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Philpalmer

Philpalmer

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Phil
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Hello all,

After the recent birth of my little girl I have become almost addicted to taking snaps of her. I'm now wanting to enhance my skills with newborn/baby photography. I have only been using natural light source through windows within the house, however when winter arrives the light will obviously be disappearing early.

Can anyone recommend what lighting kit I should go for? Umbrella's or softbox?

http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-westcott-basics-ulite-twin-head-umbrella-kit/p1544033

http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-interfit-f5-two-head-fluorescent-lighting-kit/p1579703

Thanks all!
 
Neither of those.

Continuous light sources are really unsuitable for shooting people,

For similar money you can buy a speedlight based system, and for not much more (in the grand scheme of things) you can buy proper mains powered flash that's infinitely better.
 
Philpalmer said:
http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-interfit-ace-100w-flash-head/p1558625

How about something like this?
Click to expand...


If you're going down the manual studio flash route, you'll need a flash meter, or you'll be forever taking shots to get your exposure right. Your camera's meter can not meter manual studio flash. Sekonic L308 is probably the best cheapo one around.

Or.. you could go down the route Phil suggested and get a couple of speedlights that can be used off camera. Your camera can use the Nikon CLS (Creative Lighting System). Go read up on that :)


Oh.... and learn about lighting. Read.. study.. practice.

Come back when you've shot some stuff and get advice.. probably on how to remove shadows from a white background :).. which has nothing to do with editing afterwards.

There are also loads of threads already on here regarding the use of studio flash... have a read around.
 
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Philpalmer said:
http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-interfit-ace-100w-flash-head/p1558625

How about something like this?
Click to expand...
I wouldn't. Forget Jessops, WEX etc for studio stuff, too little choice, and a lot of products simed at people who haven't got a clue.
There's some great bargains on eBay Amazon etc.
But if you want after sales service Lencarta are hard to beat on a price performance basis.

It's tricky, I could get great results with s speedlight on a stand some old bits of cloth and some bedding. But I have an idea what I'm doing.

The advantage of proper studio lighting is a modelling light, a standard modifier mount and faster recycle times.
 
Thanks guys. I think I'm going to stay clear of flash until I'm in a proper studio environment. For now I just want an easy set up for the house. One or two soft boxes...
 
You could try and pick up a used studio flash, brolly and reflector. That's all I used for years when my kids were wee, and got some great shots.
You don't need a flash meter. I used to set up the equipment, use a teddy as a model, get the lighting and exposure right, then bring in the kids. Job done!
If you can stretch to £300, check out the Lencarta twin light studio kit, the one with a softbox and a brolly. You'll get many years use from this.
http://www.lencarta.com/studio-ligh...sh-studio-flash-lighting-kit-softbox-umbrella
 
Philpalmer said:
Thanks guys. I think I'm going to stay clear of flash until I'm in a proper studio environment. For now I just want an easy set up for the house. One or two soft boxes...
Click to expand...
Why?
The studio flash with modelling light will make things easier, and produce better results for a beginner. Ok,The heads are larger than using a speedlight, and they need to be plugged in, but the stands and softboxes still take up the same room.
You could work with one studio flash and reflector,and get great results.
 
Philpalmer said:
Thanks guys. I think I'm going to stay clear of flash until I'm in a proper studio environment. For now I just want an easy set up for the house. One or two soft boxes...
Click to expand...
As above. Soft boxes and stands take up the same amount of space.
The difference between continuous light, speedlights or studio heads isn't significant in comparison to those.
However, and I can't overstate this:
Continuous lighting is utterly rubbish for photographing people. It creates more issues than it solves. It is an exercise in frustration.
Speedlights are cheap and fairly effective, and if you understand lighting and can work with the low power/ slow recycling then they're a great alternative.

But for learning, mains powered heads really are the best bet.

If it's down to budget, PM me and I'll send you a list of products good to start with.
 
Ok looks like I should be going for flash. My budget is around £120-£170. If anyone has any recommendations around those prices that would be great.
 
I would check out Gumtree, and put a wanted ad on here, but if buying new with your budget I'd go for these items.......you can add/expand as funds allow.

