PJ wants to go studio, what type lights? - FM Forums

Register · Search · Software · Join Upload & Sell · Hosting

Moderated by: Fred Miranda

FM Forums \| Lighting & Studio Techniques \| Join Upload & Sell	Search Used
end

Archive 2008 · PJ wants to go studio, what type lights?

The Image
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #1 · PJ wants to go studio, what type lights?

Hi everyone,
Im a pro photographer but know absolutely nothing about studio lighting, ive only used on-camera speedlights over the years.

Im looking to be getting into corporate type location work such as photographing executives outside or in there offices and other remote location so my battery needs need to dictate that.
So can anybody point me to a primer on types of studio lighting...continuous vs strobes ect ect.

Thanks

Edited on May 21, 2008 at 02:20 AM

May 21, 2008 at 01:37 AM

Jarrad Kevin
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #2 · PJ wants to go studio, what type lights?

Many options. A budget would help.

May 21, 2008 at 02:25 AM

bacilonur
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #3 · PJ wants to go studio, what type lights?

Forget continuous.

Read Strobist for 5 or 6 hours and you'll start feeling the groove.

If you've got a tight budget: Vivitar 283, 285, or Nikon SB-24, 26, 25, or 28. Cactus triggers. $300-ish.

If you can spend a bit: Canon 580 x 2 (or 3, or 4, or...), then Radio Poppers or Pocket Wizards. Or both. $1k+.

May 21, 2008 at 02:36 AM

The Image
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #4 · PJ wants to go studio, what type lights?

My budget around $3500.00 usd, I want to move away from camera flashes such as 580ex, and have real studio strobes with lots of power.

May 21, 2008 at 02:49 AM

bacilonur
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #5 · PJ wants to go studio, what type lights?

Oh, cool.

For 3.5k you can almost get two kits, which I'm sure will come in handy. But that wouldn't leave you with anything for modifiers.

Elinchrom Ranger (Speed gets you 3 second recycle at 18lbs, non-speed gives 6 seconds at 13lbs), Profoto 600R (600 w/s, unlike the rest of these), Hensel Porty, or Broncolor Mobil. There are a few others, like the Visatec and Comet's PMT. They're all around the same price, around 2-2.4k for a pack and head brand new, or 1.5-ish used. The modifiers will make a big difference, though, unless you're just planning on keeping it totally portable, in which case you can stock up on umbrellas and be done with it.

May 21, 2008 at 03:02 AM

Jarrad Kevin
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #6 · PJ wants to go studio, what type lights?

You can get a 2 head Speedotron 1500ws Digital Explorer kit for under $2800. Includes a couple stands, umbrellas and case. Leaves some room for some extra modifiers.

May 21, 2008 at 03:28 AM

vidoprof
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #7 · PJ wants to go studio, what type lights?

Just my $.02. I have monolights now 3x White Lightning 1600's and they are great. I really like the power that they have and are not that heavy.

I am looking into getting a pack system too and I will tell you that the money goes quick. I think I got all my WL's and the modifiers for under $3500 though

Ryan

May 21, 2008 at 03:31 AM

Justin Berman
Offline
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #8 · PJ wants to go studio, what type lights?

Because you have cited your location requirements as "outdoor and indoor executive photography" I shall assume you want a 2 light setup on location. You can supplement this with your 580.

You need to consider the following:
- Is this a bandaid solution to a current spate of jobs, or the beginning of a longterm investment into studio gear?
- How much do you know about light, how zealously are you willing to learn?
- Most importantly, how much revenue do you believe this will generate for you?

There is a really strong weight toward the last one as a pro photographer. You simply should not buy gear you don't have a business need for as a business expenditure. What you do with the rest of your take home is up to you.

May 21, 2008 at 01:36 PM


FM Forums \| Lighting & Studio Techniques \| Join Upload & Sell end