Continuous Lighting ????

[jwott]

Need some input on continuous lighting for a home studio and what are your thoughts on it. My budget is limited and it seems to be within my range to start off with.I am talking the ones with the flourecent bulbs so heat won't be a factor.

[jerryph]

Ick. Tried it, do NOT like it. In most caes, continuous lighting is low quality. In some cases, using HOT LIGHTS is not only very uncomfortable for the model, but dangerous. Using fuorescent lights means they are weak and not portable.

For the cost of a continuous lighting setup, I would rather point you to a set of battery powered flashes. Stronger, portable and nicer results. You don't see any professionals using continuous lighting (well, none outside of Walmart, anyways!). ;)

[jwott]

LOL Walmart don't want to go that direction. Jerry do you have any suggestions ??? Remember budget is limited to start.

[jerryph]

Yes, but it may not be one that you like, if you are in a rush. You see, Camera bodies come and go, but (those that know me, KNOW what I am about to say... lol)... there are only 2 areas where one researches the most and saves so that they can get the BEST that they can find... that is in lenses and in lighting hardware.

Seriously, rather than go the "walmart" route, I would rather go without any lighting. That way I could work a little longer, save a little longer and get something better that will help, not hinder, my photography.

As a starting point for the true budget beginner, I would suggest a 6-8 foot lightstand, a single flash and a wireless trigger set, perhaps something like the Cactus V2s from Gadget Infinity. How much would this cost? A few dollars more than the Walmart special, but worlds better in potential results, learning aid and expansion abilities.

Light stand: $25
bracket: $20
Vivitar 285 HV flash $90
Transmitter/receiver set Cactus V2s: $30
Grand total: about $200-$250 shipped which is half the price of a single one of my flashes... lol

Later on, you could spend $20-25 for an umbrella and get some beautifully diffused lighting.

Now... go to www.strobist.com and look for lighting 101 and 102, and read, read, read and practice, practice, practice. Then go to the flickr.com group for the strobist group and look for people that use 1 single flash, and be ready to be amazed, I know I was... and there are a lot of them.

www.mpex.com in Ohio has a strobist starter kit too.

[solo1]

I use studio lights - profoto. You must remember that with these lights you should have a light meter, an understanding of light ratios. Most do not get overheated but you must make sure the are cold before you repack.

I am doing a studio shot next Monday of dancers.

[jerryph]

Profoto are simply out of reach for the beginner photographer (even the new Compact series which I do have experience with). They're basically the Cadillac of photography lighting and quite expensive. Of course, you do get what you pay for.

[jwott]

Thanks for all the advice. I currently have my Canon 430ex flash with a stand and a umbrella but wasn't sure if I should add a second flash and stand or go to actual studio lights. As I said budget is limited as I have spent a fair amount on new lenses. My current flash only has slave capabilities and can not be used as a master. The 580EX II is over $500 here in Canada and not within the budget as of yet. Do you recommend another brand that might not be so expensive that will work with the canon flash ??

[mrdoug]

Jwott... have you considered browsing eBay for light kits? You'd be surprised what
you can get with companies selling light kits in large quantities. Are they the best
light kits out there... probably not. However, it is a means for effective lighting for
your projects, but not knowing your budget... who knows.

Let us know what you end up doing. You maybe helping someone else too.

Doug

[reval8r]

There are many pros now using daylight florescent lights, the light of choice is Westcott Spiderlites. I've seen thousands of truly beautiful images done by them, but then again they are expensive. While many swear by these lights, for the cost I think strobes are a better and more versatile way to go.

The least expensive way is natural light and a reflector. If you master natural light, any other light source is a breeze!

Jerry also made a very good suggestion about a couple strobes, it's well worth considering.

For a good strobe that doesn't break the bank, check this link out http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/CF0502/

My brother has been using a couple for a year and very happy with them.

Larry

[reval8r]

Thanks for all the advice. I currently have my Canon 430ex flash with a stand and a umbrella but wasn't sure if I should add a second flash and stand or go to actual studio lights. As I said budget is limited as I have spent a fair amount on new lenses. My current flash only has slave capabilities and can not be used as a master. The 580EX II is over $500 here in Canada and not within the budget as of yet. Do you recommend another brand that might not be so expensive that will work with the canon flash ??

Check out Sigma. I've been very happy with their lenses and flash camera flash units.

[jerryph]

Another good thing to watch for... today I just got back from a photography flea market held at the local Holiday Inn. There was TONS of stuff from the film era... flash and incident light meters from $10Cdn to $50Cdn, and cameras from all generations... from a glass plate wooden boxes and bellows to a guy with a pair of Canon 5D mkIIs on his table.

I myself picked up a used Nikon SB-80DX for $90Cdn and a Manfrotto ball head for my tripod for $40Cdn. If I had some more time, I would have dickered fiercely for a Nikkor 300mm F/2.8. They wanted $2400Cdn for it, I offered $1800, willing to go up to $2000, but I did not tell them that... suddenly my phone rang and I was called in to do an emergency job at a client. DRATS! Oh well, maybe next year! :)

[jwott]

Thanks for all the help. I have decided to go with a couple extra speedlights to do the work for now as I build up. Figure I'll need the extra flashes anyways so this will just add pertability to it as it won't be alot of equipment to lug around.