Portable studio equipment

Jwar1976

Jwar1976

Messages
530
Name
John
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi all,

I am looking to buy some equipment so that I am able to offer Studio style shoots in people's homes, so things like lighting, backdrops, soft boxes. I was wondering if there were any portable kits, that will enable me to pack them away in individual bags or a really large case, so that I am able to travel to people's homes and do the shoots ?. The only catch is that I am not allowed to drive and have to rely on Trains etc to get me to different locations. I do currently hire various studios but as this is becoming quite costly, I would love to be able to do it myself if at all possible. I haven't got a budget as such but am willing to save if need be.

Can anyone here advise ?

Many thanks
 
Snapper67 said:
I purchased some beginner kit and it's all really light. With your camera / flashes etc in a backpack, no problem.

Stands, umbrellas.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01ABFSAPU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Reflectors :-
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002ZIVKAE/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Softbox :-
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00L7QKUHY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Have fun !

Dougie.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much that is extremely useful. I already have the above softbox & reflector, plus I recently bought a backpack that holds both camera bodies and all my lenses, so looks like I just need to get the Umbrellas, flashes, triggers & backdrops and then I am good to go. Could be really useful now that the cold weather is becoming more regular & so on location shoots will be becoming more of a limitation. Thanks again :)
 
Jwar1976 said:
Thank you very much that is extremely useful. I already have the above softbox & reflector, plus I recently bought a backpack that holds both camera bodies and all my lenses, so looks like I just need to get the Umbrellas, flashes, triggers & backdrops and then I am good to go. Could be really useful now that the cold weather is becoming more regular & so on location shoots will be becoming more of a limitation. Thanks again :)
Click to expand...

Nice one, been a few recent threads about off camera speed lights etc. I paid the price and now have 2 nikon SB800, 1 SB400 but apparently Godox are the go to brand at the moment for your requirements.

Best of luck, let me know if you come up with any decent portable backgrounds.

Dougie.
 
Manfrotto Nano stands
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-5001B-Nano-Stand-Black/dp/B001M4HXB2
Alternatively the 1051 or 1052
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-Compact-Stand-Air-Cushioned/dp/B003AM38DG
Godox flash, the AD200 is a no brainer + the S-bracket (is there a new one for the AD200?)
Need more power? AD360 or AD600 but both add to bulk and weight and I wouldn't put the 600 on the Nano stand.
Elinchrom 125cm deep umbrellas with diffusor panel
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=as_l...av-21&linkId=de141e195c14f5bf846f986f3083d42c
X1 trigger and for AD360 version one xtr16 receiver
Foldable background. Something like this.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/PhotoSEL-BD113WB-Reversible-Collapsible-Background/dp/B002I4X4ZY
 
Last edited by a moderator:
soeren said:
Manfrotto Nano stands
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-5001B-Nano-Stand-Black/dp/B001M4HXB2
Alternatively the 1051 or 1052
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-Compact-Stand-Air-Cushioned/dp/B003AM38DG
Godox flash, the AD200 is a no brainer + the S-bracket (is there a new one for the AD200?)
Need more power? AD360 or AD600 but both add to bulk and weight and I wouldn't put the 600 on the Nano stand.
Elinchrom 125cm deep umbrellas with diffusor panel
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=as_l...av-21&linkId=de141e195c14f5bf846f986f3083d42c
X1 trigger and for AD360 version one xtr16 receiver
Foldable background. Something like this.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/PhotoSEL-BD113WB-Reversible-Collapsible-Background/dp/B002I4X4ZY
Click to expand...

Wow some of these items look brilliant, and will add a whole new learning experience as well. Don't get me wrong I love on location shoots, but as there are some shoots that cannot / shouldn't be done on location, then studio set ups are a must.
 
