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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Basic studio setup that I can build on?
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 02/10/2005 03:23:00 PM · #1
I̢۪m looking into creating a studio at my home since I̢۪ve got the room to do it. I was wondering if I could get some advise about a solid basic setup as far as lighting, backdrops, etc. I really want something I can build on, not have to discard for each upgrade. Obviously I'm looking in the lower price range to start, but not the bottom ;)

Thanks in advance

Melissa
02/10/2005 03:41:27 PM · #2
The Alien Bees DigiBee or BusyBee could be a good place to start. I chose to put together my own package using AlienBees lights but choose Bogen stands and PhotoFlex LiteDome softboxes for around $130 USD each. I also use general background stand and either Savage white seamless paper or Savage Black seamless paper. With enough lights and some gels you can turn the white into a lovely, multihued background.

If you're going to try shooting much fashion or glamour you might also want to invest in a sheet of 4'x8' 1/4" thick plexiglass (around $150 USD in my neck of the woods).

Hope this gives you some ideas for prepackaged versus a "put together" system. Of course, you could also save dollars by using a hot light system if you want.

Kev

EDIT: Changed from 1/2" plexi which can be very expensive as most glass shops don't carry it in stock to 1/4" plexi. My mistake. I pay about $150 per 4x8 sheet for 1/4" thickness.

Message edited by author 2005-02-10 16:45:17.
 02/10/2005 04:05:07 PM · #3
Look on eBay!!! I found alot of equipment for little $$$. Backdrop stands, Muslin Backdrops and lighting.

I have 3 JTL Everlights (500Watts each) with 24"x24" softboxes on each one. I also bought the Alien Bee 800 package.

I found a background stand for $79 (extends to 9'wide and 9'Tall)

Here is one of the auctions I won. I have also had a good experience with the seller.

JTL Lights

I also bought items from this seller:
Ebay seller
 02/10/2005 04:12:45 PM · #4
I second the AlienBees suggestion. However, I suggest buying the B400 strobes. I have 4 of them and I seldom use them anywhere near their full-power setting. All of the AlienBees equipment that I have (lights, stands, softboxes, etc.) are very good quality, are a lot less expensive than most other brands, and have more features than a lot of the other brands too.

02/10/2005 04:27:15 PM · #5
To follow up on Michael's comment about the B400's as opposed to the B800's I'd also suggest looking into a filter system like the Cokin "A" or "P" filters so that you can utilize the faster apertures on your F-717 (f/2 or f/2.4 from what I read) with your lights set for a lot of output. With the filter in place on the lens you can then turn up the key light to create a differentiation between your lights of 3:1, 4:1 or greater and still use the faster apertures to obtain the shallow depth of field that you may desire in some photos. If you just want to light a subject or scene and you want a good exposure around f/8 or f/11 then either the B400's or the B800's should work fine for you.

Any set of those B's (400, 800 or 1600) can be a very good set of lights to start off a home studio.

Kev
 02/10/2005 04:58:35 PM · #6
Thank you all so much. I guess I should have added I'll be upgrading my camera at the same time :-)
 02/10/2005 04:59:40 PM · #7
Originally posted by KevinRiggs:
To follow up on Michael's comment about the B400's as opposed to the B800's I'd also suggest looking into a filter system like the Cokin "A" or "P" filters so that you can utilize the faster apertures on your F-717 (f/2 or f/2.4 from what I read) with your lights set for a lot of output. With the filter in place on the lens you can then turn up the key light to create a differentiation between your lights of 3:1, 4:1 or greater and still use the faster apertures to obtain the shallow depth of field that you may desire in some photos. If you just want to light a subject or scene and you want a good exposure around f/8 or f/11 then either the B400's or the B800's should work fine for you.

Any set of those B's (400, 800 or 1600) can be a very good set of lights to start off a home studio.

Kev

That's a good point Kevin. I'm going to be buying a Cokin P setup very soon, for that, and to use outdoors too.

AlienBees also sells various ND gels that can be used for the same purpose.


02/10/2005 05:02:00 PM · #8
Originally posted by Beach_mel:
Thank you all so much. I guess I should have added I'll be upgrading my camera at the same time :-)

What are you planning on buying? If it doesn't have a PC connector, then you will probably need extra hardware to fire external strobes. For instance, my Canon 10D has a PC connector, but the Canon 300D does not.


02/10/2005 05:21:59 PM · #9
A big, north facing window and a reflector.

The reflector is optional. Some people make their entire career around just the window part.
 02/10/2005 09:42:21 PM · #10
Originally posted by Gordon:
A big, north facing window and a reflector.

The reflector is optional. Some people make their entire career around just the window part.


But remodeling would cost more than the equipment :-)
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