Studios in a box

  • Thread starter Thread starter JPS
  • Start date Start date
JPS

JPS

Suspended / Banned
Messages
2,444
Edit My Images
Yes
Has anyone had any experience with the studios in a box/bag that you can get from Jessops or other retailers? I have seen this and wondered if it would be any good as a starter kit.

I see they call the lights Flash Heads - does this mean that they are 'only flahes' or would it be possible to have the lights on constant during the shoot?

I'm more of an outside photographer just moving into the 'studio setting' you see.
 
I'm pretty sure if it's flash then it's only flash, as they would simply overheat if left on. Some systems have a modeling lamp but it doesn't look like this kit does. Have you thought about using multiple flash guns? This way you can have creative lighting outside too without paying out for expensive generators.
 
Your link is the studio set I started out with, and yes it has modeling lights, and yes they are best turned off

It's fine for a 1, 2 person shoot on a small background but must be plugged into a main socket - so not much use away from home

It's is good enough to get you going in studio work, and if you really like that and upgrade later, you'll still get above £100 for it a year later for sale

HTH
 
What KIT would be a good compromise over price and ease of use for a newbie?? although i wouldnt mind some advanced features so i dont out grow it too fast!! ???

The sort of studio stuff i like is low key/ art stuff.. but everything else too.. :thumbs:
 
fraggle101 said:
What KIT would be a good compromise over price and ease of use for a newbie?? although i wouldnt mind some advanced features so i dont out grow it too fast!! ???

The sort of studio stuff i like is low key/ art stuff.. but everything else too.. :thumbs:
Click to expand...


Hi manly fraggle :thumbs:

All of my work with kids (see website) is high key, or towards high key, so I need lots of power and very soft light hence my key-light's softbox was £220

Low key, mean & moody, doesn't require anything like the power and usually uses harsher light too (harsher light with brollies, softboxes simply means smaller ones or bigger ones far away)

For these reasons, a small set-up like the Portaflash one is fine as a starter kit
 
Thx DD, thing is i dont want to limit myself when i come to get a kit, id like one that'll cover the bases.. i do really like the low key though, and im pleased to hear its a cheaper set up!! lol..

So, without spending a fortune for 'Studio quality' which is good?? i was looking at the D-lite 2 head kit, mayb there is one that is a step up from that? isnt it better to have 3 light sources, a key a fill and a background/seperation??
 
fraggle101 said:
So, without spending a fortune for 'Studio quality' which is good?? i was looking at the D-lite 2 head kit, mayb there is one that is a step up from that? isnt it better to have 3 light sources, a key a fill and a background/seperation??
Click to expand...

Yep - 3's way better than 2

Do what I did, find someone who wants a set of 3, buy 3 kits of 2 heads between you and split one so you each have 3 heads, softboxes, etc. It works out much better value than buying an extra head etc. (or at least it did when I got mine)
 
Has anyone got any photos taken with these 'box studios' they could post. I'm keen to see if the lighting is worth paying out for, or saving for a more 'impressive' studio kit.
 
JPS said:
Has anyone got any photos taken with these 'box studios' they could post. I'm keen to see if the lighting is worth paying out for, or saving for a more 'impressive' studio kit.
Click to expand...

You could always take a look at my website for the TotStuff section of kids. Some of them were shot ONLY with the Portaflash system, some with the D-Lites - you tell me which if you can - which is my way of saying, good results can be achieved with them

The teenagers needed and had more power, but other than larger groups all is possible - especially low-key work

What I would say though is that if you have the space, and the money £700+, buy Eli's of some sort; but if you want to try your hand at it, any of these budget systems are a good starting point
 
INterfit also do the EXD200's which are pretty good, Dlite 2's can overheat though as well as they are not fan cooled.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top