One strobe set-up

Inlights · Jan 25, 2012

I'm not that new to photography, but new to studio lighting. I have a client that has a beautiful Victorian gown that she would like photos of with her wearing it. The location is Banff Springs Hotel. I only have one strobe (AB800) and a shoot thru umbrella. My question is, considering she wants a full body photograph, should i use window light and the strobe for fill or just use the strobe? If I just use the strobe im worried about fall-off. Also what kind of set up should I use? I would love some feed back on my dilemma. Thanks.

Patrice · Jan 25, 2012

That hotel has a large function room with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the lake. Wait until there is no direct sunlight spilling into the room and use those windows as your main light. A reflector for fill and you're set to go.

Inlights · Jan 25, 2012

Patrice said:
That hotel has a large function room with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the lake. Wait until there is no direct sunlight spilling into the room and use those windows as your main light. A reflector for fill and you're set to go.

Thanks for the quick reply. So you wouldn't use a strobe at all, just a reflector. What if I use my strobe and a reflector or would that complicate things?

o hey tyler · Jan 25, 2012

If you're confident with your strobe and reflector, then probably not. But it would be lighter and easier to manage with just a reflector. However, if you brought the AB just in case, you could vary the shots.

Inlights · Jan 25, 2012

o hey tyler said:
If you're confident with your strobe and reflector, then probably not. But it would be lighter and easier to manage with just a reflector. However, if you brought the AB just in case, you could vary the shots.

Ok. I will bring my ab800 and vary the shots. As for reflectors, I don't own one any suggestions?

fsquare · Jan 25, 2012

Most 5 in 1 cheapo collapsable reflector will do the job. Since you're doing full body the bigger the better. Now if you were to spend a little cash i'd go for a 41x74" white oval reflector.

Inlights · Jan 25, 2012

fsquare said:
Most 5 in 1 cheapo collapsable reflector will do the job. Since you're doing full body the bigger the better. Now if you were to spend a little cash i'd go for a 41x74" white oval reflector.

What's a little money? 100?