placed on stage) and also to be used for fitness studio shoots. I understand that battery operated strobes are VERY popular and practical but trying to keep the budget low (under 500).

I know this doesn't give alot of information for my requirements but hope you can get an idea?
Any help would be great guys, here in N.ireland it's hard to find advic!

*been looking on amazon, wex, photomart (godox /iLux) etc..
 
Welcome to TP :)

Assuming you have access to mains power (via an extension lead) you don't want or need a battery-powered solution, and anything worth recommending will mash your budget anyway.

Purely guessing on the brief info you've given, I would imagine something with a bit of power for larger areas (600Ws?) and probably umbrellas for cost. Also considering cost, Lencarta springs to mind. See this thread and give Garry a ring :thumbs: https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/lumopro-lp180.634746/

I should add though, this sounds like commercial work which really means a professional or at least someone with a bit of knowledge and experience. With respect, it's not just about having the right gear, but knowing how to use it ;)
 
If you want multiple lights and stands and modifiers under £500, you're really fixed with speedlights.

Which is tricky if you've never used lights before, they're not so easy to learn on.

Have a look at Strobist blog, Neil van neirkirk is a master. Also 2 great books:

The speedlighters handbook by Syl Arena
The hotshoe diaries by Joe McNally.
 
Mcgill322 said:
Looking for something to light up a fitness/bodybuilding show (placed on stage) and also to be used for fitness studio shoots. I understand that battery operated strobes are VERY popular and practical but trying to keep the budget low (under 500).
Click to expand...

when are they going to be used? during the actual judging?

Issue with mains is cables and trip hazards, issue with battery powered is cost

One advantage is that you do not need soft lighting as harder lighting will create more shadow and definition - distance from subject to light will also be an influence here and in the choice of modifier

Mike
 
Thanks for the fast feedback guys! Yea I know that I didn't add much info as we would be here all day but looking for something to use at the side (sides) of the stage and wil be stationary with access to mains etc.
I understand that equipment costs and costs quite a bit but starting out isn't easy.
I photographed the show last year with my speedlight attached to my D7200 and did the job pretty well! But just want more flexibility and progress with shooting portraits (body shots etc).
I know as professionals yous may find it annoying getting asked these questions and always hearing... Keeping the budget low etc but happy yous are giving your advice, cheers guys!
 
I took the reference to "fitness studio shots" to mean room interiors showing equipment etc. Which is where the suggestion for bigger lights came in. If it's actually body shots, then that's much less demanding equipment-wise. You could do that with speedlites, though studio lights for preference.
 
HoppyUK said:
I took the reference to "fitness studio shots" to mean room interiors showing equipment etc. Which is where the suggestion for bigger lights came in. If it's actually body shots, then that's much less demanding equipment-wise. You could do that with speedlites, though studio lights for preference.
Click to expand...
We did a video on this subject, didn't have a beefy male model available so used a female model who is very fit in another way, it may help as it explains the principles of using light to emphasise shape/muscle

And more recently, Ben Mark, who is one of our customers, did a much better video on shooting someone who meets the other definition of fit :)

BTW, for those who may think that I'm not into fitness, I did once spend a whole 2 days in a gym, I was of course shooting the equipment...
 
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