Hi, I was wondering if you would be able to offer me any opinions etc. Unfortunately this is going to be another i want some a starter kit posts. I have spent a good while googling various brands, setups etc and this forum seems to be one of the better ones in terms of discussion on studio lighting. Apologies if I ask all the questions asked before but Im hoping my requirements and questions warrant another post on the subject!
So Im looking at basically a small setup that I can use within my home and at friends houses, and potentially (when I have the hang of the lighting) maybe expanding from hobby to making some £ back.
The main prompt for this is that I have a 3 month old baby and despite getting into photography for a while, she has now exposed me to portrait photography. I also have a lot of friends and family that are starting families too who have asked if I could take anything.
So Im looking at a basic setup that allows me to expand, mainly to be used for baby/child portrait shots, potentially small groups.
I have looked at a lot of reviews and so far Im leaning towards either of the following which meet my budget (£550 max, lower would be better!):
1.2x Elemental Trinity 400w Softbox kit
2.2x Elinchrom D-Lite-it 4 Softbox kit
I cant really pick between the 2, they both have minor things that give each pros and cons compared to the other. I welcome anyones opinions on these? Does anyone have anything to compare performace etc between the two ?
I have all but ruled out Bowens and Lencarta purely because they would push my budget further. Lencartas elitepro range and Bowens Geminis look great but the ones I have mentioned seem to include all the bits that I would need without going over budget.
Ideally I would like to be able to produce high key / blown out white photos. Now I appreciate that Im only looking at 2 lights so this isnt going to be easy, does anyone else take these shots with just 2 lights ? Does anyone have any samples they can show me? I wondered whether I can get away with 2 lights, reflector and a background ?
My alternative would be to go for 200/250w ranges and maybe add a third head. What do you reckon ? I have always assumed more power is preferable, hence the 400s, or would versatility be better with 3 lights ?
Lastly, for basic baby/child portrait work, other than the kit what would people recommend I need? Carry cases and softboxes etc come with the kit. I have looked at the various backdrops and would prompt for something cheap initially, either a B&W Muslin cloth and stand (Cheap Ebay job) or even a flip out backdrop. The only thing that worries me with the flip out ones are whether they are big enough, the ones I have seen for around £70 (Lastolite I think, with a trail) are 1.5m x 2m (I think) though I like the look of how convenient they are to fold up and go. Does any have any preferences ?
Sorry for all the questions, I hope I have given you enough information to form a recommendation on any part of this, if not just let me know.
Thanks
Jonny
So Im looking at basically a small setup that I can use within my home and at friends houses, and potentially (when I have the hang of the lighting) maybe expanding from hobby to making some £ back.
The main prompt for this is that I have a 3 month old baby and despite getting into photography for a while, she has now exposed me to portrait photography. I also have a lot of friends and family that are starting families too who have asked if I could take anything.
So Im looking at a basic setup that allows me to expand, mainly to be used for baby/child portrait shots, potentially small groups.
I have looked at a lot of reviews and so far Im leaning towards either of the following which meet my budget (£550 max, lower would be better!):
1.2x Elemental Trinity 400w Softbox kit
2.2x Elinchrom D-Lite-it 4 Softbox kit
I cant really pick between the 2, they both have minor things that give each pros and cons compared to the other. I welcome anyones opinions on these? Does anyone have anything to compare performace etc between the two ?
I have all but ruled out Bowens and Lencarta purely because they would push my budget further. Lencartas elitepro range and Bowens Geminis look great but the ones I have mentioned seem to include all the bits that I would need without going over budget.
Ideally I would like to be able to produce high key / blown out white photos. Now I appreciate that Im only looking at 2 lights so this isnt going to be easy, does anyone else take these shots with just 2 lights ? Does anyone have any samples they can show me? I wondered whether I can get away with 2 lights, reflector and a background ?
My alternative would be to go for 200/250w ranges and maybe add a third head. What do you reckon ? I have always assumed more power is preferable, hence the 400s, or would versatility be better with 3 lights ?
Lastly, for basic baby/child portrait work, other than the kit what would people recommend I need? Carry cases and softboxes etc come with the kit. I have looked at the various backdrops and would prompt for something cheap initially, either a B&W Muslin cloth and stand (Cheap Ebay job) or even a flip out backdrop. The only thing that worries me with the flip out ones are whether they are big enough, the ones I have seen for around £70 (Lastolite I think, with a trail) are 1.5m x 2m (I think) though I like the look of how convenient they are to fold up and go. Does any have any preferences ?
Sorry for all the questions, I hope I have given you enough information to form a recommendation on any part of this, if not just let me know.
Thanks
Jonny