Nikon D3000 Studio Lighting

[sarahd2006]

Ok Sooooo I have had my Nikon since November, I have done and learned a lot from using it but I am stuck! I do not know what I need to create a "Home Studio" as far as lighting, I see sooooo many things on Amazon and Ebay, but I want it to work with my camera without cords coming from every part of it..... I have a 18-55VR a 55-200VR a 50MM 1.4 an SB-600 and a last-o-lite softbox.... needless to say when I got the last-o-light I didn't know I would need an SU-800 commander flash which I plan on getting... sooo I know I need it... But what Else?? I have seen some home studios with only 2 lights, I have seen videos of 3 and 4..... Any advice on what I should get to make a home studio (and if you happen to know where as far as a link to the exact item.....) would be greatly GREATLY Appreciated.

 

[KmH]

You don't necessarily need a $250 SU-800 Wireless Speedlight .

Besides, the SU-800 transmits an infrared (IR) optical signal that may not penetrate a softbox (line-of-sight). You don't mention which Lastolite softbox you got.

You can get inexpensive radio triggers that aren't limited to line-of-sight, but you wouldn't have TTL. But for studio work, home or other wise, TTL really isn't needed.

I don't even use Nikon flash (strobe) units anymore. I use Vivitar 285HV Auto Professional Flash

And trigger then with these eBay radio triggers: iSHOOT, PT-04 C Wireless Remote Radio Flash Trigger, with 3 receivers.
Lighting in the studio allows using a main light, a fill light, a second light, a hair light, kicker lights, a rim light , and background lights. So you can wind up using 6 or more lights to make an image.

Using TTL is a lot more complicated than just using manual modes, and because the camera and flash don't really know what you are trying to accomplish, TTL also delivers inconsistant results.

 

[sarahd2006]

Keith Thank you soooo much I really appreciate all of your help, I went to the ISHOOT link, and this will work for the D3000? (Smiles hopefully )

How many softboxes would you recommend (forgot to ask that one as well)

 

[KmH]

The iShoot radio triggers will work with any camera that has a hot shoe.

It takes a while to get a studio set up.

I have a selection of convertable photographic umbrellas that are from 32 to 60 inches wide. I have softboxes from 16 inches square to 50 inches square, and many more that are various sizes of rectangles up to 84 inches on the longest side. I also use brolly's, which are part umbrella and part softbox like the Photek Softlighter II, 46" Umbrella with Diffuser.

Lastolite makes one too: Lastolite LL LU3227 40-Inch Umbrella Box with 7mm Shaft
I also have diffusion panels, flags, scrims, reflectors, grids, snoots, gobos, boom arms, light stands, speedrings, umbrella brackets, superclamps, justin clamps, rolls and rolls of gaffers tape, etc.

How many, what, and what size you will need will depend on what you are shooting and how you want to light it.

You have to use larger modifiers if you are shooting a full length portrait than if you are doing a head shot. Add a second person, or more, and again you need bigger modifiers.

Start with the one light/modifier and go from there. I would concentrate on learning photography technical fundamentals, your camera's features and functions, and how to use light to compliment your subjects best features.