RE: Studio lighting enablement
That is an excellent deal. Bruce is responsible for many things but I think I may have turned the tables on him recently :-) Gerrit -Original Message- From: PDML [mailto:pdml-boun...@pdml.net] On Behalf Of Walt Sent: Wednesday, July 3, 2013 11:56 PM To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List Subject: OT: Studio lighting enablement So, I went to the local camera shop today to look for a real softbox to use for the family photo shoot I was set to do this evening. Before I knew it, I was walking out with two fairly nice pneumatic-type light stands, two Studio Systems SPS920 AC studio strobes (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/246869-REG/SP_Studio_Systems_SPS920_9 20_AC_Strobe_Series.html), two umbrellas (white and black) and a 6' flash sync cable. I went in expecting to spend about $50-$75 and ended up spending $200. I feel like I got a pretty damned good deal, though. It was a display setup, of which the carrying bag had faded on one side from sitting in direct sun in the storefront window. I really couldn't afford it, but I felt like I couldn't afford to let the opportunity pass. Everything seems to be of reasonably good build quality, and the strobes/modeling lights all checked out before I left the store with them. Now, if I can just find some good studio space . . . and some extremely hot models. I blame Bruce for all of this, of course. -- Walt -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Studio lighting enablement
I found my piggy bank quaking and hiding under a dresser this morning. On Thu, Jul 4, 2013 at 8:28 AM, Gerrit Visser gerrit...@gmail.com wrote: That is an excellent deal. Bruce is responsible for many things but I think I may have turned the tables on him recently :-) Gerrit -Original Message- From: PDML [mailto:pdml-boun...@pdml.net] On Behalf Of Walt Sent: Wednesday, July 3, 2013 11:56 PM To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List Subject: OT: Studio lighting enablement So, I went to the local camera shop today to look for a real softbox to use for the family photo shoot I was set to do this evening. Before I knew it, I was walking out with two fairly nice pneumatic-type light stands, two Studio Systems SPS920 AC studio strobes (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/246869-REG/SP_Studio_Systems_SPS920_9 20_AC_Strobe_Series.html), two umbrellas (white and black) and a 6' flash sync cable. I went in expecting to spend about $50-$75 and ended up spending $200. I feel like I got a pretty damned good deal, though. It was a display setup, of which the carrying bag had faded on one side from sitting in direct sun in the storefront window. I really couldn't afford it, but I felt like I couldn't afford to let the opportunity pass. Everything seems to be of reasonably good build quality, and the strobes/modeling lights all checked out before I left the store with them. Now, if I can just find some good studio space . . . and some extremely hot models. I blame Bruce for all of this, of course. -- Walt -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- -bmw -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Studio lighting enablement
Uh-oh! Sounds like a case of K-5 Fever. The prognosis is grim. ;) -- Walt On 7/4/2013 8:13 AM, Bruce Walker wrote: I found my piggy bank quaking and hiding under a dresser this morning. On Thu, Jul 4, 2013 at 8:28 AM, Gerrit Visser gerrit...@gmail.com wrote: That is an excellent deal. Bruce is responsible for many things but I think I may have turned the tables on him recently :-) Gerrit -Original Message- From: PDML [mailto:pdml-boun...@pdml.net] On Behalf Of Walt Sent: Wednesday, July 3, 2013 11:56 PM To: Pentax-Discuss Mail List Subject: OT: Studio lighting enablement So, I went to the local camera shop today to look for a real softbox to use for the family photo shoot I was set to do this evening. Before I knew it, I was walking out with two fairly nice pneumatic-type light stands, two Studio Systems SPS920 AC studio strobes (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/246869-REG/SP_Studio_Systems_SPS920_9 20_AC_Strobe_Series.html), two umbrellas (white and black) and a 6' flash sync cable. I went in expecting to spend about $50-$75 and ended up spending $200. I feel like I got a pretty damned good deal, though. It was a display setup, of which the carrying bag had faded on one side from sitting in direct sun in the storefront window. I really couldn't afford it, but I felt like I couldn't afford to let the opportunity pass. Everything seems to be of reasonably good build quality, and the strobes/modeling lights all checked out before I left the store with them. Now, if I can just find some good studio space . . . and some extremely hot models. I blame Bruce for all of this, of course. -- Walt -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
Re: Studio lighting
Ann. Not familiar with that Verilux lamp. Can you post a pic or link Dave On 4/20/07, ann sanfedele [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ann sanfedele wrote: My studio is 3 pieces fo 8 foot high x 36 white foamcore , taped at the hoints to fold for easy storage, my window and a Verilux lamp -- I've inherited a second lamp but it hasn't gotten to me yet. The verilux floor lamps are cool daylight and two at right angles work nicely... ACk! - I mean 45 degree angles - ugh I was sleepy ann I have a piece of black cloth to drape over the light box and a few stray pieces of white board for reflectors. Except for the pics of Trina and Patti , the shots here were taken with this set up http://annsan.smugmug.com/gallery/2637896 seamless is bulky and heavy and tears easily... I think my set up is pretty enviornmentally friendly, too ann Scott Loveless wrote: Howdy, gang! The wife and I have been talking about doing a little studio portraiture and were wondering if we could solicit a few opinions from the sanitari..PDML. We need to be