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DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> budget lighting for potraits?
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03/19/2006 10:36:29 PM · #1
Hi,

I'm recently trying my hands on potraits and newbie model shoots. I quickly realize that lighting plays a very important part both indoors and outdoors.

I tried searching the forums for cheap home studio setups but couldn't find anything. Can someone be kind enough to direct me or tell me how I can create a simple setup for potraits at home? For outdoors, I think a reflector would do?

Thanks
03/19/2006 10:43:57 PM · #2
I'm sending you a pm, look for it in a minute...
03/19/2006 10:54:10 PM · #3
Crayon, fortunately there is a BIG cheap source of lighting -- the sun.

That said, mimicking the sun in stuido can become very expensive. If you can, work outdoors first. Get some reflectors and learn to light outdoors.

Also, experiment with fill-flash outdoors.

The lessons you learn outdoors will enhance anything you learn about studio lighting.
03/19/2006 11:04:11 PM · #4
I preach this all the time.

Home Depot is the poor mans lighting source.

At work, we use paper oriental balls, also known as paper balloons, china balls, jap balls...you get the idea.

For $5 bucks at IKEA, or Pier One Imports, or some local store that sells paper balls, you get alot of bang for the buck.

They come in three differant round sizes, as well as numerous shapes besides round.

They are soft, can use up to a 150 watt globe in the large paper ball. Each size gives a differant quality of heat/softness.

You can put jell, or netting around the ball, or even a black fabrick, douvitene preferably, to cut the light.

Good Luck.
03/19/2006 11:16:20 PM · #5
Depends what you call budget but I added a 2nd hand 250W Bowens mono to my studio last year for a reasonable price. It's more than enough light for a start-up home studio and if you couple it with a $50 reflector and you've got a very good portrait starter kit. It was AUD $400 from Ebay.

Mind you though. Buying lighting equipment is even more addictive than buying camera equipment. Enough is never enough.

cheers,
bazz.
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