Can anyone advise me on a studio lighting setup?

[colly]

November 27, 2015 at 4:03 pm

I want to buy a proper lighting setup for studio shorts and portraits etc. I’ve done some studio stuff before – I really enjoy it – but just used other people equipment when it was all set up already. Now I have the chance to get my own. Long story short I’m now taking all the headshots in work – and they’ve agreed to buy a proper setup – that I can use as my own whenever I want. So I’m excited about doing lots of interesting studio stuff.

So, I’d like to get a good quality lighting setup – but I need some advice from an expert. I’ve used a setup before with two nice softboxes, and a backlight – and I think I’d like something similar. Also need backdrop, triggers – basically the works. Some may say its overkill but I just want a decent setup that wil do me for a bit of everything. But I need some advice as I’m confused about the multitude of options. Can anyone give me some advice? What should I buy and what should I advise?

I hear Elinchrom and Bowens are good makes – I want something good quality. I’d ideally like to buy a kit that’s designed to work together. Can anyone please link me to some appropriate setups?
Any advise appreciated!
Thanks

[RASMITH32]

November 27, 2015 at 11:53 pm

Have a nice lencarta set if your interested. Three lights with soft boxes , triggers stands , bag, backdrop etc . Used about 10 times , was going to venture into alternative portrait work but discovered my real interest is with landscapes, let me know if interested

[colly]

November 28, 2015 at 11:24 am

I’m not sure if I’m able to buy second hand as work will be buying this and will need an invoice etc but send me specs and I’ll deffo take a look!

So in my research one well-regarded setup is Elinchrom D-Lite RX 4/4 http://www.connscameras.ie/p/elinchrom-d-lite-rx-4_4-to-go-set/7630006309765″ onclick=”window.open(this.href);return false; although it’s a little more than I’d ideally like to spend. My question is – if I sent 500-600 – would I regret not buying the proper setup later?

[Mark]

November 30, 2015 at 9:14 am

Checkout Barker Photographic also. Paddy will give you plenty of sound advice regarding lighting setups and what you’d need etc

[colly]

December 6, 2015 at 9:15 pm

So I went ahead and bought the Elinchrom lights – the 400w version. The guy in the shop said it will give me greater flexibility than the 200’s especially if in a bigger room or with a group etc. However, a friend had warned me that the 400’s can be too bright for small rooms. Turns out he was right. I only set it up at home to take a few test shots, but at its lowest setting on iso 100, 160th – it’s super bright. I can darken it a bit by stopping the aperture way down, but I don’t want to have to do that – it’s still way brighter than expected. I have not even tried any low key stuff so far but I’m guessing it’s just not going to work.

I’m really annoyed now. I am new to this so maybe i’m just not using them right. Should I change them for the 200w versions, or is there another way? Filter? Sheet over the softbox?

[Rockabillyslim]

January 14, 2016 at 5:09 pm

Not to sure about the Elinchroms as im a bowens user and have used honeycomb grids with velcro on the front,this will direct your light source without much spill especially useful if you’re hi-key lighting as many octa’s & regular softboxes will bounce especially in a smaller working environment.Im surprised its still very bright at the lowest power you should still have some control especially for low key.