budget home lighting setup for food photography

[DMajor]

Hi there

Anyone can give me some advise on the lighting setup for food photography, something that is budget and can be setup at home?

Thanks.
Dmajor.

[Sgdevilzz]

I'm pretty sure mass sales has alot to offer. Just get a continuous lighting setup. 1 softbox is sufficient. Cost less than $70

[thoongeng]

there are a few threads in the 'Photo Galleries' > 'Abstracts and Still Life' section on home/self food photography. Read that can just put white cloth over window and ta-da a huge natural continuous light softbox cost is only the white cloth

[DMajor]

Thanks for suggestions. I will read up a bit more.

[DMajor]

If I already have speedlite 580, and I want to get a softbox and stand, and also a reflector holder, what is a good set for beginner on budget?

[DMajor]

To be clear, I mean firing speedlite through softbox.

That would mean I need remote triggering too. Any budget choice?

[flipfreak]

I would say dun waste time on a speed light soft box. Get a white umbrella to shoot through. Bounce off walls to get a day light feel. Buy mirrors from daiso to fill in shadows and create highlights.

[catchlights]

get a continuous lighting setup, be it hard or soft light, so you able to see the effect of lighting and adjust it before you shoot.

and it is more flexible when you want use different aperture value, just need to compensate with the shutter speed will do.


and yes, mirror and white foam board is indispensable.

[DMajor]

get a continuous lighting setup, be it hard or soft light, so you able to see the effect of lighting and adjust it before you shoot.

and it is more flexible when you want use different aperture value, just need to compensate with the shutter speed will do.

and yes, mirror and white foam board is indispensable.

Thanks, but what would you recommend as a budget continuous light setup?

[DMajor]

I would say dun waste time on a speed light soft box. Get a white umbrella to shoot through. Bounce off walls to get a day light feel. Buy mirrors from daiso to fill in shadows and create highlights.

Thanks. I think I set aside my speedlite

[catchlights]

Thanks, but what would you recommend as a budget continuous light setup?

I'm using the continues light with softbox from Tago Tech, boom arm is not included.

[DMajor]

I'm using the continues light with softbox from Tago Tech, boom arm is not included.

What kind of wattage necessary for the basic light setup?

Thank you mr catchlights.

[stevenc]

I'm using the continues light with softbox from Tago Tech, boom arm is not included.

I got this softbox kit from Tagotech as well, you can add on a studio boom and a sandbag if necessary.
The light bulb is huge and it claims to have 750W output.
The price is reasonable.
So far I am quite pleased with the effect as I dont need to be dependent on the natural light by my window.
I use it specifically for food and product photography.

Tago Tech I-Store

[catchlights]

What kind of wattage necessary for the basic light setup?

Thank you mr catchlights.

You are welcome.

stevenc has replied you.


the good thing about continues light is when you need to use smaller aperture, or lager aperture, just need to compensate with different shutter speed, and you can see how is the light effect, not shooting half blind with strobe light.

[DMajor]

I got this softbox kit from Tagotech as well, you can add on a studio boom and a sandbag if necessary.
The light bulb is huge and it claims to have 750W output.
The price is reasonable.
So far I am quite pleased with the effect as I dont need to be dependent on the natural light by my window.
I use it specifically for food and product photography.

Tago Tech I-Store

Thanks Stevenc.

[DMajor]

You are welcome.

stevenc has replied you.


the good thing about continues light is when you need to use smaller aperture, or lager aperture, just need to compensate with different shutter speed, and you can see how is the light effect, not shooting half blind with strobe light.

Thanks for the clear explanation. I guess I have to play around with it in order to know more. Cheers.

[oracle0711]

I remembered seeing Orient Photo (at Sim Lim Square) selling LED continuous lighting that can be powered by AC as well as Battery operated. According to the chap, those lights have different range of power e.g. 500Watt, 800Watt and even 1000Watt. Pricing is quite affordable. The advantage is the weight as well as it compactness. The disadvantage is the lack of light modifier. You will have to improvised if you want to have different effects like using strip lights, etc.