Studio Lighting - HELP

WolfOnDigital

Don't know if this is in the right forum? If not someone please move it to where? it belongs.

I am starting to do more and more indoor location shoots.
Models, glamour, etc.

What lighting kit would you suggest that would be cost effective but quality?
I use now...(don't laugh) 2 work lights that have been OK for the past several shoots, BUT in now way provide the control or type of quality of light one needs for indoor shoots.

I know for a studio I would get higher end lights But for this application I would appreciate everyones suggestions.

Who makes a very good light kit? 2 lights, maybe 3, stands, umbrellas, snoots, softbox?? For a decent price that would be a good kit to use for the next year or so?

Thanks everyone in advance!!


Jeff

WolfOnDigital

No One???

Svennie

No worries, good advice comes slowly ;-)
Indoors I use a SB-800, 2 lights, umbrella and a softbox. A remote is very handy as it allows you to move around (no wire to the lights). Sometimes I don't use flash at all (windows give very beautiful light ;-)

ziggy53

I'm very happy with a pair of Adorama Flashpoint 1820A monolights and several compact flashes. (4 - Sigma EF DG Super flashes and 1 - Canon 580EX. I also have an assortment of older Sunpak 383 Super flashes, Vivitar 285HV flashes and Sunpak 611 handle-bracket flashes.)

Basically pair the monolights with large (60") convertible umbrellas, some 10' - 12' air-cushioned light stands, a few umbrella brackets (to hold the compact flashes) and maybe some RF transmitter/receivers. That should be enough to get you started doing some professional-capable work.

You can make most of the additional modifiers you might need, like bounce cards, scoop modifiers, snoots, flags, reflectors, etc.

Art Scott

I have never owned anything but Paul C Buff products (but have used several brands in studios I shoot for, until I bought my 5 white Lightnings then I used them and never looked back) for over 30+ yrs....he has some very inexpensive but very good lights...as well as good and inexpensive stands, umbrellas and even his PLMs are very inexpensive....lights that with the edition of a small lithium battery pack can be used at any location (you loose your modeling light of course...but hey....that should not be a problem).....one of the biggest pluses for me has been the fact that they are built in Nashville Tn and you can call and talk with people that actually know where the product is made...I am talking the lights here.....I have more than once sent an email to customer service at 2 am Sunday Morning and have an answer from Paul himself when I got up at 6 or 7am....that is not unusual.....it was normal when I first bought my 1st White Lightnings to call and ask for Paul and get him to answer questions and everyone has always been very nice and helpful......BTW.....30 yrs later those White Lightnings are still pumping out flashes and they have been rebuilt 1 time approx 10 yrs ago....they are still serviceable by Paul C Buff Inc........

WolfOnDigital

Thanks everyone

Art Scott wrote: »

I have never owned anything but Paul C Buff products (but have used several brands in studios I shoot for, until I bought my 5 white Lightnings then I used them and never looked back) for over 30+ yrs....he has some very inexpensive but very good lights...as well as good and inexpensive stands, umbrellas and even his PLMs are very inexpensive....lights that with the edition of a small lithium battery pack can be used at any location (you loose your modeling light of course...but hey....that should not be a problem).....one of the biggest pluses for me has been the fact that they are built in Nashville Tn and you can call and talk with people that actually know where the product is made...I am talking the lights here.....I have more than once sent an email to customer service at 2 am Sunday Morning and have an answer from Paul himself when I got up at 6 or 7am....that is not unusual.....it was normal when I first bought my 1st White Lightnings to call and ask for Paul and get him to answer questions and everyone has always been very nice and helpful......BTW.....30 yrs later those White Lightnings are still pumping out flashes and they have been rebuilt 1 time approx 10 yrs ago....they are still serviceable by Paul C Buff Inc........

I appreciate the feedback.

Could those of you who answered give me a ball park figure you think I can get away with spending?
$700? $1000? more?

Thanks,

Jeff

Svennie

As with any photo equipment, you can spend thousands of dollars. The set I described was in total about 1K$. I would recommend to start easy: the more lights and the more sophisticated the equipment the harder it will be to control. Even with just one flash your creativity and experience will set the limits ;-)