Lighting

Hi folks,

I am a beginning photographer who would like to set up a small area in my home to take photographs of dogs. I will be starting out taking photos of my own, but would like to progress to taking some of others. I would love some assistance as to lighting. I have read some of the other posts and am getting a basic understanding, but would like to ask for some additional info. What, if you were a beginner, would you purchase in the line of lights? What type of light meter would you purchase? Would you use umbrellas at the start?

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. I really enjoy reading the forum and looking at everyones pictures and I aspire to be as good one day.

Thanks.
L

Lucy,
a couple of questions back at you first:
1. what type of camera system do you have currently?

2. do you have an off-camera flash that you are currently using (other than the built-in, pop-up flash with most cameras)?

Once I know those things, I can make some suggestions.

Jim

I currently have a Nikon D300. My flash is the Nikon SB-800 and the following lenses: Nikon 28-70 2.8; Nikon 70-200 2.8; Nikon 85 1.4.

I currently do not have a tripod, light meter, or lights.

Thank you for any suggestions.

L

Lighting is the language of photography. The better you understand lighting and how to solve lighting problems, the better photographer you will be. I would recommend that you go here Kelby Training to learn lighting from some of the best in the industry. I would recommend Alien Bees lighting products for your small studio. Alien Bees also has some info about how to use lighting on their web site.

Thank you for your suggestions. I am/was not familiar with the Kelby Training but it looks like it would be very helpful.

I appreciate your taking the time to give me some direction.
L

Lucy,
I second David's recommendation of Alien Bees. I've been shooting with them since 2001 and they've traveled all over the country with me. I've never so much as had to change a flash tube.

Before you invest in studio lighting, however, you might want to see what you can get out of your current equipment in a studio setup. You can buy lightstands and umbrellas fairly inexpensively and mount your strobe so it bounces off of the umbrella in a single strobe setup. I believe the Nikon wireless system allows you to do it so you get TTL exposure as well even if you're bouncing the light.

Getting good with one strobe is a great way to start. Later, you can either get another Nikon strobe and use two in a wireless setup or migrate to a pure studio setup with two Alien Bees. I believe that James uses Canon strobes in a similar way when he does location shoots so maybe he can lend some advice.

I find that lighting animals in a studio environment is easier with two lights because I shoot a lot of black dogs. But often, I use the second strobe as a fill light while using the main strobe for primary exposure. With one strobe, you can use reflectors for fill.

The key is to do some reading, figure out what you really want for a studio environment and then start shooting and gaining experience. With digital, you get to see the results immediately and make corrections so there is less of a need for a flash meter.

Jim

I also use Alien Bees, they are inexpensive and very durable. Not to mention Paul Buff is VERY good to deal with customer service wise.

The great thing about them is if you buy them, then decide you don't want to use strobes, they are EASY to sell. No name lights hold no value. AB's hold probably 95% of theirs

I would like to thank everyone for the great suggestions. I am going to take a look at the AB website and see what is available. I am really excited about getting some lighting and seeing if I can capture some great shots.

Would AB be a good site to purchase lightstands and umbrellas also? I have a backdrop that I purchased some time ago, but nothing to hold it up with. Would anyone have a suggestion as to the best way to "hang" it up?

Many thanks for all the help.
L

I use a Morris Background Stand that I bought from Helix Camera in Chicago.

Another vote here for Alienbees. Since they are in the middle of launching their new AB Max line, you may be able to pick up a Classic AB on eBay for a better price than usual.

One thing to be aware of on the background stand, some have telescoping crossbars and some are built in segments. The telescoping stands (like the Savage Port-a-stand and the Photoflex first studio) are totally flexible on crossbar width, the ones built in segments have 3 or 4 set widths.

I prefer Photoflex softboxes to AB stuff (easier to tear down/put together), and Bogen lightstands (more solid construction) to the AB stuff.

I own lightstands by Bogen, White Lightning (Alien Bees) and Morris. I much prefer the Morris lightstands because the feet are closer to the ground (lower center of gravity), more stable and better fit & finish. The background stand crossbars that are built into segments are stronger than the telescoping crossbars.

Thank you for the additional info. I am seeing where the lightstands come in different heights, say 7.5' and 8.5'. Is one better than the other or is it just a matter of preference?

L

Lucy,
depends on how and where you're going to use them. I just got back from California where I shot the American Rottweiler Club's National Specialty. The stage was 4 feet above the floor and the dogs were posed on the stage while I was stationed on the floor. To get proper lighting height for people and dogs on the stage, I had my light stands extended to full height -- 10 feet.

In the studio, I seldom place them higher than 7 feet. Again, it all comes down to how you intend to shoot and where. Tall, sturdy stands are nice to have because when you need the height you have it and when you don't you can place the lights at whatever height you need.

Jim

Because of David's recommendation, I bought Morris stands/background system and LOVE them. I bought them used off of ebay and so glad I did

I have light stands that go to 8 feet in height, 10 feet in height and 13 feet in height. I have them for different situations. I have used the 13 foot light stands at full height before. For most shooting situations, I use the 8 foot stands the most.