able to set it up and take it down quickly. We also need to be able to store it as compactly as possible. Our initial thoughts were to start simple - a 53 roll of white seamless, stands for the roll, and a couple lights with either umbrellas or soft boxes. A single light and a reflector may suit our needs, too. I'd rather not deal with the heat from tungsten lights, so it's either fluorescent continuous lighting or monoblocks. Current plans are to photograph the kids a lot, guests when they'll allow it, and a few models for some projects I'm considering. One or two people in the frame should be typical. As far as environment goes, we have 9 foot ceilings and enough space to move the camera up to about 20 feet from the sitter. Our house is almost a shotgun style, so width of the backdrop is an issue. Anything wider than 6' would be problematic unless I moved a lot of furniture around. Windows face northeast and northwest Anyone care to offer an opinion about brands, continuous vs. strobe, watt seconds, etc? Thanks! -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- Equine Photography www.caughtinmotion.com http://brooksinthecountry.blogspot.com/ Ontario Canada -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
I'm not Ann, but I'll answer anyway. The Verilux lamps are very high quality (priced accordingly) daylight balanced reading lamps. I don't believe they've ever made a photo-specific light. -- Scott Loveless www.twosixteen.com/ -- Original message -- From: David J Brooks [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ann. Not familiar with that Verilux lamp. Can you post a pic or link Dave On 4/20/07, ann sanfedele [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ann sanfedele wrote: My studio is 3 pieces fo 8 foot high x 36 white foamcore , taped at the hoints to fold for easy storage, my window and a Verilux lamp -- I've inherited a second lamp but it hasn't gotten to me yet. The verilux floor lamps are cool daylight and two at right angles work nicely... ACk! - I mean 45 degree angles - ugh I was sleepy ann I have a piece of black cloth to drape over the light box and a few stray pieces of white board for reflectors. Except for the pics of Trina and Patti , the shots here were taken with this set up http://annsan.smugmug.com/gallery/2637896 seamless is bulky and heavy and tears easily... I think my set up is pretty enviornmentally friendly, too ann Scott Loveless wrote: Howdy, gang! The wife and I have been talking about doing a little studio portraiture and were wondering if we could solicit a few opinions from the sanitari..PDML. We need to be able to set it up and take it down quickly. We also need to be able to store it as compactly as possible. Our initial thoughts were to start simple - a 53 roll of white seamless, stands for the roll, and a couple lights with either umbrellas or soft boxes. A single light and a reflector may suit our needs, too. I'd rather not deal with the heat from tungsten lights, so it's either fluorescent continuous lighting or monoblocks. Current plans are to photograph the kids a lot, guests when they'll allow it, and a few models for some projects I'm considering. One or two people in the frame should be typical. As far as environment goes, we have 9 foot ceilings and enough space to move the camera up to about 20 feet from the sitter. Our house is almost a shotgun style, so width of the backdrop is an issue. Anything wider than 6' would be problematic unless I moved a lot of furniture around. Windows face northeast and northwest Anyone care to offer an opinion about brands, continuous vs. strobe, watt seconds, etc? Thanks! -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- Equine Photography www.caughtinmotion.com http://brooksinthecountry.blogspot.com/ Ontario Canada -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
On 4/22/07, Scott Loveless [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm not Ann, but I'll answer anyway. You had me fooled for a second there.:-) Dave The Verilux lamps are very high quality (priced accordingly) daylight balanced reading lamps. I don't believe they've ever made a photo-specific light. -- Scott Loveless www.twosixteen.com/ -- Original message -- From: David J Brooks [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ann. Not familiar with that Verilux lamp. Can you post a pic or link Dave On 4/20/07, ann sanfedele [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ann sanfedele wrote: My studio is 3 pieces fo 8 foot high x 36 white foamcore , taped at the hoints to fold for easy storage, my window and a Verilux lamp -- I've inherited a second lamp but it hasn't gotten to me yet. The verilux floor lamps are cool daylight and two at right angles work nicely... ACk! - I mean 45 degree angles - ugh I was sleepy ann I have a piece of black cloth to drape over the light box and a few stray pieces of white board for reflectors. Except for the pics of Trina and Patti , the shots here were taken with this set up http://annsan.smugmug.com/gallery/2637896 seamless is bulky and heavy and tears easily... I think my set up is pretty enviornmentally friendly, too ann Scott Loveless wrote: Howdy, gang! The wife and I have been talking about doing a little studio portraiture and were wondering if we could solicit a few opinions from the sanitari..PDML. We need to be able to set it up and take it down quickly. We also need to be able to store it as compactly as possible. Our initial thoughts were to start simple - a 53 roll of white seamless, stands for the roll, and a couple lights with either umbrellas or soft boxes. A single light and a reflector may suit our needs, too. I'd rather not deal with the heat from tungsten lights, so it's either fluorescent continuous lighting or monoblocks. Current plans are to photograph the kids a lot, guests when they'll allow it, and a few models for some projects I'm considering. One or two people in the frame should be typical. As far as environment goes, we have 9 foot ceilings and enough space to move the camera up to about 20 feet from the sitter. Our house is almost a shotgun style, so width of the backdrop is an issue. Anything wider than 6' would be problematic unless I moved a lot of furniture around. Windows face northeast and northwest Anyone care to offer an opinion about brands, continuous vs. strobe, watt seconds, etc? Thanks! -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- Equine Photography www.caughtinmotion.com http://brooksinthecountry.blogspot.com/ Ontario Canada -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- Equine Photography www.caughtinmotion.com http://brooksinthecountry.blogspot.com/ Ontario Canada -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
