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portrait photography with a D60, need a little help

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Chris96895

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What basic equipment do I need for portrait photography? I currently have a D60, with he 100mm Macro, 50mm Macro, the 28-135,a 14mm Sigma lens, 550ex flash and a tripod. Would I need another 550ex or is there a more suitable configuration? Will the 100mm Macro lens do well for portrait photography? If not what L class lens would be recommended? Any help would be appreciated.

Chris
 
Chris,

For portrait work I would look into the Canon STE-2, another 550ex, or 420ex. Your 100mm will work fine for head shots or 3/4 body shots, depending on how large your room is. A 85mm 1.8 would also be nice.

Are you shooting indoors or out? Using reflectors outside is a nice way to use ambient lighting. Inside you can fire you flash into a reflector or through an umbrella.

--
--
Jeffrey Lazo
-Check out my D60 Galleries-
http://homepage.mac.com/lazoj
-Newbie Lens Information/Prices -
http://homepage.mac.com/lazoj/lenses/lenses.html
Don't use your local shops as 'Internet show-rooms'
 
Jeffrey Thanks for the feedback!

I plan on shooting in doors, is their a specific umbrella that fits the 550ex?
Jeffrey Lazo said:
Are you shooting indoors or out? Using reflectors outside is a
nice way to use ambient lighting. Inside you can fire you flash
into a reflector or through an umbrella.

--
--
Jeffrey Lazo
-Check out my D60 Galleries-
http://homepage.mac.com/lazoj
-Newbie Lens Information/Prices -
http://homepage.mac.com/lazoj/lenses/lenses.html
Don't use your local shops as 'Internet show-rooms'
Click to expand...
--
D60 + Grip
50mm 1.8 II ,100mm 2.8 Macro, 28-135 3.5 Canon
Bogen Tripod +UK Germany Underwater housing
 
You will need to purchase a umbrella holder that will allow for the umbrella and the flash unit to be attached to a lightstand. Bogen makes one that will work. I would suggest a 32" umbrella for the 550.
--
--
Jeffrey Lazo
-Check out my D60 Galleries-
http://homepage.mac.com/lazoj
-Newbie Lens Information/Prices -
http://homepage.mac.com/lazoj/lenses/lenses.html
Don't use your local shops as 'Internet show-rooms'
 
 
I am interested in doing this also. I have almost the exact setup as Chris. Would it be wise to buy an additional 550EX or the 420EX. Are there times when a 420 is preferable to the 550? I was planning on purchasing the STE-2 but wasn't sure if I should get another 550 or a 420.

Do you recommend any specific brand of reflector and umbrella?

Thanks,
Jim
Jeffrey Lazo said:
Chris,

For portrait work I would look into the Canon STE-2, another 550ex,
or 420ex. Your 100mm will work fine for head shots or 3/4 body
shots, depending on how large your room is. A 85mm 1.8 would also
be nice.

Are you shooting indoors or out? Using reflectors outside is a
nice way to use ambient lighting. Inside you can fire you flash
into a reflector or through an umbrella.

--
--
Jeffrey Lazo
-Check out my D60 Galleries-
http://homepage.mac.com/lazoj
-Newbie Lens Information/Prices -
http://homepage.mac.com/lazoj/lenses/lenses.html
Don't use your local shops as 'Internet show-rooms'
Click to expand...
 
I would go with the STE-2 and another unit. The 420 will have less output, however you can balance ratios on 550's. Ideally I would go for multiple 550's, but 420's will do just fine. Get a few air-cushioned stands the umbrella holders adn yo uare set, a quick protable studio lighting setup. I would stick with 32" umbrellas, no particular brand, moer expensive ones will cover the metal arms to give a better catch light on the eyes. I shoot through transclucent and into silvers.

Remember, this setup will never replace monolights for studio photography. They will recycle faster, give you more control and allow you to compose and set up lighting with modeling lights.

