Coldblue1999 Posted January 26, 2012 Report Share Posted January 26, 2012 Looking for studio lights for photography. Something inexpensive. Any suggestions? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrs.cos Posted January 26, 2012 Report Share Posted January 26, 2012 Alien bee hands down. If you'd like to stop by my studio sometime, I can show you my setup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TTQ B4U Posted January 26, 2012 Report Share Posted January 26, 2012 Looking for studio lights for photography. Something inexpensive. Any suggestions? Wide open possibilities here, but I'll toss one out to begin with. It also depends on what you're going to shoot? I'd look at the following to get you started: Go with 45" umbrellas. You can go smaller, but they are a key factor in good even lighting and larger is better. Photoflex or Photogenic 40-45" umbrellas go for about $25. If you want a shoot-thru umbrella, the 42" Westcott collapsible is one of the best for the money. I have 8' stands that I picked up for about $35. Again, solid product and they collapse for carrying. Umbrella adapters for the stands will cost you about $15 each. If you want some complete packages, here are a couple ones from B&H: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/425220-REG/Impact_DFUMK_Digital_Flash_Umbrella_Mount.html http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/621577-REG/Interfit_STR120_STR120_Twin_Umbrella_Kit.html You can fabricate your own sandbags to hold the stand steady if you're going to be out and about. I use them all the time as you never know when someone is going to bump them. Use old angle weights for working out and save yourself $30-$40 If you're looking into portraits you might also want to get hair light set up. Here too, you can save a few bucks and fabricate your own counterweight (depending on your set up) Here's a basic set up from a few years back driven by some external speedlights. You can also fabricate a Home Depot setup which is what I will often just setup and leave standing for weeks on end, depending on what I'm doing in my work area on the lower level. I've spent all kinds of money playing around with setups including some Alienbee lights, strobes, etc.... In the end, I can get the same results with all kinds of equipment and have sold off stuff I no longer use. It's a fun hobby but can easily become expensive, so start small and master each step. http://i541.photobucket.com/albums/gg378/pdqgp/Lighting1-1.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TTQ B4U Posted January 26, 2012 Report Share Posted January 26, 2012 Here are a few samples I have posted before shot with the same/simliar set up. These were done with a white/nuetral background and the ones you see were added in Photoshop. http://www.pbase.com/timothylauro/image/130617871/original.jpg http://www.pbase.com/timothylauro/image/130320812/original.jpg http://www.pbase.com/timothylauro/image/140457240/original.jpg http://www.pbase.com/timothylauro/image/140457271/original.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coldblue1999 Posted January 26, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2012 So what about a hot light setup? Looking for beginner setup. 2-3 lights with umbrellas. 40+ inches. Open to used as well. Just need my own set without dropping a fortune. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clifford Automotive Posted January 27, 2012 Report Share Posted January 27, 2012 Go up to Midwest Photo Exchange and talk with them about getting into it. I started with a One light setup, and steped up from there. I have everything from LP160 speedlights to AB's. Honestly I shoot more with the speedlights then with the AB's. I just wipe out a whole section of what I typed. But why are you looking for studio lighting? What is it you want to accomplish? Alien bee hands down. Ever shot with an Einsteins? Your hands would be up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tractor Posted February 4, 2012 Report Share Posted February 4, 2012 I also use the LP160's + cybersyncs to trigger them. I was going to buy alienbees, but decided against it due to size/weight, necessity of having power or cords running around to battery packs. I shoot weddings and engagements almost exclusively so portability was the biggest concern. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrs.cos Posted February 4, 2012 Report Share Posted February 4, 2012 I also use the LP160's + cybersyncs to trigger them. I was going to buy alienbees, but decided against it due to size/weight, necessity of having power or cords running around to battery packs. I shoot weddings and engagements almost exclusively so portability was the biggest concern. The new lithium power pack has made a huge difference in this problem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clifford Automotive Posted February 11, 2012 Report Share Posted February 11, 2012 Chris, nice to meet you. I want to see some photos from this weekend. I almost went down yesterday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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