Setting up a new studio... - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

06/08/2006 09:52:11 AM · #1

I have the perfect room for a studio in my house. Most importantly I want to do some portraits.

I have a budget of less than $1000.00. I want at least 2 flash heads w/umbrellas or maybe a softlight, and 1 or 2 backgrounds. I have a really nice bench.

I was looking on www.adorama.com but just don't know where to start. I have nowhere in driving distance to look at any of this stuff.

Please help me get started....

fotomann_forever

06/08/2006 10:03:18 AM · #2

This Light Kit is pretty good and won't blow your budget.

ignite

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

06/08/2006 10:07:29 AM · #3

Now that you have decided on strobes (I guess that's what you meant by flash heads), you'll have to spend some money ;-) Depends mostly on the size of the room and how much light you'll need. You can make do with one strobe with a softbox and a few reflectors for a start.

For backgrounds, you don't really need to buy a professional setup. Many people here use regular good quality velvet to make their backdrops.

More experienced people will be coming along shortly with better advice. I'm just a hot-lights guy ;-)

Cutter

Nikon D700

06/08/2006 11:23:50 AM · #4

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

This Light Kit is pretty good and won't blow your budget.

How do you know this is a good one? I am weakest in the area of lighting, so I am just asking sincerely. Can anyone else concur with fotomann on this particular set?

How about the difference in the group of lighting B&H offer:

1. AC Strobe Kits
2. Monolight Kits

Or what would be the difference in use and quality in someting like the one fotomann posted and this one:

Monolight Kit

ignite

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

06/08/2006 11:50:55 AM · #5

The one you posted (Paterson)is much better, thus more expensive. More wattage, better recycle time, more control, and a modelling light, and a few other nice features.

If you think you are weak in lighting, then I would suggest not starting with something so expensive. Many great photographers started with cheap halogen work lights and then moved on to strobes as their skill increased. The other one will do you good. The Paterson model is too much for a beginner. But if you can afford it, then it's your choice.

Message edited by author 2006-06-08 11:54:00.

Prof_Fate

06/08/2006 12:03:59 PM · #6

paterson Stellar 300ws kit w/ 2 umbrellas and stands from b&h for $499. As powerful as AB800s for less than the cost of AB400s. Good lights.

//www.coleandcompany.com/ for muslin backgrounds - painted ones, 10x20 feet are $139 for basic ones (old masters, scenic are more of course). I got one on sale for $99. Lots of colors to choose from - i wanted blue - he had 4 varaitions on blue - from very light to very dark. how you light it will make it look different ways too.

Why 10x20? you can of course make do with smaller, but the 20' length lets you drape it out onto the floor for a seamless look, and over posing boxes, etc as well. you can also turn it sideways for groups or active subjects (kids, pets).

get a reflector and stand ($100-150) - this will act as your fill light most of hte time. westcott has some nice ones - 42" works for most things and is not so large as to be a problem.

white and black BGs - go to walmart and buy king size flat sheets - under $15 each and plenty big for most things. you may want 2 white sheets.

savage makes decent background stands, some come with paper (get white).

get the master lighting guide by christopher grey. (amazon $18)

get a lightmeter - sekonic L358 for about $200-250 is excellent.

Play with all that and go from there once you get the hang of it.

Message edited by author 2006-06-08 12:04:20.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

06/08/2006 12:04:16 PM · #7

I could probably get away with spending the money on the Patterson model. But will that be all I need. I have a Nikon D200 camera (I love it) and 1 lens. Will it fire off the strobes by itself? I am reading the manual and can't seem to get that straight.

I want a 50mm f/1.4 prime but will wait on that for a while. The only other thing I need is some backdrops and models.

I think I want a handheld reflector also, or one I could position on a stand.

I saw places to rent lenes for a week. Does anyone know a place to rent lighting for a week. Then maybe I will know what I don't want.

TonyT

Prof_Fate

06/08/2006 12:09:20 PM · #8

Originally posted by tonytmtsh:

99% of rental lighting is high end pro stuff - $2,000 a light if you want to buy it. Nice stuff, but not what you'll be buying.

