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10/05/2006 10:51:13 AM · #1 |
Hiya!
I have been doing photography work for a local magazine. Most of the stuff has been home interiors. But recently, I have been asked to do more and more shots of people. Most are in their natural settings such as an office or home.
Lighting is now a big issue. Can anyone recommend a portable lighting set up that will be simple, affordable, and do the job lighting people? |
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10/05/2006 11:06:45 AM · #2 |
Well...there are a few ways to go.
1)..A flash system that has you using multiple Canon Flashes. These are not real powerful but they are EXTREMELY portable and easy to set up. Usually 2 or three with relfectors work fine lighting a single person or a small group in any location.
2) A hot light system. Not as portable, needs an electric hook-up but is the least expensive way to go ( a couple hundred bucks and you are ready) You are limited to mostly indoor locations, the light is not as intense so 1 - 3 people are the limit and you are more limited on shutter, ISO and aperture settings. Color balance can be a problem
3) A true monolight/strobe head system. You can go with a battery system which is more money but very flexible or you can go with a monolight system that needs an electric hook-up but is cheaper.
I have all three.
I use my Nikon 2 flash system and relfectors when shooting outdoors, events where I need mobility and anything else photojournal style. I have a couple quantum batteries for longer power and quicker recycles.
I have a Speedotron battery system for advertising, studio, indoor sports and set-up work. My Speedotron system
I have various hot lights/work lights for tabletop and product shots when unusual lighting is needed.
All of that can go in my sports wagon but I usually leave the hot lights at home because they are heavty and dangerous useless for 90% of my stuff. The Speedotrons produce so much light I only use them for
weddings, events or sports but I still carry them because they are so portable and useful.
My Nikon flash system is the workhorse and a great way to shoot out of a very compact set-up.
Message edited by author 2006-10-05 11:08:26. |
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10/05/2006 11:16:05 AM · #3 |
| You should really check out the Strobist website by David Hobby. In the section Lighting 101 he has some great suggestions for portable light stands and umbrellas, along with lots of other helpful tips, most of it quite affordable (except for the Pocket Wizards...). According to Strobist, you should be able to get by with 2 or 3 flashes, when you set them up carefully these would be powerful enough for portraits. |
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10/05/2006 11:43:20 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by nicoledb:
You should really check out the Strobist website by David Hobby. In the section Lighting 101 he has some great suggestions for portable light stands and umbrellas, along with lots of other helpful tips, most of it quite affordable (except for the Pocket Wizards...). According to Strobist, you should be able to get by with 2 or 3 flashes, when you set them up carefully these would be powerful enough for portraits. |
That is a great source..I really like the Photoshop diagram available...wonderful for making notes of lighting set-ups. You have saved my life! I never had a cool diagram like this so I could recreate my product set-ups.
DPC is such a great resource! |
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10/05/2006 11:50:34 AM · #5 |
Great link this one. Thanks a lot....
Álex.
Originally posted by nicoledb:
You should really check out the Strobist website by David Hobby. In the section Lighting 101 he has some great suggestions for portable light stands and umbrellas, along with lots of other helpful tips, most of it quite affordable (except for the Pocket Wizards...). According to Strobist, you should be able to get by with 2 or 3 flashes, when you set them up carefully these would be powerful enough for portraits. |
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