Looking at buying Basic Studio EQ for My Self

[Roger]

Hello All.

I am thinking about buying some basic studio EQ for when we have our baby. I would like to be able to take some pictures of our new family here at home and I am not sure what where I should start. Since I don't currently have a dedicated studio, I would need something I could setup in a bed room or like location at the time of use.

I Guess I am wondering if there is a website or book that has the basics and or examples on how to build/buy what you need?

Sorry if I am not helpful in this request.

Thanks

[Kevin]

Roger,
You might consider adding a 580EX flash since you already have the 430EX. One advantage would be the portability, especially if your space is limited. I don't have direct experience with Canon's flashes but when I was shooting Nikon, I used 3 flashes for all my portrait work.

When I switched to Canon, I bought 3 Alien Bees (2 AB800 and 1 AB400). They're very nice and far more powerful than the flashes but they require some effort putting them up and taking them down. I fortunately had a dedicated room so left mine up the whole time.

With the 2 flashes, you've got plenty of options to create some beautiful portraits of your family.

[RLJSlick]

Hiya Roger, if you need just a basic studio kit, here is what I bought when I first started, it's cheap but it does work very well on a budget:
http://www.amazon.com/3-Light-1250-Watt-Thrifty-Mini-Boom-Carrying/dp/B0000AJB80/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-3763452-2627807?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1174407233&sr=8-1

If you one of them "do it yourselfers" like me, you may want to go to this site, this guy has some great ideas:
http://www.diyphotography.net/

[Roger]

I was kinda thinking a basic studio kit and maybe a back drop. Do i buy each part by it's self or get a kit? What brands are good and so on?

[Roger]

Anyone? I am kinda looking for a light option for under $300 that will work for baby's / infants I want something softer than flash.

[Kevin]

Roger, I don't know what else to tell you. Adding another flash is a good option. You can buy small softboxes or other diffusers that will soften the flash. That, at least, will get you a 2 light setup and would be able to function off camera with a cord for one of the flashes.

Ricky also linked a kit. It's continuous lighting which means it doesn't flash but is on all the time. The downside to them is that they get hot and can be uncomfortable.

I don't know any inexpensive flash brands to recommend. You might want to check ebay or Adorama or Calument and browse through their lights and kits to see what they offer.

You can always start out with a single Alien Bee AB400 and use a reflector for fill. The AB400 is $225.

Don't worry about buying a backdrop. Either make your own by painting an old bedsheet or just use the sheet. Or go to a fabric store and buy some muslin and dye it or paint it. It's easy to do.

[Kevin]

Jeff has a Canon 420EX flash for sale right here for ~$130USD.

For sale thread (http://www.pixel-shooter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5075)

[Roger]

What about using reflectors to amplify natural light? anyone use any? then i wouldn't be hurting baby's eyes.

[Kevin]

You can easily do portraiture using nothing but window light. Adding a reflector will lighten up the shadows nicely. You don't even need to buy a fancy reflector. Go to Office Depot or Staples and buy a couple of sheets of white foam core board. The white surface reflects perfectly.

[Kevin]

Here are some I took in my garage using natural light and some with a foam core reflector

http://www.kevinpaavola.com/PixelShooter/O2Matte.jpg


http://www.kevinpaavola.com/PixelSHooter/O3Matte.jpg


http://www.kevinpaavola.com/PixelSHooter/O5Matte.jpg


http://www.kevinpaavola.com/PixelSHooter/S1Framed.jpg


http://www.kevinpaavola.com/PixelSHooter/KAndJ.jpg

[Rudi]

I'd have to second the recommendation for window light and a reflector! Best way to go, especially since you shoot with a Canon and have good high ISO performance available to you. Buying a second EX flash would also be a good option, but a much steeper learning curve. BUT - you'd have the option of taking pics at night, if the opportunity presented itself. But you already have the one flash, and that will do in a pinch.

Personally, I'd start with window light. :)

[Roger]

Alright, anyone have a guide or tips to setting up reflectors? Placement and all that?

[Rudi]

Roger, when I recommend window light, I practice what I preach. All the following were taken using available window light. In a couple of them, a background would have been a better idea, but as you can see, you can even get around that most of the time. Just pay attention to your background, and shoot from a different position if you need to change it.

http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/p996751610.jpg

http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/p762293116.jpg

http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/p582729623.jpg

http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/p834871548.jpg

http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/p990478929.jpg

http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/p1047761322.jpg

http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/p222322991.jpg

http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/p773020734.jpg

http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/p453048801.jpg

These last two were shot using available artificial light - a little table lamp in the first one, and the bathroom light in the second. Again, I used the simplest available solution before breaking out the lights and stands and setting them all up. Sometimes the simplest solution works best, especially with today's Canon DSLRs - the high ISO is so good that you can afford to try these things out. (Actually, the first one was shot with my little Fuji P&S, so you don't even need a Canon DSLR to do this :)).

http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/p747561404.jpg

http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/p732531941.jpg

[Roger]

Alright, So I have two options as I see it.

:arghh:

But I need help to make sure I under stand what gear I would needed.

1.
Use natural light, and a reflector, with stand, Totaling, three parts reflector, Stand, and arm to hold reflector? and a background, stand and sheet.

2. use studio soft box, Now here is where I need help, I would need a strobe * what size? *, a reflector (to even light on other size of face), two stands, *one arm for reflector?* , and *do I need a attachment for the strobe to soft box?* one soft box, *a shoe sync?* (something has to fire the strobe) and a background, stand and sheet.


Now I just need to find the cheapest way to do both and compare the costs. slam;

[MiriamJ]

If you're looking for cheap, and don't want to use window light, inexpensive halogen shop lights diffused through a translucent shower curtain hung on a framework made with 1/2" pvc pipe gives very nice results. Downside is the lights do get very hot. I use halogens a lot, but I move very slowly and carefully, and never let anyone else in the room unless I'm sure they'll be as careful as I am.

A really great site covering lighting, including how to save money when starting out is http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/.

[MiriamJ]

Rudi, great results with your lighting. #3, the little girl has the most wonderful smile. I hope that one was framed and given to her parents, or if you are the parent, hung where it can brighten your day.

[Rudi]

Thank you, Miriam! She's not mine, but you're right - her smile lights up your day! :)

[Kevin]

I've seen that wine glass shot but thought it worth mentioning again that it is really a sexy shot, in a very understated way.

[Rudi]

I've seen that wine glass shot but thought it worth mentioning again that it is really a sexy shot, in a very understated way.

Thank you, Kevin! :)

[Roger]

Anyone used homemade background support systems and or soft boxes / umbrella's?