| Author | Thread |
|
|
08/03/2006 06:29:11 PM · #1 |
I am wanting to start learning portrait photography and work on still life photography such as food photography, product photography, etc.
If you had $2000 to spend on a set up to start out with, what would you buy? If $2000 is not enough to be able to spend and still actually use later for jobs, how much should I be looking at.
Thanks,
RP
|
|
|
|
08/03/2006 06:34:50 PM · #2 |
| bowens kit 2 x 500 monolight, and soft box tripod and a nice lens |
|
|
|
08/03/2006 07:05:54 PM · #3 |
3 or 4 Alien Bees B800s; a couple of backdrops and something to support them on; a large softbox, couple of umbrellas, 5-foot reflector; a good tripod; remote release for your camera; a cheap table and a posing stool. That'll get you a great start.
|
|
|
|
08/03/2006 07:46:04 PM · #4 |
well I'm sure people will jump up and down all over me for saying this buy what I would do is but 6 more sb800s to add to my Nikon CLS set up.
IMO more portable, convenient and versatile than huge studio set ups.
I've seen some amazing stuff done with a set up like that.
Message edited by author 2006-08-03 19:46:24. |
|
|
|
08/03/2006 07:47:16 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by idnic:
3 or 4 Alien Bees B800s |
With four B800s he could probably cook the food while shooting. :D
Seriously, B800s would be a good choice. For small product shots, he can always turn the lights way down, and even use ND gels if necessary. Then, we he starts shooting bigger things, like whole football teams, he'll be all set.
|
|
|
|
08/03/2006 08:27:41 PM · #6 |
2 Paterson Stellar 300Ws monolights and 1 600ws and 1 150ws. You could work with 4 300ws - teh kit for that, X2 of course, would be jst under $1000. (for the umbrella kits) (the Stellar 300s are as powerful and feature rich as the AB800s but cost less than the AB400s)
Add in a savage BG stand kit ($90), a background light stand ($40)
//www.coleandcompany.com has muslins - get 2 so you have some variety ($250ish - get at least one 10x20 footer)
some white and black sheets from walmart, king size $30
Sekonic L358 light meter, $250
Now I'd probably recomend some softboxes - the basic 2x2 foot stellar ones are fine and affordable. a couple of grids and one barndoor, and probably some gels (you can get loose gels and using cardboard make your own 'real' gels). Some ND material also. $200 maybe here on this stuff.
and a reflector - global kit here is excellent
that's your $2000.
Next on the list is 2 PocketWizard Plus IIs so you can untether yourself from the lights, and a PW module for the Sekonic - $420 for this.
Then you can add a couple of strip light boxes, a boom, some 60" octaboxes, better umbrellas, beautydish...
Christopher Grey's book Master Lighting guide for portrait photographers $18.87
|
|
|
|
08/03/2006 08:29:57 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by micknewton:
Seriously, B800s would be a good choice. For small product shots, he can always turn the lights way down, and even use ND gels if necessary. Then, we he starts shooting bigger things, like whole football teams, he'll be all set. |
Ummm...main light, fill light, BG light, hair light. Four lights. I use main, rim, hair and BG and a reflector for fill - 5 lights really. Still learning though I'm getting there.
Message edited by author 2006-08-03 20:30:27.
|
|
|
|
08/03/2006 08:51:38 PM · #8 |
I found this web site that shows how to make your own soft box.
I haven't actually tried it yet but I think I'm going to.
//www.studiolighting.net/foam-core-homemade-softbox/ |
|
|
|
08/04/2006 09:28:37 AM · #9 |
That looks like a cool project, and I'm all for doing DIY projects to save $$, but one thing to consider with this idea is that a foam board softbox isn't going to be anywhere close to as roadworthy as a store bought one. I have this large softbox, and I frequently put it in the back of my van to do location portraits. It holds up beautifully, and can take a little bumping around without falling apart. Just something to consider.
Also, if you get a multiple Alien Bees setup, check out their packages. You can save a little money that way. I started with this setup, and added to it. I want to add a third strobe (an AB800), but I've done a BUNCH of portrait and model sessions with this setup to good effect. Almost all of my stock portfolio was done with 2 ABs.
Just my $.02. Have fun!
-Don |
|
|
|
08/04/2006 09:59:13 AM · #10 |
| definately at least 3 strobes for portraits, 4 is better. |
|
|
|
08/04/2006 10:18:25 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by kyebosh:
definately at least 3 strobes for portraits, 4 is better. |
I started with 2 and a reflector - and immediately coppled together a third light. Four works for about 80% of the setups you need.
For high key - 2 at 45 degrees to eitehr side of the subject and 2 more to keep the BG white and evenly lit. I've not heard of hair or rim light for hi-key, but i guess you could if you had a fifth light.
four light hi-key (my first hi key try)
|
|
|
|
08/04/2006 05:03:02 PM · #12 |
Thanks to everyone who has replied. I have one question though about the suggestions:
Will these setups work for product lighting, room lighting, etc or will I need to get some other supplies as well? |
|
|
|
08/04/2006 06:56:55 PM · #13 |
get the 3x 500W Bowens Esprit kit, it can do amazing things, then you can always buy accessories later...
these were shot with 3x 500W bowens, softbox, beauty disk and bg light.
 
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 09/06/2025 05:40:09 PM EDT.