I put an article I wrote a while back up on my website for free download as a pdf. It talks about some general theory of softbox use and has some one-light portraits as examples. Just go to www.bobshell.com and scroll down to the link. I hope it is useful to some of you. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
ann sanfedele wrote: My studio is 3 pieces fo 8 foot high x 36 white foamcore , taped at the hoints to fold for easy storage, my window and a Verilux lamp -- I've inherited a second lamp but it hasn't gotten to me yet. The verilux floor lamps are cool daylight and two at right angles work nicely... ACk! - I mean 45 degree angles - ugh I was sleepy ann I have a piece of black cloth to drape over the light box and a few stray pieces of white board for reflectors. Except for the pics of Trina and Patti , the shots here were taken with this set up http://annsan.smugmug.com/gallery/2637896 seamless is bulky and heavy and tears easily... I think my set up is pretty enviornmentally friendly, too ann Scott Loveless wrote: Howdy, gang! The wife and I have been talking about doing a little studio portraiture and were wondering if we could solicit a few opinions from the sanitari..PDML. We need to be able to set it up and take it down quickly. We also need to be able to store it as compactly as possible. Our initial thoughts were to start simple - a 53 roll of white seamless, stands for the roll, and a couple lights with either umbrellas or soft boxes. A single light and a reflector may suit our needs, too. I'd rather not deal with the heat from tungsten lights, so it's either fluorescent continuous lighting or monoblocks. Current plans are to photograph the kids a lot, guests when they'll allow it, and a few models for some projects I'm considering. One or two people in the frame should be typical. As far as environment goes, we have 9 foot ceilings and enough space to move the camera up to about 20 feet from the sitter. Our house is almost a shotgun style, so width of the backdrop is an issue. Anything wider than 6' would be problematic unless I moved a lot of furniture around. Windows face northeast and northwest Anyone care to offer an opinion about brands, continuous vs. strobe, watt seconds, etc? Thanks! -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
Hello Scott, The room does seem a little challenging. One big issue is the height of the ceiling. My umbrellas have a removable back that allows them to either bounce or shoot through. When the ceilings are high I can use them for bouncing the light, but if the ceilings are lower, then shooting through saves me several feet. So that is one suggestion - get shoot through umbrellas. Basically you need to have the light high enough for the shadows to fall behind your subject. As to backdrop, Bill Robb has talked a few times about more of a muslin like drop that you can make yourself - maybe he'll chime in. In that size of width, some natural folds to the cloth might look less antiseptic than seamless and might be easier to deal with. For lights, I use the Alien Bees. They are priced very competitively and have features to match the high end systems. My understanding is that they are lighter duty, so wouldn't be a good choice for a studio that is shooting day in and day out. But for my usage, which is much more hit and miss, they are excellent. It is certainly worth checking them out. Anyway, some starting advice - hope it helps. -- Bruce Wednesday, April 18, 2007, 9:19:57 PM, you wrote: SL Howdy, gang! The wife and I have been talking about doing a little SL studio portraiture and were wondering if we could solicit a few opinions SL from the sanitari..PDML. SL We need to be able to set it up and take it down quickly. We also need SL to be able to store it as compactly as possible. Our initial thoughts SL were to start simple - a 53 roll of white seamless, stands for the SL roll, and a couple lights with either umbrellas or soft boxes. A single SL light and a reflector may suit our needs, too. I'd rather not deal with SL the heat from tungsten lights, so it's either fluorescent continuous SL lighting or monoblocks. Current plans are to photograph the kids a lot, SL guests when they'll allow it, and a few models for some projects I'm SL considering. One or two people in the frame should be typical. SL As far as environment goes, we have 9 foot ceilings and enough space to SL move the camera up to about 20 feet from the sitter. Our house is SL almost a shotgun style, so width of the backdrop is an issue. Anything SL wider than 6' would be problematic unless I moved a lot of furniture SL around. Windows face northeast and northwest SL Anyone care to offer an opinion about brands, continuous vs. strobe, SL watt seconds, etc? SL Thanks! SL -- SL Scott Loveless SL www.twosixteen.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
