Looking for good lighting kit for getting started in portrait photography

13 years 3 days ago #55679 by SJM
I might as well post this and see what responses I get. I would like to get more into portrait photography and have about $1700 to spend on lighting equipment. What can I get for that? Are there any decent portable setups with battery packs that I can get?

Country guy living in the big Apple!
Photo Comments
,
13 years 2 days ago #56255 by Gabriel Photos
Hensel has a nice kit: Integra Pro Plus
Impact has a pretty inexpensive 3 light kit
Photogenic Studiomax III Pro
studio systems excalibur 3200

Those are a few of the more inexpensive "starter" lighting kits I could find. Hope that helps.


Photo Comments
,
12 years 11 months ago #61393 by Happy-pixel
Have you looked at Novatron or Cowboy Studio?


Photo Comments
,
12 years 11 months ago #61779 by SJM

Happy-pixel wrote: Have you looked at Novatron or Cowboy Studio?


Looking them now, thank you!

Country guy living in the big Apple!
Photo Comments
,
12 years 11 months ago - 12 years 11 months ago #62831 by MLKstudios
These are nice portable lights:

www.calumetphoto.com/eng/product/calumet...o_enabled_kit/ce1310

Add a softbox, a grid set and a background stand and you'll be right around $1700.

Soon you'll want a flash meter and the Sekonic L-358 is popular with the pros. It also allows you to add a wireless module to trigger the lights above. While Calumet has their own version, get the ones that use the Pocket Wizard triggers. Those are the standard in the wireless world.

Matthew

Matthew L Kees
MLK Studios Photography School
www.MLKstudios.com
[email protected]
"Every artist, was once an amateur"

,
12 years 11 months ago #63215 by Number 7

MLKstudios wrote: These are nice portable lights:

www.calumetphoto.com/eng/product/calumet...o_enabled_kit/ce1310

Add a softbox, a grid set and a background stand and you'll be right around $1700.

Soon you'll want a flash meter and the Sekonic L-358 is popular with the pros. It also allows you to add a wireless module to trigger the lights above. While Calumet has their own version, get the ones that use the Pocket Wizard triggers. Those are the standard in the wireless world.

Matthew


How easy are flash meters to use?


Photo Comments
,
12 years 11 months ago #65327 by digitalpimp

Number 7 wrote:

MLKstudios wrote: These are nice portable lights:

www.calumetphoto.com/eng/product/calumet...o_enabled_kit/ce1310

Add a softbox, a grid set and a background stand and you'll be right around $1700.

Soon you'll want a flash meter and the Sekonic L-358 is popular with the pros. It also allows you to add a wireless module to trigger the lights above. While Calumet has their own version, get the ones that use the Pocket Wizard triggers. Those are the standard in the wireless world.

Matthew


How easy are flash meters to use?


How easy were you able to figure out your camera? Light meters are pretty straight forward, just takes hands on messing with :thumbsup: :thumbsup:


Photo Comments
,
12 years 11 months ago #65591 by MLKstudios
Basic steps for a flash meter are:

1. Set the ISO on the meter to match the camera's ISO setting
2. Match the shutter speed to the camera
3. Attach the flash cord (if you don't have wireless)
4. Hold near the cheek and push a button.

The meter will give you the correct aperture (f/stop) to use. Depending on the meter in can be set to indicate 1/3rd stops that match your camera or 1/10th of a stop.

Note that shutter speed is almost irrelevant when using a strobe as it is the duration of the strobe light that becomes the shutter speed. But your camera must be set to sync speed or below.

Matthew

Matthew L Kees
MLK Studios Photography School
www.MLKstudios.com
[email protected]
"Every artist, was once an amateur"

,
12 years 11 months ago - 12 years 11 months ago #65657 by angbrey
ALIEN BEES!

I have a set of four and I LOVE THEM. They have model lamps and you can remotely control any adjustments...plus they come in awesome colors!

They have packages that include softboxes and light stands too.

www.alienbees.com/packages.html

~ Angela ~
,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Panasonic G9 II is a 25.2-megapixel micro four thirds camera with numerous features that make it punch out of its weight class, like 779 AF points, 5.8K video, and weather sealing.

May 10, 2024

The Fujifilm XT5 is a 40MP mirrorless camera capable of 6.2K video at 30p. With those specs, it’s an ideal choice for photographers needing a camera to pull double duty for imaging and video.

Apr 25, 2024

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

Latest Articles

Starting a photography business is one thing; sustaining your business over a long period of time is another. Use the tips in this professional photography guide to build something with longevity!

May 13, 2024

The Panasonic G9 II is a 25.2-megapixel micro four thirds camera with numerous features that make it punch out of its weight class, like 779 AF points, 5.8K video, and weather sealing.

May 10, 2024

Cinematic photography is an interesting genre that combines photographic and videographic skills along with effective storytelling techniques. The result? Highly impactful images!

May 09, 2024

Newborn photography requires skill, the right gear, and a lot of patience. This beginner’s guide discusses critical topics that will help you be more prepared for before, during, and after the shoot.

May 08, 2024

To fill the frame means to expand the footprint of the subject in your shot. Get in close, zoom in, crop the image, or use other techniques to bring the subject to the forefront.

May 06, 2024

With these simple yet effective beginner photography tips, you can avoid some of the common mistakes beginners make and get improved results with your images.

May 06, 2024

Urban photography is a genre showcasing features in urban settings. You can photograph people, architecture, mass transit, and many other subjects. Learn how to do so in this guide!

Apr 30, 2024

The Nikon D850 might be an older DSLR, but it was ahead of its time when it debuted in 2017. That means it still has plenty of firepower to compete with today’s powerful mirrorless cameras.

Apr 30, 2024