Very basic lighting set up for a beginner?

[mc1979]

I would like some recommendations on some very basic lighting set ups just to start practicing with lighting.
Any simple little things just to see effects that different sources provide.

Also, when I have the money, what would be a good starting place as far as purchasing?

 

[OrionsByte]

What kind of shots do you plan on taking? Bare minimum you need a speedlight and some way to fire it off-camera. As far as modifiers, you can go a long way with just a convertible umbrella (by convertible I mean that you can use it as a reflective umbrella or as a shoot-through).

 

[Ginu]

I would say go with a flash as a first light source as a starting point, then see what else you're missing and go from there.

What camera are you using?

 

[mc1979]

Brian,
I plan on doing portraits.
Before I purchase things though, was just wondering if there were any tips or DIY lilttle projects just to experiment with in the house.

 

[mc1979]

I would say go with a flash as a first light source as a starting point, then see what else you're missing and go from there.

What camera are you using?

Nikon D3000

 

[analog.universe]

i post this link a lot, but that's cause it's awesome!

Strobist: Lighting 101

(just take his advice on pocket wizards with a grain of salt... you don't need to spend that much for wireless triggers)

 

[OrionsByte]

Well, whether you buy something or not, the light needs to come from somewhere. If you want to experiment with lighting before you actually buy any lighting equipment, I'd recommend sitting people (or a stuffed animal) down in front of a window and shoot them so the window is off to their side. Add in a reflector of some sort on the opposite side, whether it's just a white piece of paper or a silver pie tin or something, just to see what effect that has.

I'm not sure if that's the kind of advice you're looking for.

 

[KmH]

I would like some recommendations on some very basic lighting set ups just to start practicing with lighting.
Any simple little things just to see effects that different sources provide.

Also, when I have the money, what would be a good starting place as far as purchasing?

Uh....how much money? What kind of lighting (continuous, strobed)?

You can buy reflectors (white foamboard, silver car windshield sunlight deflectors) at Wal-mart or Staples for <$4.

Also; Click Here

 

[mc1979]

Well, whether you buy something or not, the light needs to come from somewhere. If you want to experiment with lighting before you actually buy any lighting equipment, I'd recommend sitting people (or a stuffed animal) down in front of a window and shoot them so the window is off to their side. Add in a reflector of some sort on the opposite side, whether it's just a white piece of paper or a silver pie tin or something, just to see what effect that has.

I'm not sure if that's the kind of advice you're looking for.

Yes, that's what I was looking for thank you

 

[OrionsByte]

Also, pick up this book as soon as you're able: Amazon.com: Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting (9780240808192): Fil Hunter, Steven Biver, Paul Fuqua: Books

Even before you start using flashes and monolights, there's a lot you can learn from this book as far as reflectance and how light behaves.

 

[China Photo]

Lighting is important, I brought a NIKON D3100 plus no lighting equipment, then I couldn't get what I want. But with Adobe Lightroom you can do a little adjustment to make photos looks much better.

 

[mc1979]

I would like some recommendations on some very basic lighting set ups just to start practicing with lighting.
Any simple little things just to see effects that different sources provide.

Also, when I have the money, what would be a good starting place as far as purchasing?

Uh....how much money? What kind of lighting (continuous, strobed)?

You can buy reflectors (white foamboard, silver car windshield sunlight deflectors) at Wal-mart or Staples for <$4.

Also; Click Here

Keith,
I like the thrifty suggestions you made, that's what I was looking for. Just something to play around with.

Also, thanks for the link to Google. I google stuff all the time, and sometimes feel like it is information overload. I thought I'd get a quicker answer here. If we shouldn't ask questions that can obviously be answered by googling the question, why even have a forum to help beginners?

 

[Derrel]

Here's what I have been suggesting for the last year and a half. A number of TPF members have bought these, and have posted some decent work.

http://****************/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=3811

 

[OrionsByte]

http://****************/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=3811

What did you do to that poor innocent link?

 

[Trever1t]

linky no worky