Studio light suggestion
Dallas
What should I be looking at from a power point of view if my needs will be
mostly portraiture and perhaps some still life?
2 or 3 lights?
Brand?
New or used?
Advice on getting started?
TIA
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BandHPhoto
mostly portraiture and perhaps some still life?>
Vast reserves of power are not necessary for studio portraiture. The first
full-time portrait job I had involved a traditional four-light 3:1 setup (main,
fill, hair & back) and I was issued one 400ws power pack.
With this I shot individual head shots at f/8 with ISO 160 film rated at EI
100.
Used stuff is fine as long as you're buying from a reliable place which will
stand behind the stuff if it fails within a reasonable period.
Your big choice is pack-n-head vs monolight systems. The former offers more
variety on system components and mor4e power for those who need 5000+ws tro
illuminate an aircraft hanger. The latter offers ease of set-up, fewer wires
tracked across the floor, and economy.
===============================
regards,
Henry Posner/B&H Photo-Video
http://www.bhphotovideo.com
hen...@bhphotovideo.com
Stefan Patric
> The time has come for me to invest in some strobes.
What's your budget?
> What should I be looking at from a power point of view if my needs
> will be mostly portraiture and perhaps some still life?
For general portraiture and still life with 35mm, you can get by with
400WS total with at least 200WS for your mainlight.
> 2 or 3 lights?
Minimum 2 and a large silver or white reflector for fill. Although 3
would be better, even if you don't use the third light much. It would
be a backup, in case one goes down or you just need a third light like
with large groups.
> Brand?
So many, but for cost effective ones . . .
Monolights -- I would recommend White Lightnings
Packs & Heads -- Novatrons or Speedotron Brownline
For the more expensive ones designed for the busy professional . . .
I like Dynalites. Small, lightweight, US made with great support,
extensive system. They have several standard kits to ease the pain
of choosing. I'd recommend the 3 head/1000 WS (2 - 500WS packs)
one for you.
They also make a couple of monolights.
> New or used?
Up to you. If they are in good condition, used is cheaper and works
just as well as new.
> Advice on getting started?
Before buying lighting equipment, read every book on photographic
lighting you can find -- commercial, classic portraiture, product,
still life, glamour, fashion, etc. Ask other photographers why they
chose what they chose. The more you know about how things are lit, the
more you will know what you'll need now and in the future.
--
Stefan Patric
too...@yahoo.com
Roberto Strappafelci
> The time has come for me to invest in some strobes.
>
> What should I be looking at from a power point of view if my needs will be
> mostly portraiture and perhaps some still life?
>
> 2 or 3 lights?
>
> Brand?
>
> New or used?
>
> Advice on getting started?
>
Have a look at www.bowensinternational.com. I'll suggest the Esprit
monoblocks. 250W would be ok, but I'll buy at least one 500W as the main
light, since in some cases your subjects may feel unconfortable if the
lights are too close. Bowens will last for a lifetime and they have a
worldwide support.
Contact your nearest distributor, as you may find used stuff as well.
There are a lot of good books on the subject, but do not forget Kodak's "The
Portrait: professional techniques and practices in portrait photography".
Last but not least, use Kodak for serious portraiture work...
Roberto