What would you recommend as lighting essentials?

deductress

deductress

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Hello,
Finally got the time/money to invest in lighting equipment. I've already got an ad up seeking softboxes/flashguns/reflectors, but are there any other lighting essentials experienced photographers would recommend for me?
I am fairly novice, only selling landscape/botany prints at this time, however i am hoping to begin the move into portrait photography - albeit slowly.
I own a Nikon D3200.
Any other details i have missed out on that would be required to know for advice, please ask.

Thank you for all and any help.
 
First lighting essential I'd recommend (albeit also as a bit of a novice) would be a copy of "Light Science and Magic". I've learned more from a single read-through of that book than I reckon I would have done with a year's worth of experimentation and mucking around.

Have you decided on the type of flash/heads you're after? Because it would be a shame to have to change half of your modifiers if you subsequently decide to switch from speedlight to Bowens or something...

For me, a proper strobe rather than speedlight was a massive improvement because of the modelling light... really helps show us beginners what the light is actually doing as we move it! It's more expensive, so not something everyone wants to invest in, mind.
 
A copy of Zack Arias's One Light Workshop, One Light 2.0 and Joe McNally's Language of Light (part 1 & 2) will really help you to understand light and how it behaves when you do stuff to it.

I started with an umbrella but moved on to a softbox (and now a softbox with a grid) which helped me control the light more and get it to go where i want it to.

A good set of triggers or flash cord, a good quality stand (air cushioned ideally, but not essential) and good quality modifiers.
 
pjm1 said:
First lighting essential I'd recommend (albeit also as a bit of a novice) would be a copy of "Light Science and Magic". I've learned more from a single read-through of that book than I reckon I would have done with a year's worth of experimentation and mucking around.

Have you decided on the type of flash/heads you're after? Because it would be a shame to have to change half of your modifiers if you subsequently decide to switch from speedlight to Bowens or something...

For me, a proper strobe rather than speedlight was a massive improvement because of the modelling light... really helps show us beginners what the light is actually doing as we move it! It's more expensive, so not something everyone wants to invest in, mind.
Click to expand...

Thank you, i will totally accept book recommendations too since i'm self-taught, so yes thanks.

Honestly, i have no idea. I have heard Yongnuo are promising, however i have no experience myself so am happy to receive advice on the matter of brands/types also please.

So for a strobe, are there are particular brands/makes which are of best quality? Are there variations in what suits with each environment or is it fairly general?

Thank you for your help.
 
minnnt said:
A copy of Zack Arias's One Light Workshop, One Light 2.0 and Joe McNally's Language of Light (part 1 & 2) will really help you to understand light and how it behaves when you do stuff to it.

I started with an umbrella but moved on to a softbox (and now a softbox with a grid) which helped me control the light more and get it to go where i want it to.

A good set of triggers or flash cord, a good quality stand (air cushioned ideally, but not essential) and good quality modifiers.
Click to expand...

Thank you, i appreciate the book recommendations, i'll certainly have a look into them. I admit i know next to nothing on lighting, so will require to build up my knowledge asap.

I was hoping to start first with a softbox, but do you think it would be better to work with an umbrella first to ease me into it?

And excellent, i'll note those all down. Are there any particular brands/types you'd recommend for that lot, or does it not really matter?

Thank you for all your help.
 
Light is Light, it's the same stuff whether it's coming out of a speedlight, through the window or coming from a £500 studio head.

But the manipulation of light is what you want to perfect. And that gets easier with some tools than others. As above, studio lights are puprpose designed to make life easy for you, and if you're just starting out with 'studio lighting' it's what I'd recommend. There's just a few lights I'd not recommend, you'll see tham all over ebay, they come with a variety of names, but the telling sign is the built in reflector. I'd recommend something with a popular modifier fitting, either Bowens S type or the Elinchrom EL fitting.

A single light, with a small easy up softbox is a great start for a small space, followed by reflectors, and then different modifiers and more lights.
 
^^^ as Phil said.

If you have mains power, proper studio flash wins every time. With a modelling lamp so you can see what you're getting - makes set-up way easier and you'll learn faster. Quicker recycle than speedlights when working at a decent power level; you'll be surprised how important that is with facial expressions that change by the second and with kids you dare not miss a shot as there might not be a second chance. Plenty of power when you need it.

And it's maybe not as expensive as you think - Lencarta Smartflash-2 is an excellent head for £110.
 
