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mini portrait studio - suggestions?

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Jeremy Pippin158896

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I'm poor, but i'm willing to do a little extra work to get the lighting scheme i need.

I have a canon 10d. I want to put together a small lighting system for single-person portraits. I'm thinking along the lines of 3-5 external flash units (Vivitar 285?) with 1 PC sync cord and 3-4 wein peanuts, stands, brackets, umbrellas, and maybe a soft box.

I looked at the Canon 550ex wireless idea, but I think that the use of umbrellas is going to fool the E-TTL system anyway, so I don't want to pay $300 more per flash if I'm going to need to set output manually anyway.

Is there any way I can set up such a system, realistically speaking? I'm looking to get as close to professional as I can get (I'm taking these portraits for free, to help fellow acting students get headshots on a tight budget) but stay under $800-$1000, and I'd like the entire system to fit into a reasonably small bag.

Any suggestions would be very welcome. I'm new to the world of lighting (I've been shooting only with natural light for several years), so forgive my ignorance.
 
Jeremy Pippin said:
I'm poor, but i'm willing to do a little extra work to get the
lighting scheme i need.

I have a canon 10d. I want to put together a small lighting system
for single-person portraits. I'm thinking along the lines of 3-5
external flash units (Vivitar 285?) with 1 PC sync cord and 3-4
wein peanuts, stands, brackets, umbrellas, and maybe a soft box.

I looked at the Canon 550ex wireless idea, but I think that the use
of umbrellas is going to fool the E-TTL system anyway, so I don't
want to pay $300 more per flash if I'm going to need to set output
manually anyway.
Click to expand...
I am using a 550EX and a 420Ex with an STE-2 on my D60 and umbrellas and it works great!
--
CDL
D60/BG-ED3/24-85mm Canon
50mm f1.4 Canon/100-400L IS Canon/550EX
20GB Tripper/EPSON 2200P
 
Really? How does that work out? Do you have samples?

I'm really interested in which combination is going to serve me best, so if it's the EX, I'd love your input as to how that system works.
Dennis Lathem said:
Jeremy Pippin said:
I'm poor, but i'm willing to do a little extra work to get the
lighting scheme i need.

I have a canon 10d. I want to put together a small lighting system
for single-person portraits. I'm thinking along the lines of 3-5
external flash units (Vivitar 285?) with 1 PC sync cord and 3-4
wein peanuts, stands, brackets, umbrellas, and maybe a soft box.

I looked at the Canon 550ex wireless idea, but I think that the use
of umbrellas is going to fool the E-TTL system anyway, so I don't
want to pay $300 more per flash if I'm going to need to set output
manually anyway.
Click to expand...
I am using a 550EX and a 420Ex with an STE-2 on my D60 and
umbrellas and it works great!
--
CDL
D60/BG-ED3/24-85mm Canon
50mm f1.4 Canon/100-400L IS Canon/550EX
20GB Tripper/EPSON 2200P
Click to expand...
 
Jeremy Pippin said:
Really? How does that work out? Do you have samples?
Click to expand...
So far I have been shooting stuff for ebay auction. However the set up was simple. 420ex on one side and 550ex on the other. STE-2 on the camera. It did not take long to get a nice even shot.



I borrowed the 420 for a few days to try it out. I will most likely order another 550ex soon.

No people shots so far...might involve moving and adjusting. Others far more experienced than me can help you with that. I just wanted to let you know that umbrellas did not appear to me to make ETTL on these two flashes not work correctly for any reason.

Now trying to use a slave flash like a Vivitar 283 on a slave trigger with ETTL does not work very well because of the pre-flash.

--
CDL
D60/BG-ED3/24-85mm Canon
50mm f1.4 Canon/100-400L IS Canon/550EX
20GB Tripper/EPSON 2200P
 
420ex and ste2 work very well but cost $320, $180, $200 or so, respectively = $700 plus umbrellas and stands.

I think one could do very well with one ab400 contected to camera with included pc sync cable. An ab400 plus and umbrella and a stand, total $350 or so - plus this is a good start to an even larger studio system if one is ever desired.

On the other hand it is nice to have a good shoe mount flash so and alternate could be a 550ex with off shoe cord (maybe a lumiquest diffuser) and a stroboframe if we are mostly talking about headshots.

Jim

http://users.erols.com/jamesgkelly/photos/c2100uz.html
http://users.erols.com/jamesgkelly/photos/c2100uz.html
http://users.erols.com/jamesgkelly/photos/c2100uz.html
 
Hi,

I've recently done a number of portraits of friends, who are getting into the acting business. See 2 bottom pictures, 'keith' & 'julie' @ http://homepage.ntlworld.com/g.astill2 . These were taken with 1 light and a 90cm square softbox, positioned over my shoulder. Come to think of it 'Laura' and 'Rachel' were shot with the same set up. I also did some more dynamic/moody shots replacing the softbox with a honeycomb grid and moving the light further round.
Keep it simple, less is better.