I have a Studio Pro Excalibur 3200 lighting kit that stores nicely in two canvas bags. It includes two 300 watt monolights, one 150 watt hair light and snorkel, two umbrellas, and three stands. I can light a group of a dozen or more people nicely. It's perfect for portraits. I also have a background stand from Superior Seamless. It will suspend a large muslim or a wide roll of seamless at heights up to about ten feet. It also fits in a canvas case for transport. I've set up many places, even outdoors with a generator for power. Paul -- Original message -- From: Scott Loveless [EMAIL PROTECTED] Howdy, gang! The wife and I have been talking about doing a little studio portraiture and were wondering if we could solicit a few opinions from the sanitari..PDML. We need to be able to set it up and take it down quickly. We also need to be able to store it as compactly as possible. Our initial thoughts were to start simple - a 53 roll of white seamless, stands for the roll, and a couple lights with either umbrellas or soft boxes. A single light and a reflector may suit our needs, too. I'd rather not deal with the heat from tungsten lights, so it's either fluorescent continuous lighting or monoblocks. Current plans are to photograph the kids a lot, guests when they'll allow it, and a few models for some projects I'm considering. One or two people in the frame should be typical. As far as environment goes, we have 9 foot ceilings and enough space to move the camera up to about 20 feet from the sitter. Our house is almost a shotgun style, so width of the backdrop is an issue. Anything wider than 6' would be problematic unless I moved a lot of furniture around. Windows face northeast and northwest Anyone care to offer an opinion about brands, continuous vs. strobe, watt seconds, etc? Thanks! -- Scott Loveless www.twosixteen.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
Scott, Will you be shooting digital or film, or both? What is your budget? For digital some of the new continuous lights that use fluorescent tubes are great. Good light quality like hot lights but almost no heat. And WYSIWYG, unlike studio flash. If you want flash, you can't go wrong with AlienBees. Made to very high standards. Fan cooled. Modeling lights and replacement flash tubes readily available if you ever need them. Wide range of light modifiers available from them and other companies. My studio was set up as a teaching studio and I have three shooting areas that are set up with lights all the time. I have three AlienBees in one set, and have been running them heavily since they first came on the market in 2003. I've yet to need to replace a flash tube or modeling light. I have Multiblitz monolights (3) on another set, and Visatek (from Broncolor) on the third set. Both produce excellent light quality, but modeling lights are harder to get and more expensive, and light modifiers from the companies are expensive. I also have a bunch of White Lightning units of various vintages that I use when I need more lights for a particular project, and some JTL equipment. I've tested just about every brand of studio flash at one time or another for my magazine articles/books, and really do think that AlienBees is the best value per dollar currently available. Bob On Apr 19, 2007, at 12:19 AM, Scott Loveless wrote: Howdy, gang! The wife and I have been talking about doing a little studio portraiture and were wondering if we could solicit a few opinions from the sanitari..PDML. We need to be able to set it up and take it down quickly. We also need to be able to store it as compactly as possible. Our initial thoughts were to start simple - a 53 roll of white seamless, stands for the roll, and a couple lights with either umbrellas or soft boxes. A single light and a reflector may suit our needs, too. I'd rather not deal with the heat from tungsten lights, so it's either fluorescent continuous lighting or monoblocks. Current plans are to photograph the kids a lot, guests when they'll allow it, and a few models for some projects I'm considering. One or two people in the frame should be typical. As far as environment goes, we have 9 foot ceilings and enough space to move the camera up to about 20 feet from the sitter. Our house is almost a shotgun style, so width of the backdrop is an issue. Anything wider than 6' would be problematic unless I moved a lot of furniture around. Windows face northeast and northwest Anyone care to offer an opinion about brands, continuous vs. strobe, watt seconds, etc? Thanks! -- Scott Loveless www.twosixteen.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
Not to hi jack the thread, but does anyone remeber the site for flash tutorials, strobo something or other. I had it bookmarked but its gone. Dave On 4/19/07, Bob Shell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Scott, Will you be shooting digital or film, or both? What is your budget? For digital some of the new continuous lights that use fluorescent tubes are great. Good light quality like hot lights but almost no heat. And WYSIWYG, unlike studio flash. If you want flash, you can't go wrong with AlienBees. Made to very high standards. Fan cooled. Modeling lights and replacement flash tubes readily available if you ever need them. Wide range of light modifiers available from them and other companies. My studio was set up as a teaching studio and I have three shooting areas that are set up with lights all the time. I have three AlienBees in one set, and have been running them heavily since they first came on the market in 2003. I've yet to need to replace a flash tube or modeling light. I have Multiblitz monolights (3) on another set, and Visatek (from Broncolor) on the third set. Both produce excellent light quality, but modeling lights are harder to get and more expensive, and light modifiers from the companies are expensive. I also have a bunch of White Lightning units of various vintages that I use when I need more lights for a particular project, and some JTL equipment. I've tested just about every brand of studio flash at one time or another for my magazine articles/books, and really do think that AlienBees is the best value per dollar currently available. Bob On Apr 19, 2007, at 12:19 AM, Scott Loveless wrote: Howdy, gang! The wife and I