Lighting for my studio

[Wayno]

currenlty in the prosses of setting up a studio/bussiness with my dad, i`ve been tasked to look at some lighting kits but really could do with your help/reviews.

I have a budget of £400 to spend on lighting, the main bulk of work will be portraits and 90% of work will be done in house.

at the moment i just seem to be a little daughnted for which brand/model to go for.

so ANY pointers, links, ect would be very very helpfull!!!


Thanks in advance

 

[HoppyUK]

That budget is too tight for a professional studio set. I would say you should be looking at at least three heads around 400 joules power, and four to do a decent job of family groups. Plus all the ancilliaty kit of course.

Garry Edwards will have some good advice. He will probably recommend Lencarta as he is associated with them, but they are also very good quality and excellent value. Other good brands are Elinchrom and Bowens.

There are a couple of Elinchrom three head kits going in the For Sale section at the moment. I think the D-Lite 2 set is borderline power for a professional studio (it's what I use for friends and family stuff) but will maybe get you started. Check to see if they are the fan-cooled versions.

Links here:
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=167690
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=165575

 

[Garry Edwards]

Agreed, you need to dig a bit deeper, it's pointless buying rubbish and buying twice.

The Lencarta ElitePro starter kit is about the least you should be looking at, this kit consists of all you need to get started but you WILL need extra items and possibly one or even 2 extra heads.

Also, see this article on how to choose studio lighting and this one on light shaping tools

 

[Wayno]

Thanks guys i will take onboard what you said and look at this, still got lots to read on setting it ect but its always nice to get a fresh approach on this.

cheers

 

[Daryl]

Bowens and elinchrome are the best. Not cheap but will take a lot of abuse.

Broncolor are another set. But you get what you pay for.

couple of togs i know bought cheap to start off with and ended up going for big names.

It is worth it even at the beginning where you are. You will look back and be glad you did......