Lighting Equipment

[photohopeful]

I am a new photographer and I am currently looking to purchase lighing ewipment, however, I am unsure of what brands to go for and avoid. I don't have a very large budget. What is suggested?

 

[phiya]

:er: please elaborate on what is "a very large budget." It really is hard to make suggestions unless we know approximately what you are able to spend.

 

[photohopeful]

Well I don't need very much equipment just yet. I am hoping to spend within $500. I know that isn't very much but I am still in highschool. I am trying to get started now with things I will need.

 

[bigtwinky]

You can do alot with one speedlite and some modifiers. So maybe look at getting a flash for your camera, a stand, bracket and an umbrella. All you need is a way to trigger the light. Which way depends on your camera.

Check out Midwest Photo Exchange Specializing in Off Camera Lighting, New and Used Photographic Cameras, Lighting, Printers, Medium and Large Format for some good lighting equipment. Their Lumopro 160 flash (which not a TTL, all manual) is great.

 

[photohopeful]

I already have a flash for my camera and a large gold, silver, and difuser set which came with stand. The flash can be used on a stand with a remote, I just don't yet obtain a remote. I feel that the flash is not exactly what I am looking for. I think, I am not positive, but I think I would like to purchase a softbox.

 

[DonBruner]

First question is --what do you want the lighting equipment for? If portraits, then learn how to use one light and a reflector first. Then as you get more experience, move up to more equipment. You'll know when the time is to move up. Be patient and learn the basics first.

Don

 

[photohopeful]

Ok, so do you suggest I use a flash on a stand and reflector? or another such as strobe light?

 

[DonBruner]

Use what you already have. Learn to use it, practice, practice. Post your images, get advice on what to improve. Practice that advice.Find what works and what doesn't. Repeat till you get really good. Then get more equipment.

Don

 

[Village Idiot]

Read this:

It'll get you started on what you need. It's several years old, so there's a plethora of new equipment out and the prices aren't so expensive. Once you get the gist of it, come back and we can give you suggestions on barnds to buy and where to buy them from. MPEX which was ousted above is a good resource. You can always call them and if you ask for Moishe, he's kind of like their Strobist expert. B&H and Adorama are also good resources as well.

Basically for the setup on the strobist site, you'll need one speed light that you can control manually, a light stand, and umbrella adapter, an umbrella, and a way to trigger it. Thise items can be purchased fir about $200. Start with one light and expand from there. Once you learn the basics, you can start modifying your technique and your equipment.