Light Kit for Flowers?

Doug SolisDoug Solis Registered Users Posts: 1,190 Major grins
edited May 15, 2009 in Accessories
Hi Gang, I do a bit of flower photography, all for fun. I have a table and will bring in 5 or 6 arrangements of flowers some for subjects some for backgrounds. I've done this outdoors most of the time and want to move it into my house under better conditions for macro work etc.

I'm hoping someone can recommend a lighting kit that is under $1000. I was thinking about soft boxes but really have no knowledge in this area.

Any help would be appreciated.

Comments

  • swintonphotoswintonphoto Registered Users Posts: 1,664 Major grins
    edited May 14, 2009
    I would pick up a few of these:
    http://www.alienbees.com/b400.html

    And then pickup a few softboxes: http://www.alienbees.com/softboxes.html
    Or, less expensive and just about as good, get a few shoot-thru umbrellas: http://www.alienbees.com/utwb.html

    Also get a few light stands: http://www.alienbees.com/stands.html

    You will be set!

    If you want a truly cost-effective high quality setup this is it. Here is a sample setup that would definitely meet your needs and not break the bank:
    2 - Alien Bee B400 flash units: $450
    2 - 48" shoot thru umbrellas: $60
    2 - 10' general purpose light stands: $80
    Total cost: $590
    Jonathan
    http://www.jonathanswinton.com
    http://www.swintoncounseling.com
  • Doug SolisDoug Solis Registered Users Posts: 1,190 Major grins
    edited May 14, 2009
    Great, I'll check it out. Thanks
  • Village IdiotVillage Idiot Registered Users Posts: 215 Major grins
    edited May 15, 2009
    Frag Master wrote:
    Great, I'll check it out. Thanks

    Are you planning on ever shooting anything else with the flashes? You could also go with a more portable and inexpensive setup.

    Two Lumopro LP120 speed light type flashes - $230
    Two stands - $60
    Two umbrella brackets - $30
    Two shoot through umbrellas - $40

    $360. They don't have to recharge rate of the Bees and use batteries. There's pros and cons of each setup.
    On a scale of 1 to 10, my awesomeness goes all the way to 11.
  • Manfr3dManfr3d Registered Users Posts: 2,008 Major grins
    edited May 15, 2009
    Depends on how often and how you want to shoot flowers.

    I shot flowers using a simple white cardboard as a background (seamless) plus some (white/gold) reflectors and one/two off camera flashes triggered with ebay remotes.

    If you have a flash or two the kit is less then $50 and produces publishable results.
    “To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk.”
    ― Edward Weston
  • NeilLNeilL Registered Users Posts: 4,201 Major grins
    edited May 15, 2009
    The Strobist I'm pretty sure would have some pointers for you, and he likes to do things as cheaply as possible, he's a diy-ologist!:D

    If you go that way, working with flashes, then this site has some easy to follow instructions for setting everything up.

    http://super.nova.org/DPR/Canon/MultiCanon/
    "Snow. Ice. Slow!" "Half-winter. Half-moon. Half-asleep!"

    http://www.behance.net/brosepix
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