Studio Lighting Advice

superflyninja

Hi all,
Im lucky enough to have loads of space for a studio. So im thinking of setting up a barebones one just to take photos of the kids. Ive ordered a few reflectors and white brollys from china along with this http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160736711515

So are there any good recommendations on inexpensive lights? Im not looking for pro quality. Or good recommendations for cheap backdrops? Also do i need some slave flashes or would a decently lit scene and the flash linked above suffice?

cheers (people photos hasnt really been my thing so its a new area for me)

condra

The Yongnuo radio triggers are great for remote flash, and if you shoot Canon, the newer Yongnuo transceivers will allow you to set the flash output power from your camera menu, assuming you are working with flash, as opposed to studio strobes.

Alltherage

It(the yn622) wont help with a 560 II though as it's power can only be set manually. Though getting your flash off camera would open your options up considerably.

I'm going to hold off on recommending the cheaper yn603 as I recall there being an issue with them needing the wake signal from a Canon or Nikon camera to identify when they're being used as the transmitter. There was a modification that altered one to always act as a transmitter but you need to be comfortable soldering to attempt it. This meant they would work with any camera.

condra

grabbed from the web...

The following flashes will “support wireless remote control through camera menu”:

Canon 600EX, 600EX-RT, 580EX II, 430EX II, 320EX, 270EX II
YongNuo YN-565EX, YN468, YN468 II, YN467, YN467 II, YN465

That's not to say that your 560ii will be useless, but you will simply have to adjust the power at the back of the flash.
Not the end of the world, you will quickly have your "starting point settings", especially for studio work with no ambient light.

Keep an eye out for strobist training videos. You can do a LOT with just one remote flash and a reflector.

condra

superflyninja wrote: »

Im not looking for pro quality.

Too late. The 560ii is more than capable of "pro quality"!

Or good recommendations for cheap backdrops?

A grey backdrop can be used for colour, black or white depending on how you light it. With a fast 85mm lens and a bit of space, you will be able to blur the heck out of your background, so even a wall, or some bedsheets could be used.

Also do i need some slave flashes or would a decently lit scene and the flash linked above suffice?

More flashes will give you more options, such as lighting the background, hair, etc.

Check out Dublin Strobists group on Facebook. There will be some get togethers throughout the summer.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/dublinstrobist/

superflyninja

cheers! Though im actually using olympus! Would the flash with reflector be pretty ok to get on with? Or would I possibly need some white LED work lights?

Ill have a gander at that facebook cheers

condra

superflyninja wrote: »

cheers! Though im actually using olympus! Would the flash with reflector be pretty ok to get on with? Or would I possibly need some white LED work lights?

Ill have a gander at that facebook cheers

A flash on your camera is not a good idea as it will not give flattering results. Assuming you have the flash off camera, yes, one flash and reflector is capable of beautiful results.

I wouldn't be inclined to mix flash with LED work lights, in terms of lighting your subject. Some ambient light from a distant window or overhead tungsten can be overpowered by the flash.

Think of it this way. With one flash and a reflector you have a key light, and some fill. With another flash, you have the option of doing some rim lighting, backlighting, clamshell lighting, etc.