Gary
jim kelly said:
420ex and ste2 work very well but cost $320, $180, $200 or so,
respectively = $700 plus umbrellas and stands.

I think one could do very well with one ab400 contected to camera
with included pc sync cable. An ab400 plus and umbrella and a
stand, total $350 or so - plus this is a good start to an even
larger studio system if one is ever desired.

On the other hand it is nice to have a good shoe mount flash so and
alternate could be a 550ex with off shoe cord (maybe a lumiquest
diffuser) and a stroboframe if we are mostly talking about
headshots.

Jim

http://users.erols.com/jamesgkelly/photos/c2100uz.html
http://users.erols.com/jamesgkelly/photos/c2100uz.html
http://users.erols.com/jamesgkelly/photos/c2100uz.html
Click to expand...
 
Jeremy Pippin said:
I'm poor, but ...
Click to expand...
You have my sympathy (if not empathy).
Jeremy Pippin158896 said:
I have a canon 10d.
Click to expand...
Ahh, that explains why your poor. You no longer have my sympathy ya lucky basta'd.

I used to do a lot of headshots for my local university theatre. It was great fun because I did so with an absolute minimum of equipment. The secret is to make friends with the theatre manager/director and the stage/lighting director(s). A theatre is remarkably well equipped with lights and backgrounds.

I'd arrange to have a powerful overhead spot set up, position my subject so as to be rim lit, then use a strong incandescent lamp for my main light, positioning it just out of the frame. I'd use an insulation foam board as a reflector. Of course I was shooting B&W and long exposures (1/8th to 1/30th), but I DID use a tripod (always use a tripod). To mix it up a bit, I'd take my subject outside for some environmental portraits.

The best part of using the B&W those days is that I'd insist on the subject(s) helping me in the darkroom. This is an often horribly-boring activity that is enlivened by good company. Yeah, I miss them days!
 
Jeremy,

May I suggest a Novatron 240 Fun Kit. It has two heads, stands, umbrellas, power pack, and synch cord (and if you can get the right special, a flash meter)in a hard case, for under your $800. Plus, it's very expandable, and built to last. I started out with this kit years ago, and it still works fine, using it every day. Very good investment in your photography.

Robert M

http://www.novatron.com
Jeremy Pippin said:
Is there any way I can set up such a system, realistically
speaking? I'm looking to get as close to professional as I can get
(I'm taking these portraits for free, to help fellow acting
students get headshots on a tight budget) but stay under
$800-$1000, and I'd like the entire system to fit into a reasonably
small bag.
Click to expand...
--
http://www.geocities.com/evisphoto
http://www.photosig.com/viewuser.php?id=5322
http://evisphoto.net-model.com
http://www.onemodelplace.com/photographer_list.cfm?P_ID=54
 
Hi,

Here is a simple, sophisticated, and elegant solution....

1. Buy a ST-E2 (Used for less than $200. Outstanding device which will allow you to control multiple slave flashes and adjust ratios etc...)

2. Buy two 420EX flashes (Used will save you bucks, check the forums and you will find someone selling one used when they 'upgrade' to the 550ex. )

3. Buy two collapsible reflectors at the local walmart (kind used for autos will work...you know...window shades).

4. Buy two stofen OMNIbounce modifiers (about $20 each)

That is all you need (actually more than enough). It will allow you to do all the shots and give you great flexibility. Unlike a monolight/AB or such, you will be able to take these flashes with you to games, events, parties, and picnics (outdoors). You can simply put the flashes on a shelf, table, or plant stand to put them near your subject. Or...you could buy some used lightstands and brackets (photoflex makes a nice one for about $16 each).

Frankly speaking, I believe this will give you much (MUCH) more flexibility than a "studio strobe" (like an Alien Bee) as you will have the wireless freedom to shoot where you want with minimal gear. All of this gear can fit into a typical small 'videocam' shoulder bag (cheap too) so you have a very small kit that is lightweight, easy to stow, easy to carry, and fun to use.

With the Omnibounces on your flashes you won't need umbrellas at first. Try it.

Of course if you feel you "must" have an umbrella and stands to feel right...you can add those too. But I don't think you will find them necessary.

Good luck,

Steadman
 
I would vouch for the Novatron Fun Kit too, but first I'd tell you to visit your local camera stores and see if they have any used lighting kits for sale.

I picked up two used Novatron flash heads at a local camera shop about a month ago for $30 each. These list for more than $200 each new and even used on E-bay sell for close to $200 each. You may be able to find a great price like that on a complete lighting kit at a local camera shop if it's been sitting in the store for awhile.