have been talking about doing a little studio portraiture and were wondering if we could solicit a few opinions from the sanitari..PDML. We need to be able to set it up and take it down quickly. We also need to be able to store it as compactly as possible. Our initial thoughts were to start simple - a 53 roll of white seamless, stands for the roll, and a couple lights with either umbrellas or soft boxes. A single light and a reflector may suit our needs, too. I'd rather not deal with the heat from tungsten lights, so it's either fluorescent continuous lighting or monoblocks. Current plans are to photograph the kids a lot, guests when they'll allow it, and a few models for some projects I'm considering. One or two people in the frame should be typical. As far as environment goes, we have 9 foot ceilings and enough space to move the camera up to about 20 feet from the sitter. Our house is almost a shotgun style, so width of the backdrop is an issue. Anything wider than 6' would be problematic unless I moved a lot of furniture around. Windows face northeast and northwest Anyone care to offer an opinion about brands, continuous vs. strobe, watt seconds, etc? Thanks! -- Scott Loveless www.twosixteen.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- Equine Photography www.caughtinmotion.com http://brooksinthecountry.blogspot.com/ Ontario Canada -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
On Apr 19, 2007, at 7:59 AM, David J Brooks wrote: Not to hi jack the thread, but does anyone remeber the site for flash tutorials, strobo something or other. I had it bookmarked but its gone. There's some good stuff here, including one of my lessons: http://www.photoflexlightingschool.com/ Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
David Savage wrote: I cant add anything to help with your decision, but this question comes up quite frequently at the DPReview Lighting Technique Forum: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1025 Cheers, Dave On 4/19/07, Scott Loveless [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Howdy, gang! The wife and I have been talking about doing a little studio portraiture and were wondering if we could solicit a few opinions from the sanitari..PDML. We need to be able to set it up and take it down quickly. We also need to be able to store it as compactly as possible. Our initial thoughts were to start simple - a 53 roll of white seamless, stands for the roll, and a couple lights with either umbrellas or soft boxes. A single light and a reflector may suit our needs, too. I'd rather not deal with the heat from tungsten lights, so it's either fluorescent continuous lighting or monoblocks. Current plans are to photograph the kids a lot, guests when they'll allow it, and a few models for some projects I'm considering. One or two people in the frame should be typical. As far as environment goes, we have 9 foot ceilings and enough space to move the camera up to about 20 feet from the sitter. Our house is almost a shotgun style, so width of the backdrop is an issue. Anything wider than 6' would be problematic unless I moved a lot of furniture around. Windows face northeast and northwest Anyone care to offer an opinion about brands, continuous vs. strobe, watt seconds, etc? Thanks, Dave. I tend to avoid DPReview if at all possible, but I'll take a look. Thanks for the tip. Much appreciated. -- Scott Loveless www.twosixteen.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
Paul Sorenson wrote: I have three AlienBees and am pretty happy with them. They're fairly inexpensive, well made. I use them w/umbrellas, sometimes shoot-through and sometimes reflecting. Here's their URL... http://www.alienbees.com/ -P Scott Loveless wrote: Howdy, gang! The wife and I have been talking about doing a little studio portraiture and were wondering if we could solicit a few opinions from the sanitari..PDML. We need to be able to set it up and take it down quickly. We also need to be able to store it as compactly as possible. Our initial thoughts were to start simple - a 53 roll of white seamless, stands for the roll, and a couple lights with either umbrellas or soft boxes. A single light and a reflector may suit our needs, too. I'd rather not deal with the heat from tungsten lights, so it's either fluorescent continuous lighting or monoblocks. Current plans are to photograph the kids a lot, guests when they'll allow it, and a few models for some projects I'm considering. One or two people in the frame should be typical. As far as environment goes, we have 9 foot ceilings and enough space to move the camera up to about 20 feet from the sitter. Our house is almost a shotgun style, so width of the backdrop is an issue. Anything wider than 6' would be problematic unless I moved a lot of furniture around. Windows face northeast and northwest Anyone care to offer an opinion about brands, continuous vs. strobe, watt seconds, etc? Thanks! Thanks, Paul. Alien Bees are on our short list. If we decide to go with strobes instead of continuous lighting, we'll probably get their digibee package. -- Scott Loveless www.twosixteen.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have a Studio Pro Excalibur 3200 lighting kit that stores nicely in two canvas bags. It includes two 300 watt monolights, one 150 watt hair light and snorkel, two umbrellas, and three stands. I can light a group of a dozen or more people nicely. It's perfect for portraits. I also have a background stand from Superior Seamless. It will suspend a large muslim or a wide roll of seamless at heights up to about ten feet. It also fits in a canvas case for transport. I've set up many places, even outdoors with a generator for power. Paul -- Original message -- From: Scott Loveless [EMAIL PROTECTED] We need to be able to set it up and take it down quickly. We also need to be able to store it as compactly as possible. Our initial thoughts were to start simple - a 53 roll of white seamless, stands for the roll, and a couple lights with either umbrellas or soft boxes. A single light and a reflector may suit our needs, too. I'd rather not deal with the heat from tungsten lights, so it's either fluorescent continuous lighting or monoblocks. Current plans are to photograph the kids a lot, guests when they'll allow it, and a few models for some projects I'm considering. One or two people in the frame should be typical. Paul, do you think a couple 100 or 150 w/s strobes would be adequate for what I've described - one or two people at a time, or a very close grouping of perhaps four? I could always add one of those optical slaves that screws into a standard light fixture if I needed a hair light. Any thoughts? -- Scott Loveless www.twosixteen.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