--
--
Jeffrey Lazo
-Check out my D60 Galleries-
http://homepage.mac.com/lazoj
-Newbie Lens Information/Prices -
http://homepage.mac.com/lazoj/lenses/lenses.html
Don't use your local shops as 'Internet show-rooms'
 
Thanks Jeff for all the great advice.

Are you referring to setups like Novatron and Alien Bees. I've briefly looked into these. Novatron offers Monolight kits and Complete Kits. Are all these kits A/C powered and for a studio environment? Can you get a good setup for under 1K?

I probably should start with the STE-2 and another 550. Won't this setup be more flexible. How many 550's can you use with the STE-2? How many should you use for optimal results? Just wondering if I should buy the kit with the STE-2 and two more 550's if its going to get better results.

I need to get myself a good book on the subject of lighting. I've learned just about everything I know (still have a long way to go) from this site over the past few weeks.

Thanks Again,
Jim
Jeffrey Lazo said:
Remember, this setup will never replace monolights for studio
photography. They will recycle faster, give you more control and
allow you to compose and set up lighting with modeling lights.

--
--
Jeffrey Lazo
-Check out my D60 Galleries-
http://homepage.mac.com/lazoj
-Newbie Lens Information/Prices -
http://homepage.mac.com/lazoj/lenses/lenses.html
Don't use your local shops as 'Internet show-rooms'
Click to expand...
 
Thank you so much for your help! Is the below a realist idea of what I would need before I look at back grounds? Do the monolights use ETTL? Or do you shoot the flash units completely in Manual?

Photoflex PHULSK - (2) Umbrellas, (2) Lite Stands & Bag Kit ($159.95 )

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=PHULSK-REG___BI=27

Canon CASTE2 - ST-E2 Transmitter ($189.95 )

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=CASTE2-REG___BI=27

Bogen / Manfrotto BO2905 - Swivel umbrella adapter (lite-tite) (need two of them) $21.95 X 2

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=BO2905-REG___BI=27

Photoflex PHMCUSM - Multiclamp with Shoe Mount for Umbrella or Softbox (need two of them)

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=PHMCUSM-REG___BI=27 ($16.95 X2)

Canon CA550EX - 550EX Flash

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=CA550EX-GREY___BI=27 (: $299.95 )

$725.00 if you already own a 550ex
 
Thank you so much for your help! Is the below a realist idea of what I would need before I look at back grounds? Do the monolights use ETTL? Or do you shoot the flash units completely in Manual?

Photoflex PHULSK - (2) Umbrellas, (2) Lite Stands & Bag Kit ($159.95 )

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=PHULSK-REG___BI=27

Canon CASTE2 - ST-E2 Transmitter ($189.95 )

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=CASTE2-REG___BI=27

Bogen / Manfrotto BO2905 - Swivel umbrella adapter (lite-tite) (need two of them) $21.95 X 2

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=BO2905-REG___BI=27

Photoflex PHMCUSM - Multiclamp with Shoe Mount for Umbrella or Softbox (need two of them)

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=PHMCUSM-REG___BI=27 ($16.95 X2)

Canon CA550EX - 550EX Flash

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=CA550EX-GREY___BI=27 (: $299.95 )

$725.00 if you already own a 550ex
 
You can buy two JTL 300 watts per second studio lights with umbrella and light stands for $600.00.

Then buy a Bogen backround stand for $149.99 and you have a pro studio setup that will blow the 550ex flashes away!

Total cost $749.99

Just a suggestion!

You can purchase these at http://www.adoramacamera.com

Keep your 550ex for on the road shots and get a studio setup you will not regret it.
Chris said:
Thank you so much for your help! Is the below a realist idea of
what I would need before I look at back grounds? Do the monolights
use ETTL? Or do you shoot the flash units completely in Manual?

Photoflex PHULSK - (2) Umbrellas, (2) Lite Stands & Bag Kit ($159.95 )

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=PHULSK-REG___BI=27

Canon CASTE2 - ST-E2 Transmitter ($189.95 )

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=CASTE2-REG___BI=27

Bogen / Manfrotto BO2905 - Swivel umbrella adapter (lite-tite)
(need two of them) $21.95 X 2

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=BO2905-REG___BI=27

Photoflex PHMCUSM - Multiclamp with Shoe Mount for Umbrella or
Softbox (need two of them)

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=PHMCUSM-REG___BI=27 ($16.95 X2)

Canon CA550EX - 550EX Flash

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=CA550EX-GREY___BI=27 (: $299.95 )

$725.00 if you already own a 550ex
Click to expand...
 
