Location Lighting Wanted

[Susanfbr]

Hi. I'm looking to get the basics together for on-location lighting. I mostly photograph babies, young children and families. I would love to find an alien bee 1 or 2 light kit, but am open to other options. I also need a portable backdrop set. If someone has a stand then I could buy the muslin myself. I prefer natural light, but the Chicago winter is killing my children photography business! Who wants to play outside when it's 8 degrees???

 

[IgsEMT]

If you want ABs AlienBees: Illuminating the Galaxy with Professional Photographic Lighting Equipment just get it

 

[Susanfbr]

I would love to just go out and buy the bees, but I'm looking to save a little money on used gear if possible.

 

[Derrel]

Chicago is the home of Speedotron Corp, located down on S. Racine...used Speedo gear on eBay is super-plentiful. For example, a Brown Line M90 light unit is on eBay for $99 today, along with an MW3U for $69. A typical eBay price for a 4-outlet, D402 Brown Line power supply is $100,with $19 shipping.

Speedo factory technicians can rebuild a clunker D402 for $89..clunkers with blown caps sell for $29 or so.

The D402 is designed as a portrait power supply, and was often sold in a 3-light kit in a long-ish,black nylon carry/storage case with a D402 pack, an M90 light head, an MW3U head, and an MW3R head,two umbrellas, and two eight-foot Speedotron light stands plus a back light stand for the MW3R light. That three-light kit can be bought for $300-$350 usually. Add another MW3U head and you have a four-light kit for $400 or so.

eBay, Craigslist: the Chicagoland area is full of Speedo gear for sale on the used market.

 

[Susanfbr]

Thanks for all the speedotron info. I'm a little intimidated to put together a kit myself. It's been 15 years (college) since I played in a studio. I'm a former photo-j/newspaper person that is doing "kid" photography since I am now in Mommy-land. I am intrigued by the Calumet Genesis 200 2-light kit. Anyone have any opinions if that is enough light for babies, pregnant mamas and up to 6-person family shots in living rooms?

Do I really need to spend money on a flash meter or can I figure it out doing some test shots with the digital camera?

 

[redtippmann]

I would think the histogram on the back of the LCD would work. But never judge the exposure just by looking at the picture on the back of your camera.

 

[Derrel]

Yes, the 2x200 Genesis kit ought to be ample for babies and maternity photos,and it'll give you enough light for doing in-home family group photos with a decent modifier. With today's d-slrs that have such good image quality at ISO 200 to ISO 400, raw watt-seconds is not all that necessary. I downloaded the Calumet Genesis .pdf brochure, and they list the Guide Number as being 125 at ISO 100, in feet, with the standard reflector. I actually trust Calumet's GN specifications much more so than some of the web-based outfits.

You will not absolutely "need" a flash meter if you're working with a d-slr. You can easily use the "string method" for arriving at a precise umbrella-to-subject
distance for baby shots.

 

[Susanfbr]

Ok, I'm going to buy the 2 200 ws genesis kit. I hate to part with the money, but I think I should be able to make enough to pay it off pretty fast.

I also just realized I need to buy a sturdier carry case then they come with so they don't break during transporting them to shoots. I think the flash meter will have to wait a couple months until I make some money.

Thanks for everyone's help! Wish me luck!