In Home Studio

11 years 1 month ago - 11 years 1 month ago #279870 by mj~shutterbugg
Hi. I am debating starting an in home photo studio. What would I need, supply wise, to do this? Lights, backdrops, meter, storage, camera gear and tripod. I am debating between lights- strobes or LED's? Should I build walls around the studio space or leave it open so I have freedom of movement? I know I will need to build up my stash of props and such. It's been forever since I have shot in a studio and would appreciate any help.

Think Off-Center ~ George Carlin
www.mjbrennanphoto.com

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11 years 1 month ago #279875 by KCook
I don't really have a set studio space, just drag my gear around the house. I don't have a meter, and I'm in no hurry to get one. Got only a few lights at this point, and plenty of time for chimping, so no real need for a meter. LEDs are kind of expensive, for continuous lighting I am trying a CFL instead. Cheap as dirt, but it does not put out much light at all. LEDs do not lend themselves to light modifiers. Which makes them simpler to work with. But I am a nut for modifiers, so I expect to go down the strobe path (already have one monolight with beauty dish, soft box, and umbrellas). I might also give a cheap quartz light a fling, as they will work with umbrellas, and put out more light than a CFL.

The fun thing about studio lighting is that there are so many options to play with. The frustrating thing is that the best stuff costs a lot.

no help Kelly

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

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11 years 1 month ago #279914 by mj~shutterbugg
I was thinking strobes myself Kelly. I worked with some (Paul Buff's White Lightning's) this past weekend at an Orchid show and had some great results. I want to do more and we are finally selling our condo, so there will be some extra cash that I *may* get to play with.

Think Off-Center ~ George Carlin
www.mjbrennanphoto.com

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11 years 1 month ago #279923 by KCook
Strobes are a kick. One tricky bit can be which speedrings works with which strobes. Of course umbrellas do not use speedrings at all.

Kelly

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

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11 years 1 month ago #280238 by mj~shutterbugg
I know, but I prefer softboxes. I found a thin rectangular one and an octagon, both look awesome and should offer some nice results. I am even debating a light wall, which I am not sure if it's because I have a need or that I would like to find a need for one, :rofl:

Think Off-Center ~ George Carlin
www.mjbrennanphoto.com

,
11 years 1 month ago #280241 by KCook
My softbox is rectangular, and it has a slight warp to it. Try as I might, I was not able to assemble it so that the face is nice and flat. Instead it has a big, ugly wrinkle in the face running diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner. Which seems to be a common problem with the rectangular softboxes. If you can afford the extra lights and fixtures, stacking little square softboxes might be an alternative setup.

As I have to set up and put away my home gear frequently, I find umbrellas and big reflectors to be a lot less hassle than my softbox. But for a full time studio with enough space, softboxes would be cool.

Kelly

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

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