Lighting equipment

Kujo · 03-22-2008, 07:11 PM

I've had enough of taking pics with poor lighting and want to get some decent adjustable lights, but don't really know where to begin. Is it better to go with cheaper house hold lights, or go the whole hog and get something more pro? Or is there an inbetween?Are continuous or flash lights better for this kind (statue) photography?

Any advice much appreciated

hazmatt · 03-22-2008, 07:25 PM

From what I've read about lights, continuous or 'hot' lights are easier to learn with because they are constantly on and show you exactly what your lighting looks like at all times. Flash setups can have higher outputs but are more difficult to learn with as it's more trial and error for beginners.

Check this link. From the march issue of popular photography.
http://www.popphoto.com/lighting/513...ht-lights.html

There is always the frankenlight set up option as well. When I get my first light kit, it will most likely be a "hot light" set up.

P1X4R · 03-22-2008, 08:53 PM

i've actually been looking into this for the last few weeks. there are so many choices! i wanted strobes but i knew it was going to cost $$$. eventually i think i might end up with an AlienBees setup.

http://www.alienbees.com

but that's down the line. for now i'm going to go with some high power work lights. something that SquiderM3 is already using. it's very inexpensive and it produces great affordable lighting. i'm going to use this to bounce lighting off the ceiling. this baby will light up the room really well!

http://www.amazon.com/Designers-Edge.../dp/B0002YW2C8

Daredevil · 03-22-2008, 09:09 PM

What do you guys use for lighting up the Detolfs from Ikea?

Merlose · 03-23-2008, 02:00 PM

If you guys are going to be using hot lights I would suggest investing in a tripod as well.

cma3 · 03-23-2008, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P1X4R

i've actually been looking into this for the last few weeks. there are so many choices! i wanted strobes but i knew it was going to cost $$$. eventually i think i might end up with an AlienBees setup.

http://www.alienbees.com

but that's down the line. for now i'm going to go with some high power work lights. something that SquiderM3 is already using. it's very inexpensive and it produces great affordable lighting. i'm going to use this to bounce lighting off the ceiling. this baby will light up the room really well!

http://www.amazon.com/Designers-Edge.../dp/B0002YW2C8

AB's are definitely whats up. You can get a starter rig for about $100.

Ed, check your local lowes or home depot for that linked set. i am not sure if there are any significant price fluctuations on the left coast when it comes to something like this...but that rig you linked costs $35.00 here in florida. it will be cheaper...and no shipping fees or waiting time.

this is what i am talking about:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...T-L&lpage=none

Kujo · 03-23-2008, 03:21 PM

Whats a good lighting company? I've seen Bowen around a lot.

The ones you showed are a bit big for the space that I have P1X - not bad price though, shame there isn't something similar in uk...

Trilogy · 03-23-2008, 03:43 PM

Kujo, you can acquire similar work lights to those that P1 has posted at your local DIY superstores, such as Wickes.

Kujo · 03-23-2008, 04:03 PM

Cool, thanks T. Will have to look there

Mandragora · 03-23-2008, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cma3

AB's are definitely whats up. You can get a starter rig for about $100.

Ed, check your local lowes or home depot for that linked set. i am not sure if there are any significant price fluctuations on the left coast when it comes to something like this...but that rig you linked costs $35.00 here in florida. it will be cheaper...and no shipping fees or waiting time.

this is what i am talking about:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...T-L&lpage=none

those look great . . but i would strongly recommend lamping those down, OR, get some way to control/dim them. 1,000 watts (times 4) is a whole helluva lotta light