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Archive 2004 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

divecj5
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p.66 #1 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

Besides not wanting to see this thread go off of the second page...I also just wanted to pose a questions to you guys/gals on here since I know that I can rely on some of you to provide some advice.

This does actually relate to setting up my studio, although it may be a little in the future. I am just delving into the realm of flash photography (well at least studio lighting). I have learned such a wealth of information from the 130 pages of this thread including how I want to have a setup, etc. Although I have a good idea of this aspect and of what I would like to purchase in the future, I am still confused about the process of metering. This is a newbie question but I hope to get some guidance.

First off, I have a Sigma 500 DG Super flash that I'm using on my digital rebel. I am looking to get one AB 800 and stand +some reflectors/softbox. I am just confused on how I would trip the strobe. I know that I can use the Sigma to trip the strobe but is this very effective? I know that the DigiRebel does not have a PC connection so I would have to get a special adapter to physically "plug in" the synch cord to the strobe. What would you all recommend.

Secondly, I am thinking about getting a light/flash meter (Sekonic 358) but I'm unsure of what the process of metering is. I know I use the modeling light on the 800 to get an "idea" of where the light will fall, shadows, etc. Do I trip the strobe and then meter off this reading or do I take an ambient incident reading.

I guess I'm just a little confused. I "googled" the topic and searched on this forum for a step-by-step metering tutorial but with no luck. I want to read about this and learn before I go ahead and get lights and then not be able to use them properly. Any comments on good reading (books or website links) would be awesome.

I hope you guys might be able to steer me in the right direction. Thanks in advance.

Adam

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Feb 24, 2006 at 12:24 PM

BlueEyesPhoto
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p.66 #2 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

Ok, first off, you don't want to use the strobe and flashgun together. It's ok, and typically the results are not what you want. The main thing is that you'll want to set your flashgun to manual.

Now, for how you meter. Since I have that same meter I can relate.

If you want to illuminate the face evenly, meter from the nose with the meter pointing at the camera. If you want more light on one side, you'll need to use a small softbox/unbrella from the side, and meter towards the light. Then set up your other light (if you have one) and meter for that side of the face. This will show you the ratio you're shooting at. Then, for the actual reading, set the meter to culmitive and meter from teh nose again. You'll notice this will give you a "in between" reading. What I do then is remeter for the bright side and then usually find a happy median between the two. This is where you'll want to play around. And remember, it's digital so don't be afraid to waste film.

Now, to trigger the stobe, you can get a cheap transmitter off ebay (sorry I don't have the link ATM) or use a Pocket Wizard. These trigger off the hotshoe rather than a PC shoe.

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Feb 24, 2006 at 01:43 PM

divecj5
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p.66 #3 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

Thanks for the reply Page. I think that sort of points me in the right direction. So my question now is that: so I'm tripping the strobe with the transmitter rather than the pc connection? I guess I'm just a little confused so let me see if I have this correct:

1. I only have a single AB 800 strobe first off witha softbox and an umbrella
2. I setup the 800 depending on what I want lite and in which direction I want it amount
3. I take an incident meter reading from the nose, etc. pointing towards the camera

This is where I start getting a little lost. So I have my camera in Manual mode, set say to F/11 1/250th or something around that. I use the reading from the meter to set the amount (F-stop on the back of the strobe) or using the camera.

Maybe if you could just step me through after step 3 that would be great. Also, it sounds like I need to get a transmitter for the strobe. Is that correct.

I GREATLY appreciate all of the help so thanks in advance. Thanks

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Feb 24, 2006 at 01:51 PM

BlueEyesPhoto
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p.66 #4 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

The way i meter is like this:

First, I set the lights in their places, say we're using just one. I place this light 45 degrees from the models face. Now, with a small box this will mostly just illuminate say the studio right side of her face.

Now, to meter, I would take a meter reading in the center of the studio right side of her face pointing towards the center of the box. Now, in a one light setup, this is mostly all you need. However, because this only shows you the brightest part of the face, the closest (and also focus) will be slightly darker. If you move the meter to their nose, still pointing towards the light, you'll see a slight difference. Depending on what I'm going for, typically I'll use the reading from the tip of the face.

