[Dutchie]

I was just wondering what I would need for portrait photography. I haven't got a studio, so I would need to do it with my living room. And a white backdrop. Now I've got a big window which gives a lot of light, but apart from that the room is pretty dark. Would one of those umbrella's do?

I'm not going professional or anything like that. Just want to try and brush up my portrait photography. The shadows are doing my head in

I've been looking at this seller at ebay, who sells all lighting stuff. And for the macro photographers. He sells those macro ringlights as well

eBay UK Shop - Rocwing: Photo Studio Kit, Single Light, Background

[Dabhand16]

You can always start of with reflectors, and home made ones can be as effective as the ones you can buy.

[j sotelo]

Don't know if Alien Bees are sold in UK but their great.
Alien Bees

[Dave]

Having lots fo natural light is a huge bonus. I would recommend treating yourself to a reflector to start with .... something like this NEW 5 in 1 Collapsible Circular Reflector 110cm 43" UK on eBay, also, Studio Equipment Lighting, Photography (end time 07-Jul-08 11:17:26 BST)

This will allow you to bounce light back in to the shadows & the other advantage is a reflector cannot bounce more light than is present, so you always end up with a natural looking shot.

These shots are taken with window light only.

.............

[Summerleft]

If you want to go down the lighting route, you can get simple continuous lighting kits from Kalu.com and they arent too expensive either, be careful of lights from ebay and compare them to others, although that seller did get some good reviews on other sites.

Agree with Dave a reflector is a must, you can do alot with it , my advice would be to start small then build your kit HTH

[Larne]

I bought a fairly cheap two-head Powerflash system from Jessops quite a few years ago. It's basic but I am still using it and it does the job well enough. I would recommend starting cheap as you are unlikely to need some really complex system at this stage.

[Dutchie]

Ok thats good to know. I will order a reflector to begin with. To be honest, I didn't want to spend that much on lighting. As I've spend enough the last few months

I just don't have any idea of what you need. Do know i need some backdrops now. I will have to get that as well.

Cheers guys

Oh and Dave, that last photo of Chloe, is gorgeous

[Dutchie]

Does anyone have some creative idea's on how to hang up that reflector. Or would I have to buy one of those stands for it as well

[fionaB]

use your imaginatino when it comes to the reflector, some poses will even allow you to get the model to hold it away from their face.................... but blue tack on the wall will do as its light as a feather!¬

[Dutchie]

Ah ok. I was just thinking how you have to position it. But I will go for a reflector only and let my brains do some overtime