Need some info on lighting.

EireRoadUser

Was talking a few threads ago about getting a flash ,I like the idea of an area being filled with correct light and getting an exact shot but thats not really why I bought a digital SLR.
Professionaly I know a flash is like ink in a pen ,but I have so many shots in mind that don't envolve a flash that i don't think i could master a flash yet.

Basically i was looking at a kit called portaflash ,kit 3 which i can buy if anyone has any views on it.
I can easily get some black material and find a wall and a table for background.

I really am not sure if this kit is what i need ,so if anyone has any ideas.

Fajitas!

http://www.hiltonphoto.co.uk/products/details/9330.html

Is that it?

Seems like a decent piece of kit. Just a question, do you have a flashgun?

Or have you had any experience in a studio?

I wouldn't reccommend buying it yet if you haven't!

Get some more experience first!

EireRoadUser

http://www.firstcall-photographic.co.uk/pp/Studio_Lighting/Portaflash_Studio_Lighting/Portaflash_Studio_Kit_3,_4_Lighting_Unit,_Complete_Kit.html

Sorry never found actual manufacturers site.

Fajitas!

Lol, for a start, the link in mine is a hundred pounds cheaper

EireRoadUser

I got a price of 550 euro
I don't really mind paying for stuff if i know i'll feel comfortable using it.
I would never feel comfortable with a 3,500 euro lense that someone could buy for 2100 euro

Fajitas!

I should think so, for the time being!

See where it takes you!

FinoBlad

What are you thinking of photographing with the kit?

You mentioned a black background so I'm thinking you're goanna do low key portraits and stuff like that.

I've an elinchrom studio system and I'd honestly advise anyone to try using a dedicated flash unit for their camera first and explore the possibilites with it first. As I said in another thread the new canon 580 is really excellent.

Post or PM me what you want to do and can give better advice.

EireRoadUser

One shot in paticular is a bible with a red glass of wine beside it ,and then talcum powder in lines on the bible ,(How much religion has changed)

I don't want to have a real bright image ,but rather dusky.

FinoBlad

EireRoadUser wrote:

One shot in paticular is a bible with a red glass of wine beside it ,and then talcum powder in lines on the bible ,(How much religion has changed)

I don't want to have a real bright image ,but rather dusky.

Candle light and some window light might be good for that, sounds interesting idea. Do you have a tripod. A cable release or self timer would be useful also.

EireRoadUser

Cheers again fino ,Candle sounds good .I suppose it's something i'll have to delve into and see what happens .If i come accross anything of interest I'll share here.

In regards to a flash, I will have to get one soon. It's hard to part with money when it's not something I had in mind ,but it will probably be something i will not be able to do without once i start using it.

P.S. Can a flash be used in a slow moving shot ,i.e something blurred because it's moving ??

Borderfox

I think thats called slow synch flash

Fajitas!

It can, but it will freeze whatever the flash is fired at. This can have some pretty cool effects though, a friend of mine has a whole 'style' built up around it, don't have too many to hand, but these are pretty much it...


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f46/elementary_penguin/brendan2.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f46/elementary_penguin/017c79ce.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f46/elementary_penguin/7e469a68.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f46/elementary_penguin/9fe9fce4.jpg

It's basically putting on a long exposure like 2 seconds, in a dark room with some lights, and using a flash with it, then almost like drawing with whats left of the lights...Hard to explain.

FinoBlad

EireRoadUser wrote:

P.S. Can a flash be used in a slow moving shot ,i.e something blurred because it's moving ??

Yes

EireRoadUser

As usual everyone comes up trumps with info ,thanks lads for your help .

BTW ,are any regular poster's here girls ??
If there are ,I'm available as a model anytime

FinoBlad

EireRoadUser wrote:

If there are ,I'm available as a model anytime

Selling your body for a new flash, now theres an idea