| Author | Thread |
|
|
12/15/2007 10:23:55 AM · #1 |
I continue to struggle making a decision in terms of purchasing some "lighting" for my camera. I was set on buying a canon 580ex, and a 530ex... then i stumbled upon a site strobist.com, and thought about using one of their cheaper kits. Then though about buying some ABs, now someone told me to look into a parabolic reflector flash kit.. I have no idea what that is....so...
What is a parabolic relfector flash? Also, what would be the best "lighting kit" to purchase. Oh, I guess i should mention that i really want to work on portraits....high quality. Up to this point i have mainly focused on my love of landscape photography.
Any thoughts from you portrait people out there??? |
|
|
|
12/15/2007 11:09:00 AM · #2 |
I have only been at this for a short time but I will give you my 2 cents worth. I have looked at Jordan Matter's(www.jordanmatter.com) work and he is a New York Photog that does mainly natural light portraits. If you are good with natural light, as it sounds like you are from your landscape photography, I would suggest that you master portraits in Natural light before you purchase expensive equipment. I have found that Naturally lit portraits are far more appealing. IMO. You can start with window light and a reflector then progress from there.Here are some that I have done recently with no lights. Just window light and reflector.
  
If you are set on buying lights I can't really help you. There are far more experienced photogs here that can help you.
Good luck!
Message edited by author 2007-12-15 11:09:14. |
|
|
|
12/15/2007 11:12:50 AM · #3 |
I use JTL strobes for studio work, but most people on this site will recommend Alien Bees, so check them out.
For on-the-go work, I use several Canon flashes. I now have 580EXII, 580EX, 550EX and 420EX. I'll have one on camera as both a master and as a fill flash. Then one or more flashes will be off camera functioning as a slave for my "main light".
You can find one of my discussions on this topic here.
|
|
|
|
12/16/2007 09:19:31 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by brimac:
What is a parabolic relfector flash? |
It's just a different type of reflector on the flash head. The reflector that comes standard on ABs/WLs has roughly the same lighting characteristics as a shop light. A parabolic is fluid and more even.
Originally posted by brimac:
Also, what would be the best "lighting kit" to purchase. Oh, I guess i should mention that i really want to work on portraits....high quality. Up to this point i have mainly focused on my love of landscape photography. |
It'd be wrong to say there's a "best". But I do believe in good fits. You really need to be more specific about what you want to get out of your equipment. If you haven't figured out how you like to work, then either borrow or rent if you don't want to invest in buying.
Originally posted by brimac:
Any thoughts from you portrait people out there??? |
Yah, worry more about the people than the lighting ;)
|
|
|
|
12/16/2007 09:36:41 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by LVicari:
I have looked at Jordan Matter's(www.jordanmatter.com) work and he is a New York Photog that does mainly natural light portraits. |
Thanks for that link. Amazing.
I am thinking of selling off a lot of my equipment and I'll watch this thread and will read more about natural light at his site.
Message edited by author 2007-12-16 21:37:37.
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 08/26/2025 06:28:45 PM EDT.
