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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Studio flash setup options
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 11/02/2005 02:08:51 PM · #1
I am looking into setting up a studio lighting setup.
As usual the funds/wife won't permit me to buy everything I need at once so I need to optomize.
I do a lot of stock orientated photos, so a white background for isolated subjects/people goes down well.
Also I want to be able to photograph more than one person at a time.

I assume I need at least a 3 light setup.

1 main with a large softbox, or large silver or gold reflector umbrella.
1 fill probably with a shoot through umbrella (Nice and cheap)
1 Background light (Modifyer ??)

Currently I have a 580EX which I could use with an optical trigger.
If I can find it I also have an old Pentax flash somewhere also.

So what would be the best setup for this.
A Studio flash for the main
A Studio flash for the background
The 580 as fill?

I have looked at a local web site from a company called Wallimex and could put together the following system.
It seems to be the cheapest way I can set up a 3 light studio.

1 x 350 WS Light stand and Reflector umbrella (Main)
1 x 250 WS Fill with stand and shoot through umbrella.
5 meter Hot shoe cable (For my 350D).
110 cm Gold umbrella

Then for the background:
1 x stand plus an Optical hotshoe slave for my 580 EX.

Total price 460.00 Euro

Does this sound feasible?

Any comments would be appreciated.
Can I use the 580 EX with an optical trigger in manual mode?
11/02/2005 08:33:38 PM · #2
I have two Alien Bees units and I haven't figured out how to use both of them well yet... no way I'd know what to do with three. :)

I don't know what your level of experience is, but I'd suggest starting out simple and working up to a 3 light setup.

For product/stock work a light cube and 2 strobes is more than sufficient. Check out my "light on white" challenge entry for an example. Also my wife's entry (which got 29th place in the same challenge) was made in the exact same setup.

Edit: Don't forget you'll need a flash meter as well. I forgot about that one and was rather frustrated for a week or so until I got one.

Message edited by author 2005-11-02 20:34:18.
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