Bruce Dayton wrote: Hello Scott, The room does seem a little challenging. One big issue is the height of the ceiling. My umbrellas have a removable back that allows them to either bounce or shoot through. When the ceilings are high I can use them for bouncing the light, but if the ceilings are lower, then shooting through saves me several feet. So that is one suggestion - get shoot through umbrellas. Basically you need to have the light high enough for the shadows to fall behind your subject. As to backdrop, Bill Robb has talked a few times about more of a muslin like drop that you can make yourself - maybe he'll chime in. In that size of width, some natural folds to the cloth might look less antiseptic than seamless and might be easier to deal with. For lights, I use the Alien Bees. They are priced very competitively and have features to match the high end systems. My understanding is that they are lighter duty, so wouldn't be a good choice for a studio that is shooting day in and day out. But for my usage, which is much more hit and miss, they are excellent. It is certainly worth checking them out. Anyway, some starting advice - hope it helps. Thanks, Bruce. Quite a few of you have suggested the Alien Bees. Based on the features they seem to be very competitive Ceiling height is definitely an issue. Bouncing off the ceiling is probably something we could do with a seated or prone subject. I would imagine that they're a bit low for a standing adult. Christie and I discussed Bill Robb's muslin ideas a while back and decided that our landlord probably wouldn't appreciate a couple gallons of paint splattered across the back yard. g -- Scott Loveless www.twosixteen.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
Interspersed Bob Shell wrote: Scott, Will you be shooting digital or film, or both? Mostly digital. All of the color work and probably a good deal of the black and white will be done with the K100 and K10. Any film will be black and white. What is your budget? That's funny! g Seriously, we don't want to spend too much on this. Neither of us has ever done anything quite like this, and I doubt we'll be selling the end product any time soon. It's intended use is for personal photography and as a learning exercise. A two light Alien Bees package is probably at the high end of what we'd like to spend. For digital some of the new continuous lights that use fluorescent tubes are great. Good light quality like hot lights but almost no heat. And WYSIWYG, unlike studio flash. Since we don't have any interest in shooting color film at this point, fluorescent lighting is looking attractive. I am concerned about umbrellas, though. Is there any way to use an umbrella with a 12 parabolic reflector? On the low end I'm seeing single bulb and triple bulb lights. Any preference? I've tested just about every brand of studio flash at one time or another for my magazine articles/books, and really do think that AlienBees is the best value per dollar currently available. Thanks, Bob. Much appreciated. -- Scott Loveless www.twosixteen.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
If you haven't already been here... www.strobist.com It may not be exactly what you are looking for, but a lot of the principles may apply, as well as some learing tools (if you are not experienced with lighting already). Russ On 4/18/07, Scott Loveless [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Howdy, gang! The wife and I have been talking about doing a little studio portraiture and were wondering if we could solicit a few opinions from the sanitari..PDML. We need to be able to set it up and take it down quickly. We also need to be able to store it as compactly as possible. Our initial thoughts were to start simple - a 53 roll of white seamless, stands for the roll, and a couple lights with either umbrellas or soft boxes. A single light and a reflector may suit our needs, too. I'd rather not deal with the heat from tungsten lights, so it's either fluorescent continuous lighting or monoblocks. Current plans are to photograph the kids a lot, guests when they'll allow it, and a few models for some projects I'm considering. One or two people in the frame should be typical. As far as environment goes, we have 9 foot ceilings and enough space to move the camera up to about 20 feet from the sitter. Our house is almost a shotgun style, so width of the backdrop is an issue. Anything wider than 6' would be problematic unless I moved a lot of furniture around. Windows face northeast and northwest Anyone care to offer an opinion about brands, continuous vs. strobe, watt seconds, etc? Thanks! -- Scott Loveless www.twosixteen.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- Legacy Air, Inc. 11900 Airport Way Broomfield Colorado 80021 (303) 404-0277 fax (303) 404-0280 www.legacy-air.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
David J Brooks wrote: Not to hi jack the thread, but does anyone remeber the site for flash tutorials, strobo something or other. I had it bookmarked but its gone. Dave strobist.blogspot.com -- Scott Loveless www.twosixteen.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
