Lighting frustration

• KyleC

  Participant

  February 28, 2008 at 11:48 am

  I am just new to this forum and need some help. I want to explore portrait photography more and want to buy some lights but I am soooo confused. I want to produce high quality fashion type pics to build a portfolio to help me get work and have a small studio space ready (5m x 5m- I know it’s quite small at the mo)

  Question is:

  1 – Should I invest in a good starter flash lighting kit that I can build on? (at over 1000euro which I cant really afford)

  OR

  2 – Create a small makeshift lighting setup with halogen continuos lights etc to start getting a feel for it and begin working and taking pics as Im stagnant a the mo.

  I’ve read so many conflicted opinions; mainly that you shouldnt be defined by the equipment you have and considering some of my best work has been on an old point and shoot (however Im now a Nikon D200 user) I have no doubt that for a fraction of the price of a brand name lighting kit I can produce quality pix and then help me get work…………OR can I really, as Im inexperienced in ligting at the mo?

  Basically Ive the drive and ambition to succeed yet finances and such conflicting issues are keeping me back and it’s very frustrating, man it’s a tough business to get into but I am determined to do so once I can get going and can take such pix for my portfolio.

  So what’s it to be: SUPER expensive lighting kit (to a poor unemployed church mouse like myself) or throw together a makeshift setup, get work, get cash, get good lights…..hmmmmm?

  PLEASE HELP
  steelydan

  Participant

  February 28, 2008 at 9:51 pm

  Why not get two used flashes and try your hand at studio work with flashes instead of lights. Its a less expensive way and it will show you how to get used to light and angles and your models. It also produces great results (see this thread https://www.photographyireland.net/viewtopic.php?t=8491)

  If you spend big money at the start and find that its not the type of photography for you,then you are at a loss straight off

  Just an idea

  John
  BM

  Participant

  February 29, 2008 at 9:33 pm

  Have a look at a posting with lots of interesting linkds by SetantaB

  https://www.photographyireland.net/viewtopic.php?t=13936