Need advice on lighting equipment

SandyG

Hi Dgrin,

I'm looking into shooting some indoor portraits of my kids but need advice on what equipment to use for better lighting and such. What things should I look into purchasing? Umbrella's, flashes etc... keeping it simple. Not doing anything professional but want some good pictures.

Thanks in advance.

~ Sandy

rjpat

Check out Strobist, great resource for inexpensive lighting advise.

MikeMcL

SandyG wrote:

Hi Dgrin,

I'm looking into shooting some indoor portraits of my kids but need advice on what equipment to use for better lighting and such. What things should I look into purchasing? Umbrella's, flashes etc... keeping it simple. Not doing anything professional but want some good pictures.

Thanks in advance.

~ Sandy

Strobist setups are light and compact, but generally not cheap. You could pretty easily buy an alienbees light or two (AB400's would do very well). one with a reflector, or 2 would be a great little setup.

The other great thing about AB's is that they resell for 85% of retail or better if you decide you dont want them. alienbees.com also has a 60-day no questions asked return policy.

Shane422

I bought a Alienbee B40o, with a brollybox and light stand about a year ago for the simple fact that if I was no good or lost interest, they ebay for nearly full price. I mostly shot with one light, and a foam board reflector for a long time. Here is my first picture of my daughter using that setup. I would advise to get teh biggest brolly box, soft box, or umbrella that you can afford. It makes for softer shadows.

I also recently added this radio trigger. It appears to be the exact same unit Alienbees is selling for about 60% less. Mine has worked perfectly for about 3 months now. And its great having no more wires.

I would like a second Alienbee, but I use my speedlight, and a few other cheap slaves as accent lights now.