Bob Shell wrote: Scott, Will you be shooting digital or film, or both? What is your budget? For digital some of the new continuous lights that use fluorescent tubes are great. Good light quality like hot lights but almost no heat. And WYSIWYG, unlike studio flash. If you want flash, you can't go wrong with AlienBees. Made to very high standards. Fan cooled. Modeling lights and replacement flash tubes readily available if you ever need them. Wide range of light modifiers available from them and other companies. One more question. Are there any lights I should avoid? -- Scott Loveless www.twosixteen.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
Thats the one. Re booked marked now. Thanks Dave On 4/19/07, Scott Loveless [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: David J Brooks wrote: Not to hi jack the thread, but does anyone remeber the site for flash tutorials, strobo something or other. I had it bookmarked but its gone. Dave strobist.blogspot.com -- Scott Loveless www.twosixteen.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- Equine Photography www.caughtinmotion.com http://brooksinthecountry.blogspot.com/ Ontario Canada -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
On Apr 19, 2007, at 9:03 AM, Scott Loveless wrote: Mostly digital. All of the color work and probably a good deal of the black and white will be done with the K100 and K10. Any film will be black and white. You can go with continuous or flash. What is your budget? That's funny! g Seriously, we don't want to spend too much on this. Neither of us has ever done anything quite like this, and I doubt we'll be selling the end product any time soon. It's intended use is for personal photography and as a learning exercise. A two light Alien Bees package is probably at the high end of what we'd like to spend. You need three lights, minimum. For digital some of the new continuous lights that use fluorescent tubes are great. Good light quality like hot lights but almost no heat. And WYSIWYG, unlike studio flash. Since we don't have any interest in shooting color film at this point, fluorescent lighting is looking attractive. I am concerned about umbrellas, though. Is there any way to use an umbrella with a 12 parabolic reflector? On the low end I'm seeing single bulb and triple bulb lights. Any preference? You can't really use umbrellas with the fluorescent stuff, so far as I know. Too much light loss. Softboxes are much better than umbrellas, anyway. I can't help you on the low end stuff, since I haven't tried it. Bob -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
Yeah, avoid off-brand stuff from the far east. When you need a new modeling light you may find it nearly impossible to find. And if the stuff breaks, forget 'service'. Stick with known brands. Bob On Apr 19, 2007, at 9:19 AM, Scott Loveless wrote: Bob Shell wrote: Scott, Will you be shooting digital or film, or both? What is your budget? For digital some of the new continuous lights that use fluorescent tubes are great. Good light quality like hot lights but almost no heat. And WYSIWYG, unlike studio flash. If you want flash, you can't go wrong with AlienBees. Made to very high standards. Fan cooled. Modeling lights and replacement flash tubes readily available if you ever need them. Wide range of light modifiers available from them and other companies. One more question. Are there any lights I should avoid? -- Scott Loveless www.twosixteen.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
My studio is 3 pieces fo 8 foot high x 36 white foamcore , taped at the hoints to fold for easy storage, my window and a Verilux lamp -- I've inherited a second lamp but it hasn't gotten to me yet. The verilux floor lamps are cool daylight and two at right angles work nicely... I have a piece of black cloth to drape over the light box and a few stray pieces of white board for reflectors. Except for the pics of Trina and Patti , the shots here were taken with this set up http://annsan.smugmug.com/gallery/2637896 seamless is bulky and heavy and tears easily... I think my set up is pretty enviornmentally friendly, too ann Scott Loveless wrote: Howdy, gang! The wife and I have been talking about doing a little studio portraiture and were wondering if we could solicit a few opinions from the sanitari..PDML. We need to be able to set it up and take it down quickly. We also need to be able to store it as compactly as possible. Our initial thoughts were to start simple - a 53 roll of white seamless, stands for the roll, and a couple lights with either umbrellas or soft boxes. A single light and a reflector may suit our needs, too. I'd rather not deal with the heat from tungsten lights, so it's either fluorescent continuous lighting or monoblocks. Current plans are to photograph the kids a lot, guests when they'll allow it, and a few models for some projects I'm considering. One or two people in the frame should be typical. As far as environment goes, we have 9 foot ceilings and enough space to move the camera up to about 20 feet from the sitter. Our house is almost a shotgun style, so width of the backdrop is an issue. Anything wider than 6' would be problematic unless I moved a lot of furniture around. Windows face northeast and northwest Anyone care to offer an opinion about brands, continuous vs. strobe, watt seconds, etc? Thanks! -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
