Question for Readers: Studio Lighting Equipment
For some time now, I’ve wanted to experiment and learn more about lighting and portraiture. As far as lighting goes, I own one Canon Speedlite 580EX II and the STE-2 wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter has definitely opened up my options a bit as far as lighting goes, but I still don’t feel like I have enough to do real portraiture. As a result, I’ve been considering buying some studio lighting equipment. Unfortunately, I have no idea where to start.
I have been browsing through B&H Photo Video lately looking at my options. I found the following Tungsten Miniboom Three Flood Light Kit that didn’t appear too expensive (around $200). I was thinking of purchasing this along with a backdrop or two. Photo below linked to B&H:
So, for those of you that have already begun assembling your home studio, what would you recommend for a beginner? I don’t want to spend a huge amount of money to get started but I would be willing to put in a few hundred bucks for a basic set up and then work on expanding that. Thoughts? Recommendations?
Thank you for posting this question Shawn. It is one of the thing s I have been looking at lately, along with a tripod, better flash and a macro lens. Don’t forget the backdrops!
Thanks Royston! I’ll definitely let you know what I end up getting… Oh, yeah, you’re right… Can’t forget the backdrops! Hehe.
NO, Do not do it!! The one thing I know about buying gear for the last 20 years is that the cheap stuff is just that. Scott Kelby covered lighting last week on his blog, go to http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/. If your are really looking for continuos light go with spiderlites, those tungsten lights and are only good for keeping food hot or baking. Get some decent light stands, Justin clamps, umbrellas, and another Canon strobe or two, and a decent white silver reflector. go to wal mart and get some black velvet for a background , and poof you got a miny studio to play in, actually with the one light you have the stand, clamp, reflector you could do some interesting stuff with. I told you I could go on about this stuff forever.
BTW The shot of my son and daughter with the guitar was only one 600ws head on a medium soft box, with a reflector.
Save your money…..
I’d recommend you don’t do these light kits. I did and it was a waste. Scott Kelby’s discussion referenced in an earlier comment is good. Or you can go read http://strobist.com and get:
1. 1 small lumopro lightstands
2. a couple of foldup umbrellas (white shoot thru, silver reflective - or one convertible)
3. Some AA rechargable batteries and a charger (if you don’t have them)
You can do some beautiful portraiture with this kit. You can add few Vivitar speedlights for more power.
Personally, I did both. I have the light kit for locations (a few speedlights) and a few Alien Bees lights for the studio.
Hit strobist first…
I’ll agree with hitting strobist for some diy lighting tricks with speedlights, but if you feel like you really need “studio lights” I’v used http://www.alienbees.com/ in the past. They are affordable and durable. Easily the best bang for your buck as far as studio lighting goes.
Wow! Thanks for all the incredible feedback! I feel like everyone’s talked me down from a ledge of sorts.
I guess for the time being then, I’m going to continue reading through Scott Kelby’s lighting posts and not buy the kit.
Thanks everyone!
Good luck! I so want to do this one day!
Thanks Heather! I’ll be sure to keep the site updated!