Studio help!

KeriAnn

KeriAnn

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Hello to the masses!

Photography student here. Was looking to invest in some studio equipment. Doesn't have to be the best, but if i'm going to invest (oo rhyme!) then it's good to get pretty decent.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....m=260152579122&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=016

Came across the above item on ebay. But due to being slightly clueless on what makes (etc) to actually go for, i'm hoping somebody can help! It looks good... heh.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....m=200145371369&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=010

There's also that but doesn't make me go 'oooh' as much :p

Thanks lovelies :)
 
I don't feel I know enough to comment on the 2 you have listed, but I would recommend a 3 head kit, as this gives you so many options, a standard studio / glamour setup is two heads at the front corners pointing towards the model and a third one pointing at the background to ensure there aren't any shadows or creases on the paper/background.

Sorry that probably isn't alot of help :( maybe worth dropping a pm to ftmftm as he does alot of studio work and has been very helpful when I have asked questions in the past
 
Thanks very much! I'll pm him and direct him to this thread :D
 
Looking at those links, you seem to be getting an awful lot of kit for very little money.
I dont know enough here to help you decide if this kit is good or not but it may help you as a guide if you compare their spec with that of recognised quality lights.
When I was looking for my lights I was advised that the GN number is a very important factor in deciding the power of the lights because you divide the GN by the distance in feet to get the correct f/stop.
The GN on my heads is 82, it is half that with an umbrella attached. The GN on the lights in the link is only 36, this doesnt sound too powerful.

I was also advised that it can be a good learning curve to start out with just one good quality ight and learn to work with that before adding others.
You can get some good pictures with one light, if you google 'one light set ups' or 'one light portraits' Im sure youll find some interesting links.

Either way, dont rush into buying, read as much as you can first.
 
With one light you can also use reflectors to bounce the light into other areas. There are plently of good books on studio photography and how to set up lights in one of my local waterstones so maybe worth checking things like that out first.
 
I have an old set of lights and a set of Bowens....I can definitely tell the difference in quality! However, I can also tell the difference in price!!

The cheaper version blow fuses a lot and recycle times are slower. The 'kit' (brollies etc) are also of a poor construction compared to the Bowens - stands are a bit lame - one knock and they are over, lights are plastic etc.

Have you considered the purchase of one decent light? I've done a number of shoots with just one light.

As Glo suggests....read up first.
 
Have decided to just go for a simple set up, and invest in Bowens hopefully!

Thanks everyone.
 
Elinchrom D-Lites have got very good reviews as starter kits but don't know if they're in your price range or not.
 
I'm going to talk to my lecturer tomorrow and see if there's anyway I can get lighting ordered through college on the cheaper side.... *fingers crossed* I'll let you know :D
 
KeriAnn said:
I'm going to talk to my lecturer tomorrow and see if there's anyway I can get lighting ordered through college on the cheaper side.... *fingers crossed* I'll let you know :D
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Always pays to ask these things Keri Ann. I bet you'll get some discount. Good luck.
 
Thanks John :)
 
KeriAnn said:
Thanks John :)
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NP - when does your new college term start...? My lad starts in college this Wednesday - he can't wait now he's no longer a 'school kid' :), considers himself one of the big 'uns now... heheheh.
 
Awh, that's so sweet :)
I started back last Monday. Having already been in college and University, i've considered myself a big'un for a few years now, haha.
 
I'm a morning person. Everybody hates it :p

Anyway. Sitting here with my hair half done. Bloody forum!

Have a good day.
 
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