What types of strobes ?

[Hermie]

Hi,

I am a student and I am going to shoot our graduation deparment photos. We want to have the professional type of look like in magazines(if possible) because we're going to print it for keepsake.

I'm thinking of ;

• Potrait shots of our lecturers
• Group shots of our lecturers
• We Students at work/library/workshop etc (mix of indoor and outdoor shots)
• Our school building
• Fun shots of students

As suggested by some of CS Photographers, I should get strobes for my indoor portrait shots. What would be the ideal and affordable choice of strobes to rent. I've done my search and here is the list.

• Jinbei 180W
• Jinbei RL630
• Bowen 500W
• Travelpak for Bowens

I'll be just shooting my lecturers individually and perhaps a group shot of them. Which of the above mentioned strobes should I use ?

Any inputs would be appreciated.

Thanks !!

[btrenkel]

More a function of your budget.

If you just want to shoot basic portrait; and you are good with strobes, you can work with just one single flashhead. Something in the range of 400-600 W; don't go below. But this will not be enough for group shots.

For isolated on white or large group shots you will normally need 3 heads + softboxes.

Nothing against the cheaper Jinbei - but if your budget can afford it, have a serious look at Bowen or Elinchrom. And look at the complete kits they are selling.

But add to all this that you might end up spending more and more for:
- softboxes
- triggers
- light modifiers

It's an expensive hobby...

[coffee3in1]

If this is just a one-off. I suggest to rent. Or attend a workshop first.

If time is not extensive, may be can look at a collaborative effort?

[FlipFlop]

Look out for a 2nd hand unit to play around and get familiar, it's gonna cost you quite a fair bit....