Jwar1976 said:
Wow some of these items look brilliant, and will add a whole new learning experience as well. Don't get me wrong I love on location shoots, but as there are some shoots that cannot / shouldn't be done on location, then studio set ups are a must.
Click to expand...
??
:thinking: But what you will be doing in peoples homes are location shoots
Why wouldn't you use those items for studiolike shots in clients/peoples homes? :)
What you need is flash/strobes with enough power to light your subject?
Modifiers to give you the lightquality needed for lighting your subjects?
Stands sturdy enough to hold said lights and modifiers?
A way to trigger your lights?
Some kind of appropriate background?
All compact and light enough to bring in public transportation and carry what ever distance needed?
Youre not going to bring a fullblown studio setup anyway and the only thing you miss with the AD200 compared to small true studio strobes is the modelling light.
:)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
soeren said:
??
:thinking: But what you will be doing in peoples homes are location shoots
Why wouldn't you use those items for studiolike shots in clients/peoples homes? :)
What you need is flash/strobes with enough power to light your subject?
Modifiers to give you the lightquality needed for lighting your subjects?
Stands sturdy enough to hold said lights and modifiers?
A way to trigger your lights?
Some kind of appropriate background?
All compact and light enough to bring in public transportation and carry what ever distance needed?
Youre not going to bring a fullblown studio setup anyway and the only thing you miss with the AD200 compared to small true studio strobes is the modelling light.
:)
Click to expand...

Well what I meant was something like a lingerie shoot wouldn't be suitable in an outdoor on location shoot. But thanks for the other advice with the modifiers etc. :)
 
Jwar1976 said:
Well what I meant was something like a lingerie shoot wouldn't be suitable in an outdoor on location shoot. But thanks for the other advice with the modifiers etc. :)
Click to expand...
Now Im confused.
 
These speedlite brackets will fit you flash to the light stand far more securely than the one you link to. They also have the advantage that you can attach Bowens fit light modifiers. Speedlight_Bracket
 
redsnappa said:
These speedlite brackets will fit you flash to the light stand far more securely than the one you link to. They also have the advantage that you can attach Bowens fit light modifiers. Speedlight_Bracket
Click to expand...
(y)Yep that's the one i use (Godox branded) it's better than even the manfrotto adapter.
 
Jwar1976 said:
Well what I meant was something like a lingerie shoot wouldn't be suitable in an outdoor on location shoot. But thanks for the other advice with the modifiers etc. :)
Click to expand...
Out of curiosity
Do you suggest the Godox mentioned and stands linked to are for outdoor locations only?
Then I must admit I dont understand your question or what you are looking for.
Is it lack of power? I would think the AD200 has the same power as regular small portabel strobes, 200Ws/GN60m (Barebulb with 28mm std reflector. If thats not enough the also mentioned the AD360, 300Ws/GN80m. Larger and heavier but still fairly portable. I use it with my Nano and Nanopole stands with umbrellas and small octa.
Not the modifiers you want?
??
 
Last edited by a moderator:
If I was going lightweight I'd do something like this..

Get a silk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06XS1PWG8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - very light, useful for putting over windows to soften light, with speedlites or as backdrop.

Some clamps: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neewer-Mus...=UTF8&qid=1505378135&sr=1-1&keywords=a+clamps
A general purpose mount thing: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Phot-R-Stu...=UTF8&qid=1505378135&sr=1-2&keywords=a+clamps
Some gaffer tape
2-3 speedlites & trigger

I'd also get a lastolite trigrip difflector and enough bits of stands to mount it anywhere and bounce speedlites off it, and I might take a brolly or two.
 
juggler said:
If I was going lightweight I'd do something like this..

Get a silk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06XS1PWG8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - very light, useful for putting over windows to soften light, with speedlites or as backdrop.

