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10/27/2005 11:36:08 AM · #1 |
I still consider myself amateur photographer...I've got a lot of the basics down. But I want to start getting into studio photography. I work at a private school and they want me to be the photographer for a big party that they are having in one month. I happily agreed, but at the same time I was a little nervous because they want to have a setup for group and couple shots...i.e. they want some sort of "studio" setup where people can come and have their pictures taken (it will be at night).
I would really appreciate it if someone could help me with the following:
1. How much would a relatively cheap (actually very cheap but decent) umbrella lighting system cost (and what would be a good resource...on the net...to learn how to use it, quickly!)?
2. In general, with a typical lighting system (maybe two umbrellas), what kind of camera settings...ISO, shutter speed, aperature...are normally used?
I think this will be a great experience, but at the same time, I'm a little nervous about getting it right! Thanks for your help.
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10/27/2005 11:52:31 AM · #2 |
Believe it or not, I found some very helpful information here:
adorama photo school
They have great information on soft boxes...
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10/27/2005 12:00:38 PM · #3 |
Probably your best bet would be to use speedlights as they automaticaly set the exposure. If you use studio flashes, then you will need a light meeter to get a good exposure, & they can run well into the hundreds. The disadvantage of the speedlights is they are not as powerfull as a studio flash.
You will need a master. Either 580EX, 550EX, or STE2.
Then it will consist of one or more slaves. Pick one or more.
580EX, 550EX, 430EX, or 420EX.
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10/27/2005 12:20:32 PM · #4 |
I do this type of thing all the time.
A three light set-up is ideal with a muslin backdrop.
I use White Lightning. A 1200 for the main shot into a silver umbrella (bouncing into the subjects direction) a 800 for fill light shot through a white umbrella (in the direction fo the subject). These two are set at 45 degree angles of the subject.
The third light is another White Lightning set as a backdrop fill light (set up behind the subject, at the base of the backdrop, shooting up the backdrop to create a nice gradient with highlight behind the subject)
Set the main at 75%-100% power, set the second at about 2 f stops lower and have the back fill about half ( you will have to test the set-up based on prevailing light, distance etc)
I set my camera at about 1/125th sec, F-8-F11, with no higher than about 200 iso. I use an 85mm, manual focus pc lens
You can get some inexpensive 3 light set-ups for under $400. The White Lightning set-up we use is about $1,500 http:(//www.white-lightning.com/portrait.html) which might be a stretch for beginners but it is as bullet proof, fast, flexible and as simple to use as you can get in a professional set-up without spending over $3,000.
Try a Smith-Victor from B&H photo at about $390(//www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=250312&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation)
or just do a search at B&H Photo and list the kits by price.
DO NOT SKIMP ON THE BACKDROP!
A properly produced backdrop can make a simple portrait shot look like a pro (properly lit and positioned).
Hope this helps.
Message edited by author 2005-10-27 12:22:13. |
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10/27/2005 01:04:28 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by hokie:
DO NOT SKIMP ON THE BACKDROP!
A properly produced backdrop can make a simple portrait shot look like a pro (properly lit and positioned).
Hope this helps. |
True. It's the secret to my portraits. Hell, I don't even light them that much, I just throw up my denny backdrop and wallah!! Jk. A good backdrop does help a lot.
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10/27/2005 01:32:49 PM · #6 |
well since no one else has mentioned it yet.. check out
alien bees
they seem to be all the rage around here. Good quality for the price.. same maker as the white lighning lights.. just a little bit of a scaled down version but still very acceptable.
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10/27/2005 01:33:18 PM · #7 |
double post :(
Message edited by author 2005-10-27 13:33:46.
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