A cheap speedlight is all you need to get started. Learn all about it and how light works. Then learn how it holds you back.

I use speedlights, usually 1 on a Lastolite air cushioned stand with an S bracket and a Lastolite softbox and grid. My portraits aren't complicated as I like to keep things simple (like me) so everything I have is good enough for what I need. I started with an umbrella but since getting the softbox I haven't used the umbrella but different people require different kinds of modifiers (or at least suit certain types better) but alot of the time it depends on what kind of look you're aiming for.

The tutorials I recommended are DVD's. (y)
 
Phil V said:
Light is Light, it's the same stuff whether it's coming out of a speedlight, through the window or coming from a £500 studio head.

But the manipulation of light is what you want to perfect. And that gets easier with some tools than others. As above, studio lights are puprpose designed to make life easy for you, and if you're just starting out with 'studio lighting' it's what I'd recommend. There's just a few lights I'd not recommend, you'll see tham all over ebay, they come with a variety of names, but the telling sign is the built in reflector. I'd recommend something with a popular modifier fitting, either Bowens S type or the Elinchrom EL fitting.

A single light, with a small easy up softbox is a great start for a small space, followed by reflectors, and then different modifiers and more lights.
Click to expand...

Brilliant, this was super useful, thank you.
 
HoppyUK said:
^^^ as Phil said.

If you have mains power, proper studio flash wins every time. With a modelling lamp so you can see what you're getting - makes set-up way easier and you'll learn faster. Quicker recycle than speedlights when working at a decent power level; you'll be surprised how important that is with facial expressions that change by the second and with kids you dare not miss a shot as there might not be a second chance. Plenty of power when you need it.

And it's maybe not as expensive as you think - Lencarta Smartflash-2 is an excellent head for £110.
Click to expand...

Oh, £110 is actually a really acceptable amount on my budget!
And forgive my ignorance, but were i to get your above named item - would that alone suffice? Or do i require several other bits and pieces (e.g. reflectors or whatnot) for it to be fully functional? (Ideally, less is better for me, so if this one thing alone can do for the time being, i'll just go ahead and invest in one.)

Thank you for all your help.
 
minnnt said:
A cheap speedlight is all you need to get started. Learn all about it and how light works. Then learn how it holds you back.

I use speedlights, usually 1 on a Lastolite air cushioned stand with an S bracket and a Lastolite softbox and grid. My portraits aren't complicated as I like to keep things simple (like me) so everything I have is good enough for what I need. I started with an umbrella but since getting the softbox I haven't used the umbrella but different people require different kinds of modifiers (or at least suit certain types better) but alot of the time it depends on what kind of look you're aiming for.

The tutorials I recommended are DVD's. (y)
Click to expand...

Aaah, now that makes more sense. (In reference to the DVDs). Was searching all over Amazon and various libraries and couldn't find them anywhere, that might explain it. XD

Excellent, i'll have a look around at some Lastolite products then, thank you!
 
deductress said:
Oh, £110 is actually a really acceptable amount on my budget!
And forgive my ignorance, but were i to get your above named item - would that alone suffice? Or do i require several other bits and pieces (e.g. reflectors or whatnot) for it to be fully functional? (Ideally, less is better for me, so if this one thing alone can do for the time being, i'll just go ahead and invest in one.)

Thank you for all your help.
Click to expand...

Yes you will need a stand, then an umbrella or softbox or dish etc. etc. potentially a trigger

Mike
 
Yup. What Phil said really.

If I was starting from scratch now, I'd go straight for one if the ken carts smart flash kits. Great value for money and perform very well.

I use the older smartflash and love it. I think I get decent results with it. The new smart flash looks even better.

S
 
From reading your other thread regarding lenses, I'm assuming you're going to be on location alot for your farming portraiture stuff?

If that's the case then look at the Calumet Genesis gf400 (or the Lencarta/Godox versions) which will offer you a good amount of power, portability and a battery pack which will see you through a session easily. It's also at home in a studio.

Just a thought.
 
You seem to be asking lots of questions in lots of areas, good on you for doing so.

I think your issues are more fundamental. The D3200 is limited in the lenses it can use fully and to achieve some of the things you want that is where I would start from. You do not need flash to learn about lighting, there is a big source in the sky and add a reflector and you will learn lighting direction. It is far too easy to buy a pile of things that you not later need. I would try to master one thing and add bits of kit as your try new things. Keep getting others to look and advise, especially in advance of the next step.