Do they work with Ettl or are they manual?
Sam Licavoli said:
Then buy a Bogen backround stand for $149.99 and you have a pro
studio setup that will blow the 550ex flashes away!

Total cost $749.99

Just a suggestion!

You can purchase these at http://www.adoramacamera.com

Keep your 550ex for on the road shots and get a studio setup you
will not regret it.
Chris said:
Thank you so much for your help! Is the below a realist idea of
what I would need before I look at back grounds? Do the monolights
use ETTL? Or do you shoot the flash units completely in Manual?

Photoflex PHULSK - (2) Umbrellas, (2) Lite Stands & Bag Kit ($159.95 )

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=PHULSK-REG___BI=27

Canon CASTE2 - ST-E2 Transmitter ($189.95 )

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=CASTE2-REG___BI=27

Bogen / Manfrotto BO2905 - Swivel umbrella adapter (lite-tite)
(need two of them) $21.95 X 2

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=BO2905-REG___BI=27

Photoflex PHMCUSM - Multiclamp with Shoe Mount for Umbrella or
Softbox (need two of them)

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=PHMCUSM-REG___BI=27 ($16.95 X2)

Canon CA550EX - 550EX Flash

http://www06.bhphoto.com/item/IC=CA550EX-GREY___BI=27 (: $299.95 )

$725.00 if you already own a 550ex
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
D60 + Grip
50mm 1.8 II ,100mm 2.8 Macro, 28-135 3.5 Canon
Bogen Tripod +UK Germany Underwater housing
 
Chris,

I am a novice to all this and while taking a photography course, the instructor indicated it would be easier for some one like to me to start out by using continuous lighting for portraits. It's easier to set up and it's wysiwyg. He suggested the photoflex 500 watt kit with softbox. Then he gave me some samples of portraits using this set up and they were quite good. Adorama and Band H have the kits. In addition, there are"similar" kits on ebay. I did not purchase the photoflex kit because I don't pay attention very well. Intstead, I purchased a couple of 1000 watt Norman Allure C1000's. Thy package included light, air cushioned stand, and 45" umbrella for $119.00. The bulbs weren't included though. It uses both a 650 and 350 watt bulb. These are hot lights and do generate some heat. However, for someone like me who is just starting out, it seems to work better. BTW, I use this set up for area lighting as I'm trying to shoot a fast moving 8 month old so I light up the room.

Enjoy.
Chris said:
What basic equipment do I need for portrait photography? I
currently have a D60, with he 100mm Macro, 50mm Macro, the 28-135,a
14mm Sigma lens, 550ex flash and a tripod. Would I need another
550ex or is there a more suitable configuration? Will the 100mm
Macro lens do well for portrait photography? If not what L class
lens would be recommended? Any help would be appreciated.

Chris
Click to expand...
 
Jim..They only get faster, mines 11 months.
jim powers said:
I am a novice to all this and while taking a photography course,
the instructor indicated it would be easier for some one like to me
to start out by using continuous lighting for portraits. It's
easier to set up and it's wysiwyg. He suggested the photoflex 500
watt kit with softbox. Then he gave me some samples of portraits
using this set up and they were quite good. Adorama and Band H
have the kits. In addition, there are"similar" kits on ebay. I
did not purchase the photoflex kit because I don't pay attention
very well. Intstead, I purchased a couple of 1000 watt Norman
Allure C1000's. Thy package included light, air cushioned stand,
and 45" umbrella for $119.00. The bulbs weren't included though.
It uses both a 650 and 350 watt bulb. These are hot lights and do
generate some heat. However, for someone like me who is just
starting out, it seems to work better. BTW, I use this set up for
area lighting as I'm trying to shoot a fast moving 8 month old so I
light up the room.

