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09/02/2008 12:26:01 AM · #1 |
Hi - I'm hoping someone might be able to help me with my choice of lighting for my new studio. Up until now I've done all my work using natural light, but want to set up a home studio for portraits and macro work. I know most people seem to use flash, but I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with continuous lighting systems. As a former muso I've had heaps of sessions on the other side of the camera, and personally MUCH prefer continuous lighting - mainly because I'm sensitive to light and the flash makes me blink. In the effort not to blink I find I get a rather ridiculous expression on my face. I've also heard that animals hate flash, particularly dogs, and I am branching out into pet portraits, so continuous seems to make sense. BUT.....there are so many complaints of the heat, and having not actually used them, I don't know what other pitfalls I might incur. If anyone answers this, any brand recommendations would be great too. Feel free to swing me to flash if you can....a new dpchallenge for you!
cheers,
Trish
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09/02/2008 12:57:43 AM · #2 |
Trish,
I just did a search on the Forums for Studio Lights - click the link, looks like lots of bits of information there for you to digest.
Lisa |
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09/02/2008 12:58:35 AM · #3 |
I use some ancient Smith Victors and yeah, they are HOT!! I'm still trying to figure out how to make any sort of softbox or the like that'll handle the heat. Shooting time is very limited before I have to turn them off for a while.
But I couldn't beat the price, so I'll use 'em! :) |
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09/02/2008 01:08:06 AM · #4 |
Hey Trish,
I use continuous lights in just about every shot I do for work right now and have come to love them.
Some examples:
[thumb]717386[/thumb] Product shot done for work's website.
 Self portrait (sorry) that I only used continuous lights and had a silver reflector in my lap.
However, I still use my speedlights quite often to get the lighting just right or when I'm shooting something that the continuous lights just can't fully light up. That's where flash units (like Alien Bees ect.) really shine with controllable output of power. I think what it mostly boils down to is that it's a lot cheaper to get into continuous lights on the front end, then upgrade (or add to) to external flash units as you move forward.
At least that's what I keep telling myself! :)
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09/02/2008 01:51:10 AM · #5 |
Many of my shots are using continuous lighting. Here is an example.
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09/02/2008 01:56:17 AM · #6 |
| This is great to hear, thanks for the responses. Judi and Steve, which brand of continuous do you guys have? I've heard there are cool continuous lights out there too - although I think they're chinese built so not sure of the quality. Any ideas? |
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09/02/2008 02:23:18 AM · #7 |
I have 6 x lights....made up of 2 x 300w, 2 x 800w and 2 x 1000w. I generally only use the 2 x 1000w but every now and again I bring in the 2 x 800w...(I am too lazy to drag out the 300w's. The 300's and the 800's are also strobe lights so they are mainly used for portable shoots. The 300's have a portable battery pack which I mainly use when shooting underground. But for continuous, I usually have a mixture of white/silver umbrellas and soft boxes. And on the odd occasion a large reflector. All the lights are of different brands. I cannot purchase any equipment (not even cameras) where I live...I have to make do with what I can get online. The couriers all no where to leave my goods when I am not at home...lol!
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09/02/2008 02:24:24 AM · #8 |
Hey Lisa, thanks for that tip - I tried doing a search on 'lighting' on the forums but of course it didn't bring up anything close to what 'studio lights' brings up. Looks like I have a million hours of reading to do! By the way, hello to you in Melbourne, how's the weather down there? Your little girl is absolutely gorgeous, and I love the shots you've taken of her.
Trish |
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09/02/2008 08:26:27 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by jettyimages:
Hey Lisa, thanks for that tip - I tried doing a search on 'lighting' on the forums but of course it didn't bring up anything close to what 'studio lights' brings up. Looks like I have a million hours of reading to do! By the way, hello to you in Melbourne, how's the weather down there? Your little girl is absolutely gorgeous, and I love the shots you've taken of her.
Trish |
Remember to uncheck the Body checkbox before searching.
continuous lighting |
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