Before buying any lighting I would advise you to get hands on and have a play with various lights and modifiers. It will give you the knowledge to move on. The Photography Show is only a couple of months away and well worth attending to look and play with gear.

Mike
 
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Sir SR said:
Yup. What Phil said really.

If I was starting from scratch now, I'd go straight for one if the ken carts smart flash kits. Great value for money and perform very well.

I use the older smartflash and love it. I think I get decent results with it. The new smart flash looks even better.

S
Click to expand...

Thank you, i'll have a look!
 
minnnt said:
From reading your other thread regarding lenses, I'm assuming you're going to be on location alot for your farming portraiture stuff?

If that's the case then look at the Calumet Genesis gf400 (or the Lencarta/Godox versions) which will offer you a good amount of power, portability and a battery pack which will see you through a session easily. It's also at home in a studio.

Just a thought.
Click to expand...

Yup, i live on the farm and may possibly be taking it over in the near future - so always on location. XD
Brilliant, thanks, i'll have a look at that also.
 
mike weeks said:
You seem to be asking lots of questions in lots of areas, good on you for doing so.

I think your issues are more fundamental. The D3200 is limited in the lenses it can use fully and to achieve some of the things you want that is where I would start from. You do not need flash to learn about lighting, there is a big source in the sky and add a reflector and you will learn lighting direction. It is far too easy to buy a pile of things that you not later need. I would try to master one thing and add bits of kit as your try new things. Keep getting others to look and advise, especially in advance of the next step.

Before buying any lighting I would advise you to get hands on and have a play with various lights and modifiers. It will give you the knowledge to move on. The Photography Show is only a couple of months away and well worth attending to look and play with gear.

Mike
Click to expand...

Thank you for the advice.
Yes i certainly need to learn a lot more about light in general before i buy anything it seems!
Where is The Photography Show then? And what specifically is it?
 
deductress said:
Thank you for the advice.
Yes i certainly need to learn a lot more about light in general before i buy anything it seems!
Where is The Photography Show then? And what specifically is it?
Click to expand...
At the NEC, and is a great day out for anyone interested in any aspect of photography. March I think?
 
deductress said:
Thank you for the advice.
Yes i certainly need to learn a lot more about light in general before i buy anything it seems!
Where is The Photography Show then? And what specifically is it?
Click to expand...

It is in Birmingham 21-24 March http://www.photographyshow.com/ many of the stands have photographers working as demonstrators, some will allow you to play with gear

Mike
 
Sir SR said:
Yup. What Phil said really.

If I was starting from scratch now, I'd go straight for one if the ken carts smart flash kits. Great value for money and perform very well.

I use the older smartflash and love it. I think I get decent results with it. The new smart flash looks even better.

S
Click to expand...

Predictive text Shaheed? Translated "one of the Lencarta Smartflash kits" :D

deductress said:
Thank you for the advice.
Yes i certainly need to learn a lot more about light in general before i buy anything it seems!
Where is The Photography Show then? And what specifically is it?
Click to expand...

Do go to the show if you can. There are very few dealers around these days where you can get to see and handle a decent range of quality kit, even fewer when it comes to lighting, and it's all there. Bone up on what you want to look at, so you don't get overwhelmed with choice. Be firm on budget - you don't need to spend thousands to get what you need, on lighting or your lenses thread. And there's nothing wrong with your Nikon 3200, there are some older lenses with screw-drive focusing that won't work on it, but tons of others that will.
 
HoppyUK said:
Predictive text Shaheed? Translated "one of the Lencarta Smartflash kits" :D



Do go to the show if you can. There are very few dealers around these days where you can get to see and handle a decent range of quality kit, even fewer when it comes to lighting, and it's all there. Bone up on what you want to look at, so you don't get overwhelmed with choice. Be firm on budget - you don't need to spend thousands to get what you need, on lighting or your lenses thread. And there's nothing wrong with your Nikon 3200, there are some older lenses with screw-drive focusing that won't work on it, but tons of others that will.
Click to expand...
Ah yes!! Ken carts indeed!! Pesky predictive text!! Lencarta is what it should say!!
 
mike weeks said:
Actually all the D & G lenses (which are new) will not auto focus either http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d3200/compatibility02.htm as long as you know this then you know what to buy

Mike
Click to expand...

As per your link, the D3200 is fully compatible with Nikon AF-S lenses. D & G designations are not AF related. On this list of 60-odd Nikons, only a handful are not AF-S and for almost all of those there's an AF-S equivalent http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/Nikon/Nikon-SLR-Lenses

All third-party Nikon-fit lenses are AF-S compatible.
 
