Using a home studio flash kit... advice please

theMusicMan

theMusicMan

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Hi All

I wonder can someone please offer me some advice as to how one actually uses a home studio flash kit. OK, so this may seem a daft question, but I am looking at all manner of kit that I am likely to purchase over the coming months/years(days!!), and have no idea how this type of home studio flash kit actually works.

Typically, this is the sort of thing I mean.

Do I connect this kit to the camera itself...? or is there a sort of wireless device that is used to trigger the flash...? or do the connected external flash units fire automatically based on sensing the internal camera flash firing..?

How do I set the exposure...? I read somewhere about the 'Guide Number'... what does this mean...? Should I go for a unit with a higher Guide Number etc.

Lots of questions I appreciate, but this is the best place to learn.

I am already being asked if I could do portrait shots for friends and family, and as my wife (god bless her) send my puppy pics to her friends, more people are asking her if I'd do their pet photographs. Of course, I'd love to - but only once I know how to use flash and relevant kit.

All bodes well, but advice sorely needed folks.

Ta in advance.
 
Higher the guide number, the more powerful the flash. However, for smaller studios, it just means you'll have to turn down the flash power more.

If your camera has a PC Sync socket, a wire from this to the flash triggers it.
If you don't you can either buy a cheap ebay wireless flash trigger system, or a hotshoe adaptor with a sync cord. Wireless is so much easier !


I've got the Interfit EX150 system.
 
andrewc said:
Higher the guide number, the more powerful the flash. However, for smaller studios, it just means you'll have to turn down the flash power more.

If your camera has a PC Sync socket, a wire from this to the flash triggers it.
If you don't you can either buy a cheap ebay wireless flash trigger system, or a hotshoe adaptor with a sync cord. Wireless is so much easier !


I've got the Interfit EX150 system.
Click to expand...
I have the E-510 and the E-400 - does mine have the PC Sync Socket...?

Sorry - very noooobie here :)
 
Apologies folks... but I still don't fully understand this. What do I connect to the camera to ensure that when I press the shutter release, the flashes fire AND what measures to I need to take to ensure the image is correctly exposed...?

Sorry for the noobiness.
 
Your chosen reference kit is very similar to what I started with from Jessops, a PortaFlash kist. I paid almost £500 for mine, and (as I actually have a studio 14ft wide!) upgraded very quickly indeed to Elinchrom units for more power and a wider spread

That said, mine's sitting here now doing nothing now, so if you're really interested you can have the 4 flash set-up, brollies etc. for £200 and I'll advise you on how to use it too! if you look at my website, many of the kiddie shots were taken with this system, but you can't tell which as for a single/couple of kids it's ideal

I'm coming to Wales soon for a client, somewhere near Carden Park hotel (nr Chester) if that's anywhere close? Or you can come to me in Barnsley for a session to try it all out? Either way, a 'home' kit is a great introduction to studio work - and if you want to spend more dosh, try Bowens first, then Elinchrom's D-Lites

All the best whatever

David
 
Just read more responses - you need more help here!

Exposure is determined by a bit of maths, or failing that, a flashmeter - digi cameras allow for 'chimping' to sort that out anyway & once a correct exposure/distance is ascertained you don't need to meter it again if you know what you're doing - hence the a bit of help comment

The best tool for triggering flashes indoors is a remote trigger, so there are no cables, the best are infra-red flashes at about £50

If you're planning on doing all of this for fun clearly you don't want to spend much cash, if you fancy it as a route to getting paying customers, a bit more money spent upfront will pay dividends

A pal of mine works in his dining room and takes the photos from inside his conservatory! £75 a time for a DVD of 30-40 shots isn't a bad way to fund your camera gear!
 
theMusicMan said:
Apologies folks... but I still don't fully understand this. What do I connect to the camera to ensure that when I press the shutter release, the flashes fire AND what measures to I need to take to ensure the image is correctly exposed...?

Sorry for the noobiness.
Click to expand...

Monoblocks (proper name for studio strobes) are dumb lights. Meaning that you set them to a certain amount of power, and it is up to you to set the right exposure. This is the reason why you should get a flashmeter to determine the right exposure.

If you have the money I would get either Bowens or Elinchrome as they will have a wide range of accessories available for them. Used Bowens Esprit IIs can be quite reasonable.
 
Hi John

Good to chat and potentially help a newbie to getting it right

Here in (rarely) sunny Barnsley we have a number of 'pro' photographers that should be 'shot' - and I don't mean in the camera sense

Your pooch shot shows real potential, so glad if I can help

Unfortunately, I have a memory like a sieve, but will hopefully remember to pull the gear out for a shot or two for you Monday and if you do go ahead and visit me for collection, I'll show you how to set it up too & be on-hand later for advice

All the best

David
 
Looks like I have now acquired a super set of flash kit for my hobby home studio thanks to the wonderful advice and offer from Dave.

Super conversation, great advice, and some fantastic gear soon to be obtained. Thanks Dave.

John
 
Sounds like a great deal :)

I had a day at a studio that some chap on another forum organised (Ariane Studios in Tamworth) with 4 other 'togs ranging from experienced to novice. Was a great day, I learnt a lot. Dave and Paul who run the studio were always on hand to offer advice and suggestions, and the two models they'd booked were experienced and made us feel very welcome.

I would recommend this to anyone wanting a starter in studio photography. There are little studios all over the place, its quite cheap to rent, but its good fun getting 4 or 5 togs together to watch and learn from each other.
 
:thumbs:
watching this thread with alot of interest as my photography is heading this way


dave very impresssed with your site ..:clap:


dave:thumbs:
 
Cheers for that about my website MonkeyDave

Sorry about anyone 'missing out' on my offer of unwanted flash-gear. I'd not thought of selling it at all until this thread started, so it sorted of popped out in the conversation & quick as a flash (sorry) it was, potentially, snapped up. Got to remember to dig it out now and make sure it's all working still!
 
Looking forward to doing business with you Dave. Can't wait to see images.

On train at the moment posting from blackberry, speak soon.
 
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