Screenshot_20160728-165634.png
 
To start off with go for second hand, reliable makes. You cant go far wrong with Elinchrom or Bowens,
I have a one set of Elinchroms that must be over 20 years old and still going strong, spares are still available.
Avoid the interfits and Jessops.
Brollies are the cheapest way to get going, softboxes can come later, but will give you more control.
Brollies come in a few guises, that have different qualities - Translucent or white will give a softer light than silver or gold, which are more specular.
 
PS
I got an elinchrom Dlite2 kit on ebay recently 2 heads, stands & softboxes for £200
something like that would be ideal for you. you only need low powered heads for portraits of kids.
 
Flashphill said:
To start off with go for second hand, reliable makes. You cant go far wrong with Elinchrom or Bowens,
I have a one set of Elinchroms that must be over 20 years old and still going strong, spares are still available.
Avoid the interfits and Jessops.
Brollies are the cheapest way to get going, softboxes can come later, but will give you more control.
Brollies come in a few guises, that have different qualities - Translucent or white will give a softer light than silver or gold, which are more specular.
Click to expand...
Have you had issues with interfit?
 
Personally, I would opt for a simple 1x speedlight setup. You'll get fantastic results, and won't cost the earth - you'll also hopefully learn OCF in the process.

How about this lot for less than £115.00...

1x Yongnuo TTL flash @ £74.00: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Profession...98284&sr=8-9&keywords=yongnuo+flash+for+nikon
1x White shoot through umbrella @ £15.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005BHO9MM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
1x light stand @ £15.49: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0119T634M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
1x cold shoe holder @ £7.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006VTJQT0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The above kit is what I have, apart from I opted for a Nikon SB-700 flash @ £215.00, and I have a set of Yongnuo YN-622N-TX trigger/receivers @ £93.00.

Oh, and to learn how its done, see http://strobist.blogspot.co.uk/2006/03/lighting-101.html

Thanks,
Grant
 
Turbo-G said:
Personally, I would opt for a simple 1x speedlight setup. You'll get fantastic results, and won't cost the earth - you'll also hopefully learn OCF in the process.

How about this lot for less than £115.00...

1x Yongnuo TTL flash @ £74.00: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Profession...98284&sr=8-9&keywords=yongnuo+flash+for+nikon
1x White shoot through umbrella @ £15.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005BHO9MM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
1x light stand @ £15.49: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0119T634M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
1x cold shoe holder @ £7.99: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006VTJQT0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The above kit is what I have, apart from I opted for a Nikon SB-700 flash @ £215.00, and I have a set of Yongnuo YN-622N-TX trigger/receivers @ £93.00.

Oh, and to learn how its done, see http://strobist.blogspot.co.uk/2006/03/lighting-101.html

Thanks,
Grant
Click to expand...
Whilst I wouldn't discount a speedlight setup, it's a slower learning curve than proper studio flash, and not really that much cheaper.

But for the price of a cold shoe and that (rather expensive) brolly you can get a softbox and s type bracket which is much easier to control in a small studio.
 
I did a little shoot yesterday in my daughter's bedroom. A lencarta smartflash, a couple of reflectors and two speedlights.

I started out with lots of speedlights and quickly (actually slowly) realised that studio heads are better value, quicker to recycle (time taken to fire again) and easier to learn with.

If I was starting again I'd just buy the two head lencarta kit. I'd have saved plenty of cash had I done that from the start.

Read the strobist website, light science magic (lighting book) and take a peek at the lencarta lighting videos.
 
Ive got a full Lencarta Smartflash 2 setup. Its great for small studio use and also some big jobs. I took loads of pictures of my daughter when she was born and the work a treat.
Don't spend big money if thats all you will use it for.
 
I'll preface this with the fact I'm not a pro newborn photographer but have done some shoots for friends so this is based on my limited experience.

I'm going to go slightly against the grain here depending on one question. If you're used to shooting natural light newborn stuff do you tend to like the shallow depth of field look for newborn shoots?

If you like shallow dof I would suggest a studio head is not the way to go as they are too powerful to get in close on a baby and shoot much below f/5.6 even at minimum power. Another draw back of studio heads for newborns is they have big heavy duty capacitors and some can make quite a loud pop when firing which can be inconvenient if they are not in a sound sleep. I've found one of my fav setups for newborns is a speedlight through a large 5in1 reflector in close using the difusion panel to simulate soft wrapping window light.

That said if your not shooting super shallow dof or will be doing a lot of other types of portraiture then studio heads are great, I also own the smartflashes and they are excellent and very well priced.
 
