Single studio light (flash) setup

D

dkayuk

Messages
5
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi all

I'm interested in setting up a home-studio mainly for photographing still life (smallish objects). No interest in portrait or stuff like that.

Can somebody recommend a suitable flash-head? I don't expect that I'm going to need something really powerful, but perhaps a bit more power than my current hot-shoe flash (Olympus FL36R).

I already have a Kenko stand so I was thinking about a flash-head + standard reflector.

Also, my camera (Olympus E520) doesn't have a PC port. How will the studio flash be triggered.

Not planning to buy a softbox right now, might try DIY solutions. However, I am interested in stuff like barn doors and similar accessories which I may buy in the future.

I have seen the Lencarta and similar kits and I although they looks amazin, I simply don't have the space in my flat to set it all up. Do I need 300J for what I want to do?

thx

David
 
Still life photography is a fascinating (and challenging) subject, so all credit to you for wanting to learn it.

The equipment is MUCH more complicated than the stuff that most people use for portraits, and even though the subjects are often small, a surprising amount of power is often needed simply because of the type of tools needed - for example spotlights, tight honeycombs and even snoots just suck up power. Of course, you can always 'double' power just by doubling the ISO settings on the camera, but that reduces image quality.

Work you way through these Lighting Themes on another site, written by a couple of commercial photographers who specialise in still life.
 
Garry Edwards said:
Still life photography is a fascinating (and challenging) subject, so all credit to you for wanting to learn it.

The equipment is MUCH more complicated than the stuff that most people use for portraits, and even though the subjects are often small, a surprising amount of power is often needed simply because of the type of tools needed - for example spotlights, tight honeycombs and even snoots just suck up power. Of course, you can always 'double' power just by doubling the ISO settings on the camera, but that reduces image quality.

Work you way through these Lighting Themes on another site, written by a couple of commercial photographers who specialise in still life.
Click to expand...

Garry,

thx for your comments. I'll take a look at the site.

would a single Lencarta 300 J flash-head be a good start? It seems reasonably priced. Or should I be going for something more powerful?

I understand about the accessories, having watched your DVD on Still life photography a few weeks ago. Will probably get some next month after I buy the flash-head.

thx

DK
 
The Lencarta ElitePro 300 will be a good start. Even if you add say the 600 J model later the 300 model won't be wasted, and of course they both take the same accessories
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top