Some clamps: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neewer-Mus...=UTF8&qid=1505378135&sr=1-1&keywords=a+clamps
A general purpose mount thing: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Phot-R-Stu...=UTF8&qid=1505378135&sr=1-2&keywords=a+clamps
Some gaffer tape
2-3 speedlites & trigger

I'd also get a lastolite trigrip difflector and enough bits of stands to mount it anywhere and bounce speedlites off it, and I might take a brolly or two.
Click to expand...
Interesting approach. (y) I like new ideas
 
soeren said:
Out of curiosity
Do you suggest the Godox mentioned and stands linked to are for outdoor locations only?
Then I must admit I dont understand your question or what you are looking for.
Is it lack of power? I would think the AD200 has the same power as regular small portabel strobes, 200Ws/GN60m (Barebulb with 28mm std reflector. If thats not enough the also mentioned the AD360, 300Ws/GN80m. Larger and heavier but still fairly portable. I use it with my Nano and Nanopole stands with umbrellas and small octa.
Not the modifiers you want?
??
Click to expand...

Sorry what I meant was I am looking for equipment that will allow me to have portability for indoor shoots at models homes, while I am not a glamour photographer, a friend of mine that is a published professional glamour photographer, uses umbrellas with Yongnuo speedlites attached as lighting, he says it is a simple but extremely effective solution.

juggler said:
If I was going lightweight I'd do something like this..

Get a silk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06XS1PWG8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - very light, useful for putting over windows to soften light, with speedlites or as backdrop.

Some clamps: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neewer-Mus...=UTF8&qid=1505378135&sr=1-1&keywords=a+clamps
A general purpose mount thing: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Phot-R-Stu...=UTF8&qid=1505378135&sr=1-2&keywords=a+clamps
Some gaffer tape
2-3 speedlites & trigger

I'd also get a lastolite trigrip difflector and enough bits of stands to mount it anywhere and bounce speedlites off it, and I might take a brolly or two.
Click to expand...

Thank you for that information, the silk fabric looks great. I must admit that I have been looking at collapsible backgrounds, especially ones that have the Chroma Green Screen, as there is software that I have access to that allows you to quickly insert scenery during editing, the software itself works best if the shoot has been done in front of a green screen.
 
Arh
Jwar1976 said:
Sorry what I meant was I am looking for equipment that will allow me to have portability for indoor shoots at models homes, while I am not a glamour photographer, a friend of mine that is a published professional glamour photographer, uses umbrellas with Yongnuo speedlites attached as lighting, he says it is a simple but extremely effective solution.
Click to expand...
Ah ok
Still the AD200 is hard to beat. If you want a regular speedlight the V860II is a great unit with extremely short recycle times. Ive got the AA battery version, TT685 which is also a great speedlights but slower.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Jwar1976 said:
Sorry what I meant was I am looking for equipment that will allow me to have portability for indoor shoots at models homes, while I am not a glamour photographer, a friend of mine that is a published professional glamour photographer, uses umbrellas with Yongnuo speedlites attached as lighting, he says it is a simple but extremely effective solution.



Thank you for that information, the silk fabric looks great. I must admit that I have been looking at collapsible backgrounds, especially ones that have the Chroma Green Screen, as there is software that I have access to that allows you to quickly insert scenery during editing, the software itself works best if the shoot has been done in front of a green screen.
Click to expand...

In case you hadn't realised - inserting a plausible looking background takes a lot more than a straightforward cutout. Lighting, colours, focal length, horizons and perspective need to match too. OTOH inserting something abstract isn't too hard.
 
Oh forgot. I find a flashmeter very usefull.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Jwar1976 said:
Hi all,

I am looking to buy some equipment so that I am able to offer Studio style shoots in people's homes, so things like lighting, backdrops, soft boxes. I was wondering if there were any portable kits, that will enable me to pack them away in individual bags or a really large case, so that I am able to travel to people's homes and do the shoots ?. The only catch is that I am not allowed to drive and have to rely on Trains etc to get me to different locations. I do currently hire various studios but as this is becoming quite costly, I would love to be able to do it myself if at all possible. I haven't got a budget as such but am willing to save if need be.

Can anyone here advise ?

Many thanks
Click to expand...
Did you reach a decision?
 
soeren said:
Did you reach a decision?
Click to expand...

