Lighting...

draxwayze

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8 May 2006 - 1:26 AM

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Hi folks,
Any lighting experts out there?
I have heard that inexpensive, floodlights from builders' merchants, are a good alternative to proper studio lights.

Light is light after all, and with the right filters and reflectors, could these floodlights work?

I realise that synchronised flash might be a problem, but for straight lighting they should work? Has anyone tried this, or can suggest any reasons why or why not? I am envisaging portariture and life models. (Hobby-wise) Should I try this, or dig deep for the real stuff?

Thanks in anticipation.
John

Just Jas

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8 May 2006 - 1:48 AM

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Concise - as usual!

keithh

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8 May 2006 - 1:53 AM

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Not as concise as that though.

draxwayze

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8 May 2006 - 2:12 AM

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Hi fellers,

That's great. I think I'll dig into my life's saving then.
I see your reasoning John and agree. The rear of my house faces directly North. Problem being, there is someone in the house who might not take to models in the bedroom!

I am building a space in the garden for this. Headroom is limited, and portable gear will be necessary, to remove temptation from the thieving 'erks' who live around my area.

Looking at set-up prices, insulation of the walls will have to wait a while! Although a bit of chill might be good for certain features on the models...
Thanks for the advice folks,

John

abel

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8 May 2006 - 8:44 AM

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Deviant is probably right I would say - i've had an Elinchrom style-fx 2-head kit since Xmas and it's transformed my portraits (well, I think so, anyway, lol).

If you get the builder's lights you will have to put up with all sorts of pain-in-the-ass (although admittedly cheap) Heath-Robinson type modifiers instead of brollies, snoots, barndoors etc.

With the lights you can achieve consistency, and I'd suggest a deal more confidence from your models, which will help them to relax in front of the camera.

Who knows? With some pleasing portraits under your belt maybe you will be able to sell some or get commissions, and then the lights will pay for themselves - although I understand this isn't your aim in asking the question.

Just my tupperworth :O)

Abel

draxwayze

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9 May 2006 - 6:43 AM

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Thanks folks,

I am not a cheap-skate, but beng a pensioner I suppose I have at least to 'show willing', to the other half, when it comes to spending on my hobby! So that was the reason for the enquiry about the builders' set-up; prudent rather than frugal!

Of course, I want to make images and not build walls, so I think I'll go for the 'proper-job'. Thanks again fellers and I'll make some enquiries starting with AP and maybe even eBay!

Happy Snapping

John