Enjoy.
Chris said:
What basic equipment do I need for portrait photography? I
currently have a D60, with he 100mm Macro, 50mm Macro, the 28-135,a
14mm Sigma lens, 550ex flash and a tripod. Would I need another
550ex or is there a more suitable configuration? Will the 100mm
Macro lens do well for portrait photography? If not what L class
lens would be recommended? Any help would be appreciated.

Chris
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
D60 + Grip
50mm 1.8 II ,100mm 2.8 Macro, 28-135 3.5 Canon
Bogen Tripod +UK Germany Underwater housing
 
Chris,

I guess I've got something more to "look forward" to. He's already wearing me out.

Be sure to share your portraits. The only way I could justify the D-60 to the wife was by tellling her I would take "hourly" pictures of the boy to send to her parents. She said OK, now I have to live up to the "bargain." Bummer, eh?

I've only had time to do one session with the lights and there are a few samples posted at the link below. All the ones with the piano were taken with the hotlights and various lenses (50mm 1.8, 28 2.8). I don't have enough room to use the 85mm F1.8 and have to set this up in the basement. I found a Savag triple roll background stand for $60.00 and will be able to start using backgrounds. Of course, I'm afraid the young'un will try to pull everything down or crawl up it.

http://www.pbase.com/jimbobp/2003&page=2
Chris said:
jim powers said:
I am a novice to all this and while taking a photography course,
the instructor indicated it would be easier for some one like to me
to start out by using continuous lighting for portraits. It's
easier to set up and it's wysiwyg. He suggested the photoflex 500
watt kit with softbox. Then he gave me some samples of portraits
using this set up and they were quite good. Adorama and Band H
have the kits. In addition, there are"similar" kits on ebay. I
did not purchase the photoflex kit because I don't pay attention
very well. Intstead, I purchased a couple of 1000 watt Norman
Allure C1000's. Thy package included light, air cushioned stand,
and 45" umbrella for $119.00. The bulbs weren't included though.
It uses both a 650 and 350 watt bulb. These are hot lights and do
generate some heat. However, for someone like me who is just
starting out, it seems to work better. BTW, I use this set up for
area lighting as I'm trying to shoot a fast moving 8 month old so I
light up the room.

Enjoy.
Chris said:
What basic equipment do I need for portrait photography? I
currently have a D60, with he 100mm Macro, 50mm Macro, the 28-135,a
14mm Sigma lens, 550ex flash and a tripod. Would I need another
550ex or is there a more suitable configuration? Will the 100mm
Macro lens do well for portrait photography? If not what L class
lens would be recommended? Any help would be appreciated.

Chris
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
D60 + Grip
50mm 1.8 II ,100mm 2.8 Macro, 28-135 3.5 Canon
Bogen Tripod +UK Germany Underwater housing
Click to expand...
 
jim

I like this one!

http://www.pbase.com/image/10305938

Take a look at mine,

http://www.pbase.com/reefkeep/xmas_pictures
jim powers said:
Be sure to share your portraits. The only way I could justify the
D-60 to the wife was by tellling her I would take "hourly" pictures
of the boy to send to her parents. She said OK, now I have to live
up to the "bargain." Bummer, eh?

I've only had time to do one session with the lights and there are
a few samples posted at the link below. All the ones with the
piano were taken with the hotlights and various lenses (50mm 1.8,
28 2.8). I don't have enough room to use the 85mm F1.8 and have to
set this up in the basement. I found a Savag triple roll
background stand for $60.00 and will be able to start using
backgrounds. Of course, I'm afraid the young'un will try to pull
everything down or crawl up it.