Hi Soeren, apologies but have been away. Yes I have ordered myself a collapsible background with trains & have also ordered a background support stand for the collapsible background. The only thing that I need to get now is the umbrellas with the off camera flash brackets, as well as a couple of speedlites to attach to them. Very recently my Jessops 360AFD flash died on me, and so today the friendly postman knocked on my door with a brand spanking new Yongnuo YN568EX -II. Now from what I understand, I am able to use the Yongnuo YN568EX -II as a master, so it is just deciding what I am going to get as slaves. I know that the 560 III can be used as a slave in manual mode via infra red, but I haven't yet looked at other speedlites to be used as slaves.
 
That would probably Work though I would waste a flash for trigger usage, they are generally bigger heavier and more expensive than a trigger.
 
soeren said:
That would probably Work though I would waste a flash for trigger usage, they are generally bigger heavier and more expensive than a trigger.
Click to expand...

Yes you make a good point there, I think I have got a basic trigger set somewhere which has the dip switches, so will see if I can find that first, that way I will only need to use the 568 II for my normal outdoor shoots. Have to say that I am getting quite excited at learning and doing these style of shoots, along with using green screen and green screen software to add in different backgrounds without much bother, the possibilities will be endless. Who knows one day I may even invest in some continuous lighting, and if I ever win the lottery then maybe my own studio.
 
Well I have finally got my starter equipment which is.

Photosel 1.5m (W) x 2m (L) Collapsible background with Green Train.
Background support stand with Black & White Muslin backgrounds & clamps - This support stand also holds the collapsible background without any problems
Speedlite umbrellas with tripods & brackets
2x Yongnuo 560 III speedlites & 560TX controller

Thanks again to everyone that replied it is much appreciated.
 
I know it's much heavier and not as portable but I started with a while muslin cotton and soon upgraded to a 2m wide black / white reversible vinyl roll. So much easier to light.

Back to your set up, most of the time I'll use speedlites and modifiers to light as they're quicker to set up and get going but it depends on the location. I use Yongnuo 560IV flashguns with the 560Tx transmitter with either a softbox or shoot through brolly as being a Pentax user, I have to shoot everything in full manual, no TTL for me :(

If a speedlite setup isn't giving me the power I need then I'll crack out the Genesis strobes

PS: If you're shooting in customers houses, make sure the insurance and public liability/indemnity is all in order ;)
 
cardiff_gareth said:
I know it's much heavier and not as portable but I started with a while muslin cotton and soon upgraded to a 2m wide black / white reversible vinyl roll. So much easier to light.

Back to your set up, most of the time I'll use speedlites and modifiers to light as they're quicker to set up and get going but it depends on the location. I use Yongnuo 560IV flashguns with the 560Tx transmitter with either a softbox or shoot through brolly as being a Pentax user, I have to shoot everything in full manual, no TTL for me :(

If a speedlite setup isn't giving me the power I need then I'll crack out the Genesis strobes

PS: If you're shooting in customers houses, make sure the insurance and public liability/indemnity is all in order ;)
Click to expand...

Hi Gareth - where did you get the vinyl from that you mention above?
 
How large are the rooms you are thinking of? Many domestic interiors are not large enough to do studio photography effectively. You need sufficient distance between the subject and background, and then you and the subject.
 
Last edited:
cardiff_gareth said:
Hope this link works.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/161373066248

2m is just right for homes, anything wider and it won't fit, anything less and it gets tight with groups ;)

@matt_wright
Click to expand...
cardiff_gareth said:
A 2m wide vinyl fits most rooms width wise allowing you to use the length of the room. Shooting in people's homes isn't ideal compared to a studio but it's about overcoming and adapting
Click to expand...


...and exactly how are you expecting him to move a 2m vinyl roll about?
 
DemiLion said:
...and exactly how are you expecting him to move a 2m vinyl roll about?
Click to expand...

Maybe before posting comments like this that could be taken rather negatively, as this site can be quite bitchy at times so I could of taken your comment that way, I suggest you read the comments.