Bobsyeruncle said:
You could try and pick up a used studio flash, brolly and reflector. That's all I used for years when my kids were wee, and got some great shots.
You don't need a flash meter. I used to set up the equipment, use a teddy as a model, get the lighting and exposure right, then bring in the kids. Job done!
If you can stretch to £300, check out the Lencarta twin light studio kit, the one with a softbox and a brolly. You'll get many years use from this.
http://www.lencarta.com/studio-ligh...sh-studio-flash-lighting-kit-softbox-umbrella
Click to expand...
I second this recommendation. I was using natural light for my daughter but decided to get this kit as I wasn't getting enough light for what I wanted to do. I'm only using one head so far so you could try starting with that. Here's a couple of shots I've managed to get so far. https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/baby-girl.634933/
 
CraigDHD said:
If you like shallow dof I would suggest a studio head is not the way to go as they are too powerful to get in close on a baby and shoot much below f/5.6 even at minimum power.
Click to expand...
I'd disagree to be honest Craig - we use the (older model) Lencarta SmartFlash because it's reliable, consistent and low power enough to use with a 35mm prime at f/2.8 quite comfortably with room to spare on the highlights. Never had any problems with it being overpowered, but yes you do have to be aware of the studio head you're buying - the Lencarta's are lower power than many others so it's always worth checking. Garry at Lencarta is the font of all knowledge about their products so he would be able to advise you.
I used to overcomplicate lighting, but since I've cut it back to a single studio head with a large octabox and reflector on the other side to lift the shadows a bit it's a lot easier and better results. I'll occasionally use a second hair or rim light if it's required for family shots.

Regards
Jim
 
JimPMM said:
I'd disagree to be honest Craig - we use the (older model) Lencarta SmartFlash because it's reliable, consistent and low power enough to use with a 35mm prime at f/2.8 quite comfortably with room to spare on the highlights. Never had any problems with it being overpowered, but yes you do have to be aware of the studio head you're buying - the Lencarta's are lower power than many others so it's always worth checking. Garry at Lencarta is the font of all knowledge about their products so he would be able to advise you.
I used to overcomplicate lighting, but since I've cut it back to a single studio head with a large octabox and reflector on the other side to lift the shadows a bit it's a lot easier and better results. I'll occasionally use a second hair or rim light if it's required for family shots.

Regards
Jim
Click to expand...

What if he wants to shoot at 1.4 or 1.8? What if he has to use an older body which only goes as low as iso 200? What if the key is already at min power and wants to add a kicker light? What if the studio head he bought is more powerful than yours? What if he buys a head that only offers 3 or 4 stops of power control?

I never said studio heads are the wrong choice but they are not automatically the right choice. In my experience of using my lencarta smartflash 2's, if I want to shoot shallow shots to isolate details wide open at 1.8 I was ending up having to add a 2 or 3 stop ND to my lens. This wasn't a big deal on my d750 but depending on your camera/lenses autofocus ability it can affect autofocus consistency decrease image quality and is more gear to add.
 
I'd go as far to say that you can shoot shallow depth with just a modelling light from a studio head. It is a case that there's a few different ways of doing this. I prefer studio heads as you can achieve consistency with colour and output, the light is much crisper if you use with some power. With a FL of 50 or 85 then there will be enough fall off in DOF if you get in tight, is there a need to go so wide? Below 2.8 there's such a fine line with critical focus.
 
check ebay for a ex 150 interfit kit, i bought a entire kit, softbox, 2 heads and stands, beauty dishes, and a trigger cost £20 for camera for a total of £100 from a seller on this saite, good starter kit and interchangeable bulbs
 
On eBay remember to change the search to nearest item first so you can see what is local and maybe offer to collect in person to save paying postage costs. I saw someone selling some studio lights on eBay that was 20 mins away in the car. No bids on the listing so offered a cheeky cash on collection offer away from eBay and it was accepted! Got my wife to drive me down yesterday as I'm in a walking boot from breaking a bone and paid her the money. 2 x Genesis 250w heads, 1 x Elemental 600w head, all the air dampened stands, soft box, brollies, reflectors, Hahnel triggers, background stands etc etc all in for £75!

Pays to do that as bargains can be had!
 
I use Jessops Portaflash 360 heads and have had no issues with them in the 15 years I have had them.
 
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