Tom
Robert Mossack said:
Robert M

http://www.novatron.com
Jeremy Pippin said:
Is there any way I can set up such a system, realistically
speaking? I'm looking to get as close to professional as I can get
(I'm taking these portraits for free, to help fellow acting
students get headshots on a tight budget) but stay under
$800-$1000, and I'd like the entire system to fit into a reasonably
small bag.
Click to expand...
--
http://www.geocities.com/evisphoto
http://www.photosig.com/viewuser.php?id=5322
http://evisphoto.net-model.com
http://www.onemodelplace.com/photographer_list.cfm?P_ID=54
Click to expand...
 
I'm unfamiliar with Alien Bee. Can I just purchase the B400 ($224), a light stand, an umbrella, and go?

Or is there a power system I need to purchase to use the lights?

I'm considering now a system consisting of one B400 (as recommended), using a reflector or, at most my Vivitar 285 for fill.

How does that sound?
jim kelly said:
get on Alien Bee AB400 $250 for main light and a reflector for
fill. That's it.

Oops - a light stand $50 or so and an umbrella $30 or so.

Jim

http://users.erols.com/jamesgkelly/photos/c2100uz.html
http://users.erols.com/jamesgkelly/photos/c2100uz.html
http://users.erols.com/jamesgkelly/photos/c2100uz.html
Click to expand...
 
Steadman Uhlich said:
Here is a simple, sophisticated, and elegant solution....
Click to expand...
That lacks modeling lights. That one missing "feature" makes it very difficult to master lighting--if you can't see where the shadows are, you're going to have a very hard time putting them where they 'should' be.

The multi-remote flash system from Canon is a marvelous tool, but it's not a direct replacement for studio-style flashes.
Steadman Uhlich said:
Frankly speaking, I believe this will give you much (MUCH) more
flexibility than a "studio strobe" (like an Alien Bee) as you will
have the wireless freedom to shoot where you want with minimal
gear. All of this gear can fit into a typical small 'videocam'
shoulder bag (cheap too) so you have a very small kit that is
lightweight, easy to stow, easy to carry, and fun to use.
Click to expand...
For location lighting, fast setups, and non-critical lighting needs, I'd use it in a minute. For portraiture, I'd prefer a light with a visual cue (and the strobe-modeling mode on the 550 isn't that helpful, unfortunately.)

--kdc
 
How about this:

1 Alien Bee B400 (400 w/s effective output) - main
1 Sunpak 383 or Vivitar 285HV (GN 120) - fill

With 2 10' light stands, brackets, umbrellas, a meter, and a PC cord (to the 383, which will then trigger the B400's built-in slave)

All for less than $450. And if I need a less powerful but portable solution, I can utilize my Vivitar 285HV in place of the B400.

Just a thought, based on equipment reviews and suggestions. Probably a fairly stupid thought, based on the fact that I have no studio experience whatsoever... but then again, that's why I'm asking you guys.

I've found I'm not that interested in a TTL system. For $65, I can buy a fairly accurate Wein meter, which will allow me to learn to use lights properly, rather than depending on TTL to decide my settings for me.

Thank you, by the way, for all your input. Your agreements and disagreements alike have been of tremendous help so far.
Kevin Connery said:
Steadman Uhlich said:
Here is a simple, sophisticated, and elegant solution....
Click to expand...
That lacks modeling lights. That one missing "feature" makes it
very difficult to master lighting--if you can't see where the
shadows are, you're going to have a very hard time putting them
where they 'should' be.

The multi-remote flash system from Canon is a marvelous tool, but
it's not a direct replacement for studio-style flashes.
Kevin Connery said:
Frankly speaking, I believe this will give you much (MUCH) more
flexibility than a "studio strobe" (like an Alien Bee) as you will
have the wireless freedom to shoot where you want with minimal
gear. All of this gear can fit into a typical small 'videocam'
shoulder bag (cheap too) so you have a very small kit that is
lightweight, easy to stow, easy to carry, and fun to use.
Click to expand...
For location lighting, fast setups, and non-critical lighting
needs, I'd use it in a minute. For portraiture, I'd prefer a light
with a visual cue (and the strobe-modeling mode on the 550 isn't
that helpful, unfortunately.)

--kdc
Click to expand...
 
if you are gonna connect any non dedicated flash directly to your camera.

Alien Bees are OK - only 5v but hv285 is 10v.
 
The purchase of a flash meter seems darn silly considering you have digital camera..you are in an instant feedback loop..just use the histogram feature on your LCD and then adjust exposure accordingly..
KK
jim kelly said:
if you are gonna connect any non dedicated flash directly to your
camera.

Alien Bees are OK - only 5v but hv285 is 10v.
Click to expand...
 
KK,

I take your point very well... I'd thought of that. And I'll probably hold off on a meter for a while, but I'd like to learn to use the meter properly (for speed's sake and for film cameras). With a digital camera I can learn to use it fairly quickly, because of the instant feedback.
Kiwikeith said:
Kiwikeith said:
jim kelly said:
if you are gonna connect any non dedicated flash directly to your
camera.

Alien Bees are OK - only 5v but hv285 is 10v.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
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