Entry Level Studio Setup - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

09/02/2005 07:02:34 PM · #1

Anybody have any ideas on some cheap, entry level studio setup equipment? I have been asked to take two family weddings/engagements/bridals, and would like to have the basic equipment to do it indoors with controlled lighting and backgrounds. I was thinking I would probably need some stands to hold a backdrop, black velvet and white for the backdrops, set of three lights, and maybe a different lens (last priority though).

I read a post about using shop lights for controlled lighting for inanimate objects, but would they work for portraits also, or would they be too bright? I saw some cheap sets of 3 on b&h for around $200, but they were flood lights. Would those work well?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. One of the weddings is in two weeks, and I would like to have some of it before then.

Thanks!

EddyG

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

09/02/2005 07:17:46 PM · #2

Originally posted by traquino98:

I read a post about using shop lights for controlled lighting for inanimate objects, but would they work for portraits also, or would they be too bright? I saw some cheap sets of 3 on b&h for around $200, but they were flood lights. Would those work well?!

Actually, it is completely opposite. Those bright "work lights" are basically a drop in a bucket compared to the light generated by even a small strobe.

Check out this old thread. In one of my posts, I compare the difference between continuous vs. strobe lighting using some numbers I found on the 'net. To obtain an equivalent exposure for which a single 400 watt-second strobe is required, you would need roughly 50,000 watts of continuous lighting. (A 1000 watt incandescent light is roughly equivalent to the light that would be produced by an 8 W-s "strobe". For comparison, a decent battery-operated camera-mounted flash can typically achieve 30-35 W-s.)

Continuous lighting is fine for things that don't move, since you can use long shutter speeds to account for the difference in light intensity. But for anything that is alive (pets, people, etc.), they can be uncomfortably hot, and long shutter speeds are problematic (because the slightest movement of your subject will blur your photos).

So... I'd recommend strobe-based studio lighting that has a modeling lamp (which can be set to track the power of the strobe) to help you visualize what the light will look like if you plan on shooting people or animals.

I don't think you can go wrong with strobes from Alien Bees. FWIW, I could do most of my portraiture with a single mainlight, large softbox and a reflector. (But I will often add a hairlight for a little extra kick.)

Message edited by author 2005-09-02 19:30:09.

09/02/2005 09:25:17 PM · #3

OK, I read the old thread. It seems that Alien Bees are the most recommended of the bunch. Is that really the case? Any comments from current/past owners would be much appreciated.

Also, besides the lighting, is it recommended to get some stands and a backdrop cloth, or just use standing walls in houses?

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

09/02/2005 10:52:52 PM · #4

Any comments from the night crew? The more I think about it, for a beginner, wouldn't it make sense to do something like multiple camera flashes like the sb-800, but cheap ones, to place off-camera. Or is it much easier to learn with the monolights?

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

09/03/2005 01:48:48 AM · #5

Originally posted by traquino98:

I just PM'ed you with a reply to the email that you sent me. Check your email.

For backdrops, I much prefer paper. I bought 9' wide rolls of seamless background paper at ProPhoto. It comes in tons of colors and it's a lot easier to work with. You can get it from places like B&H or Adorama too.