Small studio setup advice

Exar Kun · Post by **Exar Kun** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 8:15 pm

Giselle is looking at setting up a small studio setup in the house and is after some advice as to what would be the best things to get. She's done a little research and browsing and has found the following stuff - any thoughts?

http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod7386.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.backdropsource.com.au/750_wa ... sInfo.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks

Speed · Post by **Speed** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 8:35 pm

What is she planning on shooting?

I prefer strobes over continuous myself but I reckon 160w/s is pretty light on & might be limiting if she wanted to take them anywhere else in the future. I've also read that the light from cheaper brands is not that consistent.

Second hand might be an option.

J.D. · Post by **J.D.** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 8:48 pm

I wouldn't go 160W. It's possible to go too small.

Maybe this would do:

http://imagemelbourne.com.au/store/cata ... c1b25eda55" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Dex knows a lot more about this than I.

Speed · Post by **Speed** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 10:29 pm

I also think that shoot through umbrellas are a better option than reflective because you can get your light source closer to your subject, which in turn allows you to operate at a lower power.

DexterPunk · Post by **DexterPunk** » Thu Jul 21, 2011 11:48 pm

That will decrease the size of the source though, which changes the lighting conditions.

You need C-Stands Exar... at least 3 of them. And you can just use trace paper to diffuse the light... no real reason to fork out for expensive umbrellas etc. I prefer flash, but if she is new to all this, then a continuous source is an easier way to learn, you can move the lights around and see the effects right away... modelling lights on proper flash heads allow you to do the same, but its all $$$$.. If it were me, and I had the space, I'd be going for some continuous lights/flash, c-stands, and some large A2 trace paper (or bigger if you dont mind paying for it).

Grab 'Light Science and Magic' for her as well. Must read for anyone attempting studio... fairly easy to read with some basic photographic knowledge (basic exposure etc).

Exar Kun · Post by **Exar Kun** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 7:09 am

Thanks guys. She'll be mainly taking pictures of the baby I suspect! We obviously want to keep the cost as low as possible but also have something that can perhaps be built upon.

At the moment she's just using a piece of cardboard as a back drop and our apartment has some nice ambient lighting too:

I'll take a look around for that book and see what we can do on a budget - second hand stuff certainly isn't out of the question. Thanks again.

DexterPunk · Post by **DexterPunk** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 10:00 am

Hmmmm continuous lights might be a bit hot for bub.

Exar Kun · Post by **Exar Kun** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 7:42 pm

Alrighty then, next question - best place to get cheap flashes?

Quincy · Post by **Quincy** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 7:48 pm

Have another kid, then she won't need to take so many shots of the 1st born .

Then, when you hit 3 kids, well, the photos drop of drastically.

Speed · Post by **Speed** » Fri Jul 22, 2011 8:08 pm

Image Melbourne are pretty well priced & have a good range of studio equipment.

I still recommend you keep an eye on the paper for secondhand lights. I think it's not uncommon for people to buy studio lighting, backdrops etc. only to sell it later still in new condition. Good quality stuff lasts really well & will take much more use than the average person will throw at it.

A.R.S.E.