Where To Start With Lighting???

InaGlo · 17-02-2006, 14:34

I quite fancy getting into portraiture. I already dabble in products on a VERY crude level but I want/need some lighting.
At the moment I have 2 of those 500 watt security lights so not a hope in hell of getting near with any kind of diffusers. (Im sure I can smell my own hair burning from 3ft away).
I need to start somewhere, anywhere!
Ive looked at a few kits but dont really know what the spec means.
Should I start out with a cheap kit & try & upgrade later, or do I go for one 'good lamp' at a time?
What advice would you give to a newb like me ... apart from ditch the security lights, lol!

GfK · 17-02-2006, 15:30

Quote:

Im sure I can smell my own hair burning from 3ft away

How can you be 3ft away from your own hair? You have toupee?

Oh... and put 250W bulbs in the security lights instead of 500W's

InaGlo · 17-02-2006, 15:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by GfK

How can you be 3ft away from your own hair? You have toupee?

Ha! ha! a toupee....what kind of women do you hang around with!

GfK · 17-02-2006, 15:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by InaGlo

Ha! ha! a toupee....what kind of women do you hang around with!

Too damn many. None with fake hair, though.

***Dave*** · 17-02-2006, 17:10

Have a serach for PeteMc started thread recently, where some links were posted on Studio Lighting

Matt · 17-02-2006, 21:20

I'd suggest going for one good flash at a time.

The last thing you want is to have to upgrade early because the ones you've bought are not powerful enough for the job.

One good flash and a softbox will set you on your way.

Matt · 27-02-2006, 10:24

Inaglo

Have a look here for some good prices on factory returned/repaired bowens studio flash.

For a small studio/home setup the 250's are a good start.
Best bet is to go for 500's so you get a lot of controlable power.

The DX range gives you more control, with power adjustments in 1/10ths
over 1/3rds from the esprit range.

They come supplied with flash tube and photo flood modeling lamp,
power cable and sync cord (unless otherwise stated).

You will need to purchase a reflector, I recommend the wide angle umbrella reflector form calumet
with the umbrella of your choice, and/or a softbox (have a look at the range Calumet supply).

Just got myself a Bowens 250DX.

HTH

Venomator · 27-02-2006, 13:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt

Inaglo

Have a look here for some good prices on factory returned/repaired bowens studio flash.
HTH

Some real bargains there Matt ... on the face of it at least - and not just restricted to lighting ! A good place to start for many photographic (and other) items no ?

InaGlo · 28-02-2006, 10:46

Thanx for sharing Matt, I have much to learn before I actually make a purchase

The link you gave ... looks very appealing... have you actually bought from there yourself? (The bargain basement bit).

Matt · 28-02-2006, 11:42

Yes, I've bought quite a bit of kit from them over the last few years (warehouse express).
Service is excellent.
I've made a few purchases form the bargain basement, and
so have a few of my freinds.
The flash head I purchased came from the bargain basement section
and it looks brand new, unused, came with cables and warranty card.

I made my first purchase from Calumet, to get the softbox and reflector.
They didn't have the size of softbox I requested so sold me the next
size up for the same price as the one I wanted.
Also staff were very helpful, and they made sure everthing fitted together
before I left their shop with it.

Matt · 28-02-2006, 15:00

You'll also need a flash meter.

The sekonic L-308 S Flashmate will do everything you'll need.

17-02-2006, 14:34	#1 (permalink)
InaGlo Getting Comfy Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 145	Where To Start With Lighting??? I quite fancy getting into portraiture. I already dabble in products on a VERY crude level but I want/need some lighting. At the moment I have 2 of those 500 watt security lights so not a hope in hell of getting near with any kind of diffusers. (Im sure I can smell my own hair burning from 3ft away). I need to start somewhere, anywhere! Ive looked at a few kits but dont really know what the spec means. Should I start out with a cheap kit & try & upgrade later, or do I go for one 'good lamp' at a time? What advice would you give to a newb like me ... apart from ditch the security lights, lol!

28-02-2006, 10:46	#9 (permalink)
InaGlo Getting Comfy Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 145	Thanx for sharing Matt, I have much to learn before I actually make a purchase The link you gave ... looks very appealing... have you actually bought from there yourself? (The bargain basement bit). Last edited by InaGlo : 28-02-2006 at 10:50.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Don't know where to start...	Nikaroo22	General Chat	12	20-08-2007 11:47
How and where to start	Summerleft	General photography questions and answers	7	15-07-2007 08:51
New start	chips	Welcome Forum	13	22-06-2007 15:11
Its a start	cpd23	General photography questions and answers	3	09-05-2007 21:20

17-02-2006, 17:10	#5 (permalink)
*Dave* Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 15,615	Have a serach for PeteMc started thread recently, where some links were posted on Studio Lighting

17-02-2006, 21:20	#6 (permalink)
Matt Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cheshire Posts: 1,326	I'd suggest going for one good flash at a time. The last thing you want is to have to upgrade early because the ones you've bought are not powerful enough for the job. One good flash and a softbox will set you on your way.

27-02-2006, 10:24	#7 (permalink)
Matt Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cheshire Posts: 1,326	Inaglo Have a look here for some good prices on factory returned/repaired bowens studio flash. For a small studio/home setup the 250's are a good start. Best bet is to go for 500's so you get a lot of controlable power. The DX range gives you more control, with power adjustments in 1/10ths over 1/3rds from the esprit range. They come supplied with flash tube and photo flood modeling lamp, power cable and sync cord (unless otherwise stated). You will need to purchase a reflector, I recommend the wide angle umbrella reflector form calumet with the umbrella of your choice, and/or a softbox (have a look at the range Calumet supply). Just got myself a Bowens 250DX. HTH

28-02-2006, 11:42	#10 (permalink)
Matt Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cheshire Posts: 1,326	Yes, I've bought quite a bit of kit from them over the last few years (warehouse express). Service is excellent. I've made a few purchases form the bargain basement, and so have a few of my freinds. The flash head I purchased came from the bargain basement section and it looks brand new, unused, came with cables and warranty card. I made my first purchase from Calumet, to get the softbox and reflector. They didn't have the size of softbox I requested so sold me the next size up for the same price as the one I wanted. Also staff were very helpful, and they made sure everthing fitted together before I left their shop with it.

28-02-2006, 15:00	#11 (permalink)
Matt Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cheshire Posts: 1,326	You'll also need a flash meter. The sekonic L-308 S Flashmate will do everything you'll need.