http://www.pbase.com/jimbobp/2003&page=2
Chris said:
jim powers said:
I am a novice to all this and while taking a photography course,
the instructor indicated it would be easier for some one like to me
to start out by using continuous lighting for portraits. It's
easier to set up and it's wysiwyg. He suggested the photoflex 500
watt kit with softbox. Then he gave me some samples of portraits
using this set up and they were quite good. Adorama and Band H
have the kits. In addition, there are"similar" kits on ebay. I
did not purchase the photoflex kit because I don't pay attention
very well. Intstead, I purchased a couple of 1000 watt Norman
Allure C1000's. Thy package included light, air cushioned stand,
and 45" umbrella for $119.00. The bulbs weren't included though.
It uses both a 650 and 350 watt bulb. These are hot lights and do
generate some heat. However, for someone like me who is just
starting out, it seems to work better. BTW, I use this set up for
area lighting as I'm trying to shoot a fast moving 8 month old so I
light up the room.

Enjoy.
Chris said:
What basic equipment do I need for portrait photography? I
currently have a D60, with he 100mm Macro, 50mm Macro, the 28-135,a
14mm Sigma lens, 550ex flash and a tripod. Would I need another
550ex or is there a more suitable configuration? Will the 100mm
Macro lens do well for portrait photography? If not what L class
lens would be recommended? Any help would be appreciated.

Chris
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
D60 + Grip
50mm 1.8 II ,100mm 2.8 Macro, 28-135 3.5 Canon
Bogen Tripod +UK Germany Underwater housing
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
D60 + Grip
50mm 1.8 II ,100mm 2.8 Macro, 28-135 3.5 Canon
Bogen Tripod +UK Germany Underwater housing
 
Chris,

Very nice. Excellent subjects. Great eyes. I like this one:

http://www.pbase.com/image/8124435

Thanks for sharing.

Jim
Chris said:
I like this one!

http://www.pbase.com/image/10305938

Take a look at mine,

http://www.pbase.com/reefkeep/xmas_pictures
Chris96895 said:
Be sure to share your portraits. The only way I could justify the
D-60 to the wife was by tellling her I would take "hourly" pictures
of the boy to send to her parents. She said OK, now I have to live
up to the "bargain." Bummer, eh?

I've only had time to do one session with the lights and there are
a few samples posted at the link below. All the ones with the
piano were taken with the hotlights and various lenses (50mm 1.8,
28 2.8). I don't have enough room to use the 85mm F1.8 and have to
set this up in the basement. I found a Savag triple roll
background stand for $60.00 and will be able to start using
backgrounds. Of course, I'm afraid the young'un will try to pull
everything down or crawl up it.

http://www.pbase.com/jimbobp/2003&page=2
Chris said:
jim powers said:
I am a novice to all this and while taking a photography course,
the instructor indicated it would be easier for some one like to me
to start out by using continuous lighting for portraits. It's
easier to set up and it's wysiwyg. He suggested the photoflex 500
watt kit with softbox. Then he gave me some samples of portraits
using this set up and they were quite good. Adorama and Band H
have the kits. In addition, there are"similar" kits on ebay. I
did not purchase the photoflex kit because I don't pay attention
very well. Intstead, I purchased a couple of 1000 watt Norman
Allure C1000's. Thy package included light, air cushioned stand,
and 45" umbrella for $119.00. The bulbs weren't included though.
It uses both a 650 and 350 watt bulb. These are hot lights and do
generate some heat. However, for someone like me who is just
starting out, it seems to work better. BTW, I use this set up for
area lighting as I'm trying to shoot a fast moving 8 month old so I
light up the room.

Enjoy.
Chris said:
What basic equipment do I need for portrait photography? I
currently have a D60, with he 100mm Macro, 50mm Macro, the 28-135,a
14mm Sigma lens, 550ex flash and a tripod. Would I need another
550ex or is there a more suitable configuration? Will the 100mm
Macro lens do well for portrait photography? If not what L class
lens would be recommended? Any help would be appreciated.

Chris
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
D60 + Grip
50mm 1.8 II ,100mm 2.8 Macro, 28-135 3.5 Canon
Bogen Tripod +UK Germany Underwater housing
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
D60 + Grip
50mm 1.8 II ,100mm 2.8 Macro, 28-135 3.5 Canon
Bogen Tripod +UK Germany Underwater housing
Click to expand...
 
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