Archive 2021 · Learning studio lighting photography

maroun.c
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Learning studio lighting photography

Hello,
Wanted to learn studio lighting, for family shots as well as few shots of my 13 year old girl ...
I picked up a bowens Gemini GM400X couple years back and haven't used it still..also got a bowens softbox 40x32 inches and a goddox 44x30 inches. Also got the background stand with few backgrounds, Stands for the lights and few rectangle and round reflectors.
Appreciate if u can indicate good books or tutorials to get started. As well as if u can indicate if I need anything more that will add up to my results keeping in mind its only for family pictures...
I have the nikon d750 and following lenses, would love:
50 1.4
10 2.8
70-200 2.8
24-120 F4
Would love to have the 85mm 1.4 or even 1.8 or the 24-70 2.8 but that would be a future consideration.

Thanks for any tips on which lenses to use , what setup for my lights to get nice results with what I have or also with a little upgrade if needed.

Mar 07, 2021 at 12:11 AM

JohnSil
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Learning studio lighting photography

Maroun, looks like you have everything you need to get started.
You say you picked up a 400, sounds like you only got 1 but you've got 2 soft boxes? What lenses you use will be dictated more by how much room you have to shoot in. A fast lens is NOT necessary unless you plan on shooting a lot of super shallow DoF shots. Your 50 and 70-200 will probably be your workhorses.
Nevertheless, start shooting before your kids are grown and gone!! LoL
There is no special training, that is, other than training for your whole life to perfect every aspect of portraiture and light.
I suggest if you have only one light, Google YouTube portraits using one light and an endless parade will pop up. If you have 2 lights, then just google for 2 lights, etc.
Ideally one uses a minimum of 3 lights. A Key, a Fill and a Hair from behind, but use what you have and start watching YouTubes, find one you can relate to and just do it.
If you use a white background you can almost eliminate the hair light since you'll get so much reflection.
You'll need a trigger system of some kind. You can even trigger with a speedlight or popup flash.
I'm including a Youtube that I've found quite good at understanding and predicting the light and the shadows. I'm otherwise not big on tutorials of any kind, I'm sure many can guide you into what to watch or printed material to buy.
Welcome to the wonderful world of portraiture and lighting. Good luck
John
Edit, oops, here's the link
https://www.lightsfilmschool.com/blog/cinematography-using-flags?sfw=pass1614409075

Mar 07, 2021 at 02:56 AM

maroun.c
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Learning studio lighting photography

Thanks for all the input.
Sorry for the confusion I got the bowens as a set, 2 400 lights 2 umbrellas and 2 light stands. I thought softboxes would be better than umbrellas so got the bowens softbox and then a godox one seperately later. Also got the trigger for them.
I have 3external flashes with trigger and small 15 inch softboxes for them which I can mount on tripod and use maybe for hairlights?
Thanks for the link will check it out.

Mar 07, 2021 at 04:28 AM

story_teller
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Learning studio lighting photography

If you want to practice your lighting, get a mannequin head and shoulders. That will help you practice different lighting patterns on the face and how to position the lights.

It might be easiest to start with one light and become comfortable using that before moving on to multiple lights.

Finally, don't forget about posing and expression. A beautifully lit portrait can have minimal impact if the pose or expression are not good.

Mar 07, 2021 at 08:32 AM

CharleyL
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Learning studio lighting photography

To learn lighting, it would help you to follow Daniel Norton on YouTube. He has weekly live shows at 5 PM EST on Thursdays, but has many older shows on YouTube. Each week he demonstrates a different lighting or shooting method. His partner, Seth Miranda, is a very accomplished photographer as well, but usually takes care of the video link with YouTube for these shows. He does put out some good videos through Adorama on his own as well. Most of these shows are good to learn from. Before COVID, Daniel did most of his shows in the front area of the Adorama Store in NYC with a live audience as well as YouTube live. Since COVID he has been doing the shows from his own NY studio. Adorama has several other good photographers doing shows for YouTube as well, and I like to watch most of them when I have the time. B&H, another large photography source in NYC, also puts many shows on YouTube. Gerry Gihonis (hope I spelled that right) is one that I will always watch. Even after being a photographer for 60+ years, I still occasionally learn something from these shows.

Charley

Mar 07, 2021 at 09:09 AM

maroun.c
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Learning studio lighting photography

Thanks for the replies and all the info

Mar 08, 2021 at 08:57 AM

Quantzphoto
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Learning studio lighting photography

Hey Maroun, I just posted a video on using two lights in studio that you might find interesting. I also have a lot of other videos on my channel regarding photography as well. Good luck!

https://youtu.be/fU5ilvCGI_s

Apr 02, 2021 at 12:27 PM

DanielScott
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Learning studio lighting photography

I very highly recommend The Lighting Series by Felix Kunze. It's $199, and more than worth it considering that it will absolutely improve your studio photography without a doubt, yet photographers often spend upwards of $2,000 on a single lens that they believe will make them a better photographer when in fact it wont.

Felix's work speaks for itself.
https://theportraitmasters.com/product/the-lighting-series/

Apr 02, 2021 at 09:27 PM


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