Thanks for all the help, advice and suggestions guys, i really appreciate it! I'm noting down practically everything you guys are telling me. XD
The Photography Show sounds good but is a bit of a travel distance for me, will need to make a weekend of it if i do decide to go down there.
 
deductress said:
Thanks for all the help, advice and suggestions guys, i really appreciate it! I'm noting down practically everything you guys are telling me. XD
The Photography Show sounds good but is a bit of a travel distance for me, will need to make a weekend of it if i do decide to go down there.
Click to expand...
Sure it would be worth your effort

Mike
 
Hey guys,
I have been offered a SB-400 used at £65 - should i go for this? I'd appreciate your honest opinions.
Thank you
 
Hi.

Depends on what you want it for?

Shaheed

(I know that's answering a question with a question but I'm not sure if you want it because it's a cheap flash with quite a few limitations or you have a specific purpose for it)
 
Sir SR said:
Hi.

Depends on what you want it for?

Shaheed

(I know that's answering a question with a question but I'm not sure if you want it because it's a cheap flash with quite a few limitations or you have a specific purpose for it)
Click to expand...

Just as basic lighting, but your bracketed sentence actually kinda answers my question. =p
 
Light travels in straight lines but can be bounced, reflected, defused and softened. Getting your head around this concept is the fundamental skills to portraitist photography and is equally applicable to natural light, portable flash gun or studio flash.

It's well worth practising with natural light and a simple reflector / defuser to learn the basics. A good place to start is Rembrandt lighting which is a classic technique. A single light source being the sun with a reflector. It's subtle and the results are just as pleasing and relevant today.

Even the most complex lighting setup starts with the application of one key light and then others are added to get the desired effect.

A flashgun would be the next logical investment and offers up a whole hole host of creative possibilities with a diffuser, soft box etc when deployed off-camera combined with the reflector. The advantage of this it's small portable and can be used equally well outside and in.

We can get as complicated as you like on lighting but my advice is start off on the basics and then build on these skills, you will find your knowledge and confidence grows. Whilst photographing your subject it's important to maintain a rapport and keep them engaged, if you are concentrating two much on multiple lights they will soon get bored and uncomfortable and you will loose the opportunity and the moment.

Having grasped the fundamentals then you can make some further decisions on expanding your flash guns or obtaining studio flash within your budget.
 
As a slight aside, one of the first (and best) purchases I made was a pop up reflector. Cheap as chips.

A big window and a reflector can get you great portraits.

Shaheed
 
My first recommendation when it comes to lighting is a fully compatible TTL speedlight. It's simply too useful/versatile to not have. Particularly when you consider your "farm photography" goals.
I would probably recommend an OEM model for your first one (better build, guaranteed full compatibility). And I would suggest a used SB800 as the best entry point (power/pc port/ext battery/optical slave capabilities are things the SB600 lacks)... but the newer models (700/910) are a bit more user friendly with the menus/controls.
It's not really a replacement for a strobe, but it can (mostly) do that job plus it can do things and in places most strobes can't. I would imagine you will want/need the ability to light out in the fields, around the farm, inside barns, etc, where power isn't usually going to be available/convenient. And HSS for backlit portraits outdoors is a nice capability. On camera isn't always the best lighting, but when things are "on the go" TTL on camera is usually your best choice. There are several third party TTL speedlights, some with very nice specs/price. But I have no experience with them.

The Godox AD360 mentioned above (in various rebrands... some label it a 400WS but I don't think it's really even 360WS) does give you more power. But it is a manual flash, plus it's quite heavy and cumbersome for on camera use. If you get the dedicated wireless trigger-control/receiver for it it's a lot easier to use off camera. It's a bit of a hack as far as modifiers go... it's big enough/powerful enough to use with larger modifiers like a strobe, but it's limited to "speedlight" type modifiers which are mostly smaller. The accessory modifiers they sell for it are mostly too small to be of any real benefit. It can use any size umbrella, but I wouldn't mount a large one directly on the flash itself; and it puts the flash well off center if you use a speedlight stand/head instead. With it in optical slave mode and combined with a TTL speedlight it can be quite useful... there's a lot of options here. I own/use one and I consider it an "in between compromise." It's not as good as either a speedlight or studio strobe for doing those dedicated types of work.
 
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