Studio lighting...

PaulieC

when I say studio, I mean large white background on a stand. I've had it for over a year and not really used it too much. I have 1 stand with an E27 buld/flash holder and a white umbrella which currently has a 150w buld which isn't really worth a fiddlers, so I've not used the kit much.
If one were to get some lighting, what would be best? Continuous lighting, flash heads, softboxes, umbrellas ? I guess if the end result is the same it doesn't really matter ?

rymus

I got an elinchrom dlite4 kit from barkers some time ago that's proven to be interesting (when I've got the space to set it up)

Only really used the softboxes yet, planned on getting some reflectors and umbrellas at some stage. Harder to get into that kinda stuff down here, what with no studios available to rent and all...

Just throwing in my 2 cents, not really competant or wise enough to be able to comment or critique kit in any realistic way just yet. That kit I got has served me well through a load of messing/experimentation and a few paid jobs though.

PaulieC

oh it wouldn't be professional in any way. Looking for something cheap and cheerful that I can setup in the house as and when. Would be mostly for my kids and that. Just wondering if umbrellas or softboxes are best. Oh and the flash or continuous lighting...

rymus

The softboxes I have produce great lighting anyway.. And the lights themselves are flash heads with a modelling light.

PaulieC

Thanks Rymus. I think I'll try to cobble something like that together to see how it goes

bogort

Hi
I'd definately go for flash heads if I were you. tungsten lights use a lot more power to produce less light and they also get very hot which can be uncomfortable. Softboxes are good of course but umbrellas would be a lot easier to store (soft boxes are a bit more awkward to take apart), they are probably also cheaper. the effect is very similar, although softboxes are more efficient (umbrellas lose some light, because they're open at the back)


good luck

Fajitas!

Please...go for softboxes and not umbrella's!!!

So so much easier, and taking them apart isn't that bad, just requires a bit of push. The light from them is so much more complimentary, unless you're doing something specific that you need the umbrellas.

Flash is generally better than modelling lighting, and it's not as hard to learn as one might think.

irishcrazyhorse

Al,i think we both know that way to well! (christ i had to carry you threw that last shoot :P )
but umbrella's 2 suck plain and simple!

Fajitas!

irishcrazyhorse wrote:

Al,i think we both know that way to well! (christ i had to carry you threw that last shoot :P )
but umbrella's 2 suck plain and simple!

What, you mean your shoot?



Umbrella's have their uses. I just prefer softboxes!