Hello all,
i would like to explore the realms of studio photography...and i was wondering what type of studio equipment i should buy...like lights and such...
i am planning to do portrait or fashion photography...
uh.....and yea..the studio equipment should be cheap and cheerful....i don't wanna burn a hole in my pocket
thanks!
There is no really 'cheap' solution. What is your budget?
Here is a breakdown what you need to start a studio:
i.
Strobes
Recommended for small studio use, minimum 500W, but I would recommend a 1000W and above anytime. Do bear in mind that lower power strobes means more difficult to adjust the light power.
For basic lightings, minimum 2 lights. However if you want to achieve highkey, minimum 3 lights with a good reflector. For the cheaper ones, you can look out for the low-ends china made strobes. Brand like Jin-Bei, FalconEyes, etc are some good china made strobes. Prices range from ~$300 - $800 each depends on the power. However china made strobes are wel-known for their inaccuracy in light output and poor colour output. But good thing, they are cheap and affordable.
On the other hand, if you have the higher budget, Elinchrome & Bowens brand are highly recommended for most users and generally speaking, they are also more lasting. Prices to be ard ~$800 - $1600 each depends on the power. If you really going into it, you can consider brands like Visatec or Broncolor. These are high end strobes that are colour calibrated to 5500K. The power charged and fires are accurate. Some of these strobes comes with a power pack to regulate the power output. Prices ard ~$2400 - ~$12000 each depends on models, the features of the power pack, etc. These strobes will really burn a hole in your pocket. :bsmilie:
ii.
LightStands/BoomArms/Light Support System
These are standard items. Don't go for something that is too small, cos you'd see your light stands keeps swinging when you extend too high and the risk of the light stands topped over when trip. My advise is a medium size ones. Good ones are the Manfrotto, cost ard ~$150each and the china made, ~$80-$90each. However you also need to get 1-2pcs of the short stands for the backdrop lights, Manfrotto ones are ~$95each.
Boom arms are not actually required unless your studio do not have the width. Bare in mind, although boom arms looks impressive when installed, but they are not easy to adjust and you'd need a ladder every time you want to adjust the position. A normal length Manfrotto Boom Arm cost ~$250ea
Lightings support are fixed mounted rails system on your ceiling. They allow lights to pull down and go up easily. Changing position is also easier, you just need to move the lights along the fixed rails. Very good for small studio without the width. However you'd need a ceiling that is high enough else the rails will be hindering your photoshoot. Not to mention, rails support system are every expensive to install, they cost $xxxx depends on system/models and you'd need professional help to install them.
iii.
Backdrop & Support
Backdrop support comes in many different forms:
- Wall/Ceiling Fixed Hooks, Manfrotto ones cost ~$180 for regular 3hooks. You'd also need to get expan to hold the backdrops. Each manfrotto set of expan kit will cost ~$160 for only 1 backdrop.
- Autopole Supports, Manfrotto ones cost ~$2xx - $3xx depends on height. Autopoles is a very good temporary solution if you don't want to bolt a fixed hooks. But you'd need to pay more for the extra things like super clamps to clamp the backdrop hooks, and the backdrop hooks will also need to the those special ones that can be used with the super clamps. A breakdown of prices:
i. Manfrotto 035 Super Clamp - ~$50ea
ii. Manfrotto backdrop hooks - ~$50 - ~$200 depends on no. of hooks.
Backdrops:
Standard 9ft coloured paper backdrop, cost ~$100/roll. Recommended colours, White, Black, Maroon, Navy Blue, Bright Yellow/Orange, Brown & Grey.
Special designed Muslin,. cost ~$150 - ~$300/roll depends on material, hand painted/digital printed. Many designs to choose from.
iv.
Strobe Triggers
- Cable Trigger - These are the most commonly seen. It is a cable that attached to the strobe and your camera. Your camera will require to have a PC Sync socket, else you can always get a hotshoe PC Sync. Cost ~$30-~$50 for the cable depends on length and Hotshoe PC Sync ~$20ea.
- Radio Trigger - These are the better ones, they work on custom or fixed radio frequency depends on model. Some can work up to 100ft away. Cost ~$80 - ~$600each set depends on brands, model & features.
- IR Trigger - Almost all strobes are equip with a cell sensor. They can be triggered by IR/Low power flash. Common IR Triggers cost ~$65 - ~$150each depends on brands/models.
v.
Light Meters
Light meters comes in many brands. The better brand ones are the Germany made brand, Gossen. Another recommended brand is Minolta. These meters cost ranges from ~$500 - ~$1000 each depends on brands/models/features.
For budget, you can get the normal brand like Sekonic. only cost ~$200 - ~$600+ for the highest end model in the sekonic family.
However, on a personal view, a light meter is not really necessary. You can always use your camera to meter and do test shoots until your desired exposure is achieved. It is digital so no wastage on films, etc. :bsmilie:
Last but not least, your studio size. The minimum width required is ~15ft. This is because your backdrop is already 9ft long. And a fully opened light stand spread to ard 3ft. So if you need to put light on each side, you'd need to have extra 6ft on top of the 9ft backdrop. For length, it is very much depends on which lens you use. For 50mm lens, to achieve a full body shoot, you'd need ard 10ft - 12ft of length.
So based on these measurements and recommendations, hope I didn't burst your dream on setting up a studio. Feel free to contact me should you need any consultancy and help. :bsmilie:
