What I need for indoor photography?

Fristles

Hi,

I have been taking pictures for the past few years... I've only been doing outdoor shots mostly and nature as I do not have what I need to do indoor shots, at least good ones... I have read quite a bit about indoor photography but it's still confusing as far as what I should go with... I don't want to go out and buy $300 for lighting or something else just to find out a month later, it's crappy and is not enough lighting that I need. So I really like to get what I need at the beginning instead of buying what's crap to turn around and have to buy the same thing a month later, just different brand.

I know a lot people start on their own and it can be expensive, I don't have to have PRO everything but I would want to get the equipment that I need at the beginning instead of buying whatever I think could work and then turn around having to buy something better.......

I am not looking to make this as a business but more of a hobby and maybe photography for family/friends like I have been doing for the past 3 years.

I am pregnant and am due in April so I *really* want to start taking indoor photos so I can do my maternity photos and also take photos of my baby and since she'll be too little to take outside, I really want start buying what I need to take the indoor photos.

My questions (you are welcome to add other things too if you think of anything else)

What type of Backdrop/Support Stand do I need?
What type of Backgrounds? Muslins? Roll-Up floors drops? Etc? and would the stand support the different type of backdrops?
Most important question... the equipment that I'd need, such as lighting, lighting stand, umbrella/reflector and soft boxes?

Anything anyone would give me would be AWESOME and would help a lot.... I know nothing about brands so I really just need the brand to look for and possibly model #?

Right now my camera works well, but I only have the kit flash so I would def. need lighting.

Thanks a lot,
Lacey

divamum

You can do a lot with a single bounce/swivel flash if you learn how to get the most out of it - see www.planetneil.com for details.

Next suggestion: www.strobist.com.
Even if you go another route with lighting (eg ETTL automatic flash instead of manual, or studio strobes instead of small flashes), that will get you started on some of the basic principles. If you do decide to go "strobist style", it's also a quite affordable way to build a very versatile and useable lighting kit that can cover a LOT of situations both indoor and out.

Third suggestion: learn to use bright natural light indoors (ie window light). A cheap reflector to help bounce it back onto your subject can create gorgeous lighting (especially for babies!). 5-in-1 reflectors (which I love for their versatility) can be picked up on eBay for under $15, or you can just grab a piece of foam-core poster board at your local dollar or craft store.

Also, be aware that backgrounds and other indoor-shot equipment don't HAVE to be expensive, purpose-dedicated gear. Sure, those are nice and sometimes less fuss to use, but you can make acceptable backdrops out of a blanket, tablecloth or shower curtain; I've been known to clip lightweight curtains to my blinds using clothespegs, or using an old clothes rail/stand to hold backdrops of varying bits and bobs I have around the house. If you decide you need a "real" backdrop, you can get collapsible ones for under $100 (not sure about draped bg's, since I don't use them, but I'm sure others will chime in if you decide you want to pursue that and need recommendations). And (as described above) cheap foamcore poster board makes excellent reflectors for literally pennies if you get it at the dollar store.

If you start learning more about the principles of lighting, you'll start to realise that ANYTHING can be effective light, and you'll find you have lots of ideas for using it.

ETA: Look at shots on this forum from kidzmom and l.k.madison for some BEAUTIFUL work with babies, much of which is done with the most minimal gear. And lots of imagination

Art Scott

If you de4cide to go with studio flash instead of hotshoe flashes (strobist type of shooting), then look at alien Bees....here is the really huge difference in flashes, that is studio flash and hotshoe flashes....the modeling light....for a beginner in indoor photography those can really help.....they help in seeing where shadows are and how light is acting on your subject......something else that would be a HUGE help, even for shooting out doors is a styrofoam wig head/ w wig......there you have a model that can't back talk or complain that the hours are long and the pay is non existent....I use a small light stand to insert in the hole in the bottom of her neck so I can get her at the approximate height of my client.....it really does help

Back to Alien Bees......they are a professional grade flash at consumer prices....yes you can find cheaper but you will not find any better customer service than what the Paul C Buff companies have (PCB owns Alien Bees and White Lightning, as well as Zeus and Einstein flashes...they are in Nashville Tn......and they do not sell thru distributors in the US..........

Good Luck.......

MileHighAko

I recently decided to create a home studio. Maybe some of my experience can help you. I had about $1000 to spend. I ended up creating a really nice studio setup in my basement for less than my budget. That includes
2 Alien Bees AB800 units
2 Nikon SB-600 flashes
Some cowboy stands and umbrellas (very cheap stuff but works)
White seamless paper hung from the basement rafters using an old curtain rod
Misc. props from around the house.

I'll try to post a photo of my setup when I get a chance. So far it's working out great. The kids are having fun modeling for me, and I'm getting more creative and better with my lighting setups.

What you need vs. what you want are two big things. You only need a hot shoe bounced off the wall or celling. But if you want to get more creative and have some fun, consider building a little home studio. It can be done for far cheaper then you'd think.