I made this comment...

I know it's much heavier and not as portable but I started with a while muslin cotton and soon upgraded to a 2m wide black / white reversible vinyl roll

...that then snowballed to a few questions.

I appreciate he may not have the means to move it about easily but I was giving a personal experience on something that affected me and something that if the situation presents in the future for the OP then he may benefit from by having one.
 
My favourite portable right now (untill AD200)
Sorry for crappy smartphone shots
Manfrotto Nano
Godox S-bracket
Elinchrom 105cm deep umbrella, silver
Diffusion for 105cm deep
Godox AD360
The flash is not on, sun is out.
DSC_0303.JPG
DSC_0306.JPG
Light stand umbrella and diffusor in tripod bag
Sony A6000 with 12, 24 and 60mm + misc and AD360 in F-stop small pro ICU and the F-stop Guru in which the ICU goes
DSC_0308.JPG
Room for another lightstand and modifier in tripod bag and a couple of speedlights in top of Guru.
Id love a couple of stripboxes with grids but what I’ve seen takes up a lot of room and Im not sure which size I want. The Elinchrom is very close to a similar size softbox in light spread, if it could just be gridded too :)
Maybe Im doing things wrong but Id say the Elinchrom deep umbrella is unsuitable for Speedlights, to much hotspot even with wideangle spreader down.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Jwar1976 said:
The only catch is that I am not allowed to drive and have to rely on Trains etc to get me to different locations. I do currently hire various studios but as this is becoming quite costly,
Click to expand...


Any solution for lighting is going to be pretty heavy. Would taxi be an option?
 
boyfalldown said:
Any solution for lighting is going to be pretty heavy. Would taxi be an option?
Click to expand...
I'd missed the bit about transportation.

A couple of AD200's would be the most 'portable' solution, but lightstands by nature are big and fairly heavy.

Skip BG stands, but pop up backgrounds are still large when packed.

Frankly, careful studio hire has to be the sensible suggestion, or make your name as the natural light specialist if you want to use people's homes, or just go outside.
 
boyfalldown said:
Any solution for lighting is going to be pretty heavy. Would taxi be an option?
Click to expand...
That depends.... If you want a full blown traditional studio setup, yes. Taking care, being creative and accepting limitations in what you can do then no not neccesary. Going for Speedlights instead of barebulbed flashes like AD200 and AD360 precents some limitations in itself and bringing shoot through umbrellas as sole modifier can be a big drawback too. But understanding your gear, knowing how it behaves and trying out a lot of different setups with what you have access to make it easier to make the right choices and get great shots with a minimum of stuff.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
soeren said:
That depends.... If you want a full blown traditional studio setup, yes. Taking care, being creative and accepting limitations in what you can do then no not neccesary. Going for Speedlights instead of barebulbed flashes like AD200 and AD360 precents some limitations in itself and bringing shoot through umbrellas as sole modifier can be a big drawback too.
Click to expand...


Even with just 2 lightstands, a background and a couple of umbrellas, with a couple of speed lights or small studio head will start to add up weight wise. And the set up will seriously limit you. It’s hardly a sensible solution
 
Is there a local hire studio that you might be able to use? Depends on availability your town of course, but smaller ones will generally hire out in 1 to 2 hour blocks and come equipped with the equipment ready and set up. It would solve both the cost of the equipment and also the problems of moving it round.
 
boyfalldown said:
Even with just 2 lightstands, a background and a couple of umbrellas, with a couple of speed lights or small studio head will start to add up weight wise. And the set up will seriously limit you. It’s hardly a sensible solution
Click to expand...
? How? Why?
All I see is knowing light, how it and modifiers behave + some creativity can get you very far with very little. We dont need every modifier in the catalogue to make great light. Still being fairly new to lighting om often overwhelmed by all these dishes, boxes and singles you can get for your flash but Ive already learned most Will do the same things and differences in looks are mostly only visible to the absolute connoiseur.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top