You could probably get by with 150 watt strobes, but by the time you're done, you'll probably spend as much as the cost of a kit. Paul -- Original message -- From: Scott Loveless [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have a Studio Pro Excalibur 3200 lighting kit that stores nicely in two canvas bags. It includes two 300 watt monolights, one 150 watt hair light and snorkel, two umbrellas, and three stands. I can light a group of a dozen or more people nicely. It's perfect for portraits. I also have a background stand from Superior Seamless. It will suspend a large muslim or a wide roll of seamless at heights up to about ten feet. It also fits in a canvas case for transport. I've set up many places, even outdoors with a generator for power. Paul -- Original message -- From: Scott Loveless [EMAIL PROTECTED] We need to be able to set it up and take it down quickly. We also need to be able to store it as compactly as possible. Our initial thoughts were to start simple - a 53 roll of white seamless, stands for the roll, and a couple lights with either umbrellas or soft boxes. A single light and a reflector may suit our needs, too. I'd rather not deal with the heat from tungsten lights, so it's either fluorescent continuous lighting or monoblocks. Current plans are to photograph the kids a lot, guests when they'll allow it, and a few models for some projects I'm considering. One or two people in the frame should be typical. Paul, do you think a couple 100 or 150 w/s strobes would be adequate for what I've described - one or two people at a time, or a very close grouping of perhaps four? I could always add one of those optical slaves that screws into a standard light fixture if I needed a hair light. Any thoughts? -- Scott Loveless www.twosixteen.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
- Original Message - From: Scott Loveless Subject: Studio lighting Howdy, gang! The wife and I have been talking about doing a little studio portraiture and were wondering if we could solicit a few opinions from the sanitari..PDML. We need to be able to set it up and take it down quickly. We also need to be able to store it as compactly as possible. Our initial thoughts were to start simple - a 53 roll of white seamless, stands for the roll, and a couple lights with either umbrellas or soft boxes. A single light and a reflector may suit our needs, too. I'd rather not deal with the heat from tungsten lights, so it's either fluorescent continuous lighting or monoblocks. Current plans are to photograph the kids a lot, guests when they'll allow it, and a few models for some projects I'm considering. One or two people in the frame should be typical. As far as environment goes, we have 9 foot ceilings and enough space to move the camera up to about 20 feet from the sitter. Our house is almost a shotgun style, so width of the backdrop is an issue. Anything wider than 6' would be problematic unless I moved a lot of furniture around. Windows face northeast and northwest Anyone care to offer an opinion about brands, continuous vs. strobe, watt seconds, etc? I've been using a Photogenic 800ws box and cable set for 15 years or so. Great quality product. I went with this rather than monolights after seeing what happens when a monolight topples over. I can keep my entire lighting kit in a large Samsonite suitcase and a couple of smaller cases. William Robb -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
I cant add anything to help with your decision, but this question comes up quite frequently at the DPReview Lighting Technique Forum: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1025 Cheers, Dave On 4/19/07, Scott Loveless [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Howdy, gang! The wife and I have been talking about doing a little studio portraiture and were wondering if we could solicit a few opinions from the sanitari..PDML. We need to be able to set it up and take it down quickly. We also need to be able to store it as compactly as possible. Our initial thoughts were to start simple - a 53 roll of white seamless, stands for the roll, and a couple lights with either umbrellas or soft boxes. A single light and a reflector may suit our needs, too. I'd rather not deal with the heat from tungsten lights, so it's either fluorescent continuous lighting or monoblocks. Current plans are to photograph the kids a lot, guests when they'll allow it, and a few models for some projects I'm considering. One or two people in the frame should be typical. As far as environment goes, we have 9 foot ceilings and enough space to move the camera up to about 20 feet from the sitter. Our house is almost a shotgun style, so width of the backdrop is an issue. Anything wider than 6' would be problematic unless I moved a lot of furniture around. Windows face northeast and northwest Anyone care to offer an opinion about brands, continuous vs. strobe, watt seconds, etc? -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
Re: Studio lighting
I have three AlienBees and am pretty happy with them. They're fairly inexpensive, well made. I use them w/umbrellas, sometimes shoot-through and sometimes reflecting. Here's their URL... http://www.alienbees.com/ -P Scott Loveless wrote: Howdy, gang! The wife and I have been talking about doing a little studio portraiture and were wondering if we could solicit a few opinions from the sanitari..PDML. We need to be able to set it up and take it down quickly. We also need to be able to store it as compactly as possible. Our initial thoughts were to start simple - a 53 roll of white seamless, stands for the roll, and a couple lights with either umbrellas or soft boxes. A single light and a reflector may suit our needs, too. I'd rather not deal with the heat from tungsten lights, so it's either fluorescent continuous lighting or monoblocks. Current plans are to photograph the kids a lot, guests when they'll allow it, and a few models for some projects I'm considering. One or two people in the frame should be typical. As far as environment goes, we have 9 foot ceilings and enough space to move the camera up to about 20 feet from the sitter. Our house is almost a shotgun style, so width of the backdrop is an issue. Anything wider than 6' would be problematic unless I moved a lot of furniture around. Windows face northeast and northwest Anyone care to offer an opinion about brands, continuous vs. strobe, watt seconds, etc? Thanks! -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
