STG Studios

What Photography Lighting?

I'm a fairly new, teen photographer, and this summer I am taking half of our garage and converting it into a small "studio" so I can work on portraits and have more studio type photos. I currently have a Canon T1i, but by the end of the summer I hope to have a Canon 5d Mk ii... haha ya right! Anyway, I have absolutely no experience in lighting and was wondering what I should get. Please be specific! Like a brand, the kit with everything I would need to start, and in a semi-reasonable price if possible. Also, what lenses do portrait and studio photographers use? And, what type of backgrounds/backdrops should I use? I was looking into seamless paper. Anyway, any help is appreciated!
And here is my flickr to get any idea... not the best, but I'm learning.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40795142@N06/

getting started in lighting is great.

first, take a look at some youtube videos it will give you a better idea what to look out for.

http://www.youtube.com/user/prophotolife#p/a/197F9921FE5C5570/2/gL8mhBtIAco

(I like this channel, lots of applicable lighting guides)

http://www.youtube.com/user/adoramaTV#p/a

(They also have a lot of information, but you'll have to find specific episodes that deal with lighting.

Lighting typically has three lights.
1. main light
2. fill light (fills in the shadow areas, typically a fraction of the power of the main light.
3. rim light (back lighting)

Next is light modifiers.
People modify the light in different ways. including ...
soft boxes
reflectors
grids
barn doors

Next, consider getting a light meter, so that you can guage what you are doing.

To start, i recommend the following equipment:
1. Canon 580EX (get two to three. Three for the three types of lighting. You can get two if you are on a budget. Use a reflector as a fill light instead.
2. light stands

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Lightstands/ci/5799/N/4289244488

3. light meter (start with a basic one, it will give you enough information without being too confusing. The more expensive ones are extrememly difficult to navigate)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/368226-REG/Sekonic_401_309_L_308S_Flashmate_Light_Meter.html

(I later upgraded to the sekonic 758D - because i'm trying some advance functions that do not deal with strobes)
4. light modifiers (The sky is the limit here)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/Lighting-Studio/ci/1161/N/4294551176

(Look at softboxes, umbrellas, and light modifiers)
(You'll learn what you need as you go through youtube and want to try specific things for a specific effect)
5. you'll need a flash trigger to fire off the flash
The best - PocketWizard
The budget - any triggers that can be found cheaply on ebay.
The difference - TTL metering

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/621566-REG/Interfit_INT492R_INT492R_Hot_Shoe_and.html

6. if you don't want to buy the flash guns mentioned above, you can get a non portable lighting kit.
something similar to the following...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/443038-REG/Smith_Victor_408087_Economy_Softbox_3_Light.html

note: I use flash guns not strobes, so i don't have a specific recommendation for a3 light kit

Vinyl Photographic Background Instructional Video By Savage

Photographic Backdrop 2.72 X 11M - CLOUD GREY £42.00 Creativity Photography Background Paper is manufactured to the highest standards. Each roll is colour tested to ensure that it is within four "points" of the standard. This is so close a colour match that the human eye (one of the most sensitive colour measuring devices) cannot see any difference. Matched to this standard, you can be assured that from photo-shoot to photo-shoot, you will get co...

Heavy Duty Studio Background Support Stand £49.99 This backdrop stand is made from aluminum to provide lightweight portability as well as heavy duty support stucture. Adjustable light stand gives total flexibility and black colour ensures No reflection is produced. It supports Roll Up paper background as well as Cotton and Vinyl. Top Quality!!! Buy with Total Confidence!!!...

PhotoSEL BS103 Professional Background Support System 2.7m (H) x 3m or 2m (W) with Carrying Bag £65.00 The PhotoSEL BS103 Background Support System is made of aluminum for an excellent combination of portabilty and a solid heavy-duty support mechanism. It consists of two fully adjustable lighting stands, and three-piece crossbar. The system is finished in black to prevent unwanted reflections and is designed to support either textile or paper roll backgrounds. A heavy duty carrying bag is provided ...

ARCTIC WHITE Creativity Photographic Studio Background Paper, 2.72m wide (9') x 11m long (36'), 180gsm heavyweight Backdrop. Special Offer - 4 for the price of 3. Professional Studio and Home Usage, possibly the best quality at the best price. Wrinkle free, no hot-spots, perfect background for the best quality images. Over 50 colours to choose from. £42.00 Creativity Backgrounds are used by professional and semi professional studios all over the world. Our manufacturing processes ensure that the colour from one roll to the next is a perfect match. Close up you can see the quality fibre in the paper. The paper does not deform due to weight, eliminates "Ripples", and avoids "Hot Spots" when used in flash. The best quality paper enhances your pictures ...

Tags:   backdrop · background · paper · paper background studio backgrounds backdrops photography accessories · photography · wallpapersNo Comments