Now, if you're in a two light setup, trying to make one side of the face darker than the other, I'll meter for the studio left and the studio right seperately facing towards each light respectively. This will give you your ratio. So if studio left is 1 stop darker, you have a 2:1 ratio. One side is twice as bright as the other.

Now, if you shoot metered to the darker side, then you'll blow out the bright side, but if you meter towards the bright side, you'll lose some detail in the darker side (if you were doing a 3:1 or a 4:1 ratio.) So what I do is then meter at the nose facing the camera. This will give you a mostly "overall" exposure with a decent balance. Now, this won't be 100% accurate either, and since we still want the bright side properly exposed, I'll then take the halfway point between the "overall" and the studio right (bright side) readings.

Numbers:

2 light setup, going for a 4:1

Bright side meter, facing light: f/11
Dark side, facing light: f/5.6
Overall exposure: f/8 (literally halfway.)
So, I take the halfway point between the bright and overall for: f/9 or f/10.

16:1 ratio:

Bright side: f/16
Dark side: f/5.6
Overall: f/9 or f/10
Camera setting: f/11

Now, when you set the lights, it's in fractions of the lights output potential, so I couldn't really tell you what those would be set to. But these are all actual camera settings. (Note, shutter speed doesn't really matter, but I stay at 160-200 usually.)

Edited by BlueEyesPhoto on Feb 24, 2006 at 04:01 PM GMT (Reason: Correct Ratios, I think . . .)

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Feb 24, 2006 at 02:12 PM

divecj5
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p.66 #5 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

Thanks Page. I can't thank you enough for spelling that out for me in such an informative way. I'm sure that this will help a lot of others in the future. I will have to let you know how it all works out when I get some lighting. Thanks again for the help and guidance, it definitely clears up a lot of confusion that I was having.

Adam

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Feb 24, 2006 at 03:19 PM

GerardH
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p.66 #6 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

The third day I use my studio.....

The Studio-setup

Sample image

Still need to learn lots of stuff, but I am having the time of my life.
It's official, I now have a new addiction... thanks to this topic!

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Feb 24, 2006 at 06:55 PM

VPinto
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p.66 #7 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

Here's mine!

I've been reading this thread on a daily basis for the past 9 months and dreaming of my own space. My stuff has outgrown my small apartment where I live with my wide and 2 kids. Plus, having to tear everything down after a shoot is a real PITA.

I found this place in the town I live by shear luck. The main space 45 feet by 20 feet. There is also a 10 by 10 foor "entrance" way and a 10 by 10 foot darkroom. That's 1100 square feet for the rock bottom price of $300/month. The closest big city is Providence, Rhode Island has mill/artist space where they charge $15-$20/square foot per year. I got this space for $3.27/square foot per year.

Here's a view of the shooting area. I'm in the process of moving my stuff and setting everything up. Sorry for the crappy pictures. My real camera is in for repair. This is a old Kodak P&S with a lense that doesn't like to focus too good.

http://home.comcast.net/~vicpinto/Junk/Studio2.jpg

==========

Another view of the shooting area. The pole divides the length wise part of the main space into 2 equal 22.5 feet sections. More than plenty of room. I don't think it will be a problem. That's a 6 foot step ladder near the window. The windows are huge and the ceiling is 15 feet.

http://home.comcast.net/~vicpinto/Junk/Studio3.jpg

==========

Here's a view from the tripod looking back at the entrance door and freight entrance door. The darkroom is opposite the entrance door.

http://home.comcast.net/~vicpinto/Junk/Studio1.jpg

==========

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Feb 24, 2006 at 09:59 PM

krieves
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p.66 #8 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

VPinto, great space and great price. I'm looking for some space just like that. The cheapest thing I've been able to find is around $7.00/ft. But that is for 1200 sq ft in a strip type mall were the space is considered "flex space". Is this in a warehouse type building?

This weekend I'm going to look some more.

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Feb 25, 2006 at 08:28 AM

VPinto
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p.66 #9 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

Ken,

It's an old mill build circa 1887. The outside of the building leaves much to be desired. The mill is 5 floors with various units being rented out to small private businesses, bands for rehearsal space, etc. The top floor is all artists - painters, sculpters, photogs etc.