30-200mm is the prefered range - 200 is nice for head shots (if you have the studio space) and 30 for groups or small studios (on your camera it's like a 45mm so it's not so wide as to distort the folks)

the paterson's come with a PC cord - it conects from one light to your camera. canon's have a PC socket, i don't think nikon's do...nikon sells a hot shoe to PC adapter, get that. the second (and mroe if you have them) lights fire when they see a strobe fire. paterson makes a hot shoe IR trigger for about $40 - only adorama carries it.

when shooting with stobes you shoot at F5.6-11 so a 'fast' lens means nothing. I use a Tamron SP24-135 3.5-5.6 - very sharp and nice range in a studio and it does macro/close focus to getting a slightly OOF BG is easy. about $400 for the lens and an excellent lens.

TrynityRose

Nikon D100

06/08/2006 12:22:29 PM · #9

Originally posted by tonytmtsh:

Yes and no. Yes it will fire because the strobes have red slave units on them but then you also have to factor in a third light (your camera flash) in the shot and the speed it takes to set off the strobes. If your camera position is too low or too high to send a signal the strobes just dont work right. I'm not sure if the D200 has a PC-cord option, if it does then just use the sync cords that come with the strobes. If the D200 doesnt then you'll either need the AS-15 from Nikon for about 19 dollars (currently on back order, grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr) or a hotshoe-to-pc adapter from somewhere like Ritz Camera for 10 dollars.

Originally posted by tonytmtsh:

I want a 50mm f/1.4 prime but will wait on that for a while. The only other thing I need is some backdrops and models.

The 50m f/1.8 is under 100 dollars and is a very very excellent lens. It should shallow enough for most of your portrait work.

You can get a stand and a roll of white paper on Amazon for about 50 dollars (havent checked lately but it's roughly that). They also have other colors for pretty cheap.

-Trin

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM II

06/08/2006 01:08:06 PM · #10

I am looking in the book for my D200 and it does have a "Sync Terminal" on the side. It says, "A sync calbe can be connected to the sync terminal as required. Do not connect another Speedlight via a sync cable when performing rear-curtain sync flash photography with an SB-series Speedlights such as the 800, 600, blah blah.

So, maybe that is a "PC" cord option.

It's all this terminology that is really messing me up.

I like the idea of an IR remote. Having a wire on my camera doesn't appeal to me at all. I have a hard enough time now moving around.

Ok. I am putting all this info together. I will list everything that will be on my order, and then you guys can attack and make suggestions.

Wow. Thanks for a lot of the help. Where do I send my check?

colyla

Canon EOS-50D

06/08/2006 01:15:23 PM · #11

I think Alienyst said he was quitting photography and selling all his stuff. He has a decent light set he bought not too long ago. Send him a PM for pictures/prices!

DanSig

06/08/2006 01:20:42 PM · #12

just send me the $1000 and I'll let you use my studio when you need it ;)

06/08/2006 01:41:58 PM · #13

Originally posted by DanSig:

just send me the $1000 and I'll let you use my studio when you need it ;)

Let me know your address and I am sure you will get something in the mail! :)

(It is a joke!!!)

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

06/08/2006 01:43:35 PM · #14

I appreciate the info, but I would rather flush good money down the toilet and get new stuff. I always have problems with things and it will give somewhere to go for help.

Originally posted by colyla:

I think Alienyst said he was quitting photography and selling all his stuff. He has a decent light set he bought not too long ago. Send him a PM for pictures/prices!

TrynityRose

Nikon D100

06/08/2006 04:33:24 PM · #15

Originally posted by tonytmtsh:

I like the idea of an IR remote. Having a wire on my camera doesn't appeal to me at all. I have a hard enough time now moving around.

I've heard a lot of things about the IR remote from it's good to it's crappy. I havent tried it and have thought about it, but I've read that the functuality of it depends on the position of your camera and that it doesnt do so well outside.

Another option is to go wireless with pocketwizards but you're also talking a lot more money.

If you're starting out I would recommend using the cord system to get the feel for it and then branch out after you've learnt more stuff about what it is you want and need.