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Feb 25, 2006 at 03:26 PM

krieves
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p.66 #10 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

I'm having a debate with myself as to a rental strategy. Do I go for inexpensive space (warehouse space off the beaten path) until I build a book of business, or do I go for nicer, more visible space in order to gain exposure and get customers more quickly? Is the increased cost of rent going to pay for itself by getting more business more quickly?

In a way, a space with more character would be kinda cool. Strip mall space would likely be good for business, but less unique (and more expensive).

Has anyone else been faced with this question? If so, what did you decide and why.

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Feb 27, 2006 at 08:10 AM

ervine
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p.66 #11 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

krieves wrote:
I'm having a debate with myself as to a rental strategy. Do I go for inexpensive space (warehouse space off the beaten path) until I build a book of business, or do I go for nicer, more visible space in order to gain exposure and get customers more quickly? Is the increased cost of rent going to pay for itself by getting more business more quickly?

In a way, a space with more character would be kinda cool. Strip mall space would likely be good for business, but less unique (and more expensive).

Has anyone else been faced with this question?...Show more →

That depends very much on what you want to shoot and who you think your clients will be. For me, I NEVER have walk in clients because I don't shoot family portraits, portraits etc. As such location is not as important.

If you are doing advertising photography for example, you might want a much larger studio compared to if you are going to specialise in say... kids photography for example.

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Feb 27, 2006 at 10:57 AM

krieves
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p.66 #12 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

Actually today I found some space I'm really interested in. It is in a strip shopping center and is 40x40 with a nice size bathroom, a small office (changing room), and a small lobby.

I don't expect much walk-in business either, but I think being in high traffic area will help with top of mind awareness. I am currenly shooting a mix of portraits and some location commercial.

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Feb 27, 2006 at 02:42 PM

Tamron28105
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p.66 #13 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

Any one ever used a Fuji S3 Pro.

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Feb 27, 2006 at 05:08 PM

trentchau
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p.66 #14 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

Tamron28105 wrote:
Any one ever used a Fuji S3 Pro.

Is that a video card!?

actually I think this question is better for the "Alternative Cameras" section.

Back on topic.

These studios are looking awesome.

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Feb 28, 2006 at 03:10 AM

dlew308
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p.66 #15 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

Try asking your Fuji S3 questions in the Nikon-mount SLR forum

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Feb 28, 2006 at 10:27 AM

pwcphoto
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p.66 #16 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

Just a shot of the new shooting space addition, after the move from 11,000 sq ft down to 2500 due to condo conversion of our building we found that we needed a bit more shooting space. This space is approximately 1200 sq feet with 18 - 22 foot ceilings and is adjacent to our current space. We just finished painting it out and letting the floors dry. Still have to put in some more outlets and then it will be ready to go. Airing out some of the old muslins shown here and some of the lighting equipment can be seen. That octodome in the back is 7 feet across to give some scale to the image. Once everything is moved in and ready will take some real pictures from various angles, this was just a quick snapshot.

Phil


	http://www.pwcphoto.com/newstudio.jpg

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Mar 05, 2006 at 01:41 AM

stevenD
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p.66 #17 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

here is one of me doing a Shoot, I now actually put my Beauty Dish on a boom and center it on the model...

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Mar 05, 2006 at 09:25 AM

stevenD
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p.66 #18 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

and here is what I got from that set-up:

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Mar 05, 2006 at 09:27 AM

Curt Brandt
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p.66 #19 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

my lil studio is located here .....

http://www.digitaleventphotos.com/new_page_81.htm

have gotten rid of round table, stuck the couch in a corner, put up a 10 x 24 light brown muslin backdrop to go with the colored sheets, hung seamless paper on the wall at left .....

it works well 13'w x 20'L

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Mar 05, 2006 at 05:51 PM

hoppy
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p.66 #20 · Re: Show us YOUR Studio

Steven, love the results of that setup. Can you just clarify which lights were doing what?

cheers

Simon

Edited on Dec 21, 2007 at 11:13 PM

Mar 05, 2006 at 09:33 PM

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