Ok I'm looking into getting a basic lighting setup for my portraiture... What would you suggest?

Don't know if anyone has sent you a p.m. or not, but if not, feel free to drop me an email and I'd love to chat with you about what might work for you.

Secrets don't make friends!

Share with everyone so we can all learn what works and what doesn't!

Ciao Ciao!
DJ

Ha, true, so basically, give me some details on the forum of what you are wanting to do and let's get you some advice.
Are you shooting in a studio situation, or are you wanting to be able to shoot outdoors and be really mobile?
What price range are you looking at?
What equipment do you already shoot with?

Tim --- I'm right now using a Nikon N60 and soon going to make the switch over to digital and use the D70 (which I should be able to pick up any day now)...

I mostly shoot fine art portraiture, but from tyime to time do senior portraits, childrens photos, and I might (and notice I said might David) take up doing some more weddings.

So with that said it is going to be a mixture of studio shots and on location... but I don't want to break the bank (probably no more than a grand for now)... if you could give me some options that would be great.

haha ... you might want to look into the quantum kits but Tim's the man and he knows tons more than I do so I'm sure he'll give you some good options! He might have a good Nikon digital for you too!

Cheers,
DJ

For working in the studio I personally love working with monoblocks (basically a light that is plugged by itself directly into an outlet and can be adjusted on the light separate from any other light in the setup. These also are easier to travel with to other locations where a plug is nearby.)
Calumet actually has a house brand that I really love, calumet
You could buy two of their most powerful units for less than $800, but then you still have to buy stands, modifiers/reflectors/umbrellas. But these lights are great workhorses if you're doing a decent amount of work.
If you search around their site, they also sometimes sell these lights in a package deal with the accessories you would want.
I also agree with David that you would be well served by some good quality Q flash units. These would be much easier to take on location away from any power source. I'm not very knowledgeable in the prices on these, but I thought you could find units at pretty reasonable prices, though my quick search showed some fairly pricey results.
So, if you want something that would be well suited in both situations of ourdoor/location and instudio, the q flash is a great bet in your price range, but if you want two heads and don't mind being attached to a powersource, the calumet lights are a great option.
I hope that was of some help...

Thanks Tim!!!

--- Gregg

I second the Q-Flash thing! I've got some Elinchroms that I use for commercial studio stuff only now, but I just got a whole new Q-Flash setup for wedding formals and some location commercial stuff (we aren't blessed with too many spectacular outdoor wedding locations here in the midwest like those Cali folks are!) I've only used the Qs a few times since I got them but so far, they really rock! Here's a shot of my lighting bag now...small, light, no cords, no B.S. That's lights, stands, octaboxes, batteries, and still room for more stuff.
Click to view attachment

I say master the one light before you move on to somethig more complex. But what do I know....check out this dynamlite jackrabbit kit with battery. This is a high quality mobile light.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller...oughType=search

I'll take a different route -

Light fast, and totally PJ - Grab a few SB600's or 800's and use them in commander mode.

And check out this guy's stuff - Zach is all over OSP -

Eric

^ agreed - I have 2 580ex and ebay remotes (wanting pocket wizards) and miles behind Zack et al - but I like the portability.

Aight, aight...

(rolling up the sleeves...)

First, sorry you weren't in town in Denver for the OneLight because A) I wanted to meet you! and B) we went over this stuff.

I've set up a wishlist on B&H where you can see gear that I have used and/or highly recommend to get started with off camera flash. No... I don't make money if you buy any of this for yourself. Yes.... feel free to send me any of this stuff any time you want!

To get a good off camera lighting rig together look through the list and find these components based on your needs and or budget....

You need a flash, a light stand, an umbrella adapter, a coldshoe or hotshoe to put a hotshoe flash onto the umbrella adapter (the 120j flash on the list does not need a shoe adapter), a light modifer, and trigger to fire the flash. On my list you can find an Infrared transmitter or Pocket Wizard.

Infrared if money is tight. PocketWizard to make your life right. Can I get an Amen?

If you go the PW route, you'll see some needed sync cords or adapters to go from a PW Plus II to a flash unit. The PW Plus II comes with a PC to mini phone sync cord. If you have a flash already that has a PC sync on it, you won't need a cord.

KNOW your sync plugs. PC, Vivitar, Sunpak, HouseHold, Miniphone, etc. PW's have miniphone plugs on them. If you have a Nikon SB26, 27, 28, 800, then it has a PC terminal on it. SB600's do not. Canon 580ex - you need a modification done to your flash for the best results.... (580ex PW Mod

OneLight Workshop Wishlist

Balance your checkbook then get these items....

• The light stand
• Coldshoe or Hotshoe if you are using a hotshoe flash on the stand. (Coldshoe if using PW. IR slave hotshoe if using IR transmitter)
• Umbrella bracket adapter
• Trigger (IR or PW depending on budget)
• Modifer - umbrella or softbox. Note IR transmitter will have mixed results if you put the light in a softbox.
• Flash - If you don't have a flash already, take a look at the ones on the wish list. Also, Used Nikon SB 28 flashes are awesome to get. They have good power and PC syncs built in. You can find them for $70 - $90 used. Don't think you have to drop $$$ on the SB800.

Again....

Put up the light stand. Put the umbrella bracket on the top of the light stand. Take the provided brass stud with 1/4" thread on it and screw that into the coldshoe or hotshoe adapter (or straight into the 120j if you go with that flash). And just buy Pocket Wizards. Really. I can't tell you how great they are and how they are worth every single penny they cost. For $1,000 you can get a nice rig built.

Working this wish list I just put together 2 rigs. A 120j and a 383. 1 Umbrella. 3 PW's. 2 stands. 2 umb. adapters, needed cords, etc for $1,200 + shipping. This would be a versatile, compact, portable, set up to give you many options for lighting under many conditions.

Hope this helps!

Cheers,
Zack

ETA - That Dyna-Lite Uni 400 is a great kit! You'll still need PW's to add to that. I've often looked at that kit. It's a good deal for the power you'll have but you'll also find yourself wanting another Jack Rabbit battery and a better light stand than the one provided.... Well, I just don't like those stands. ANYWAY... For around $1,000 that Dyna kit is nice.

Holmes! What bag is that? That looks like a great bag.

Cheers,
Zack

+1, Im looking for a small location bag right now.

amen

Wow...man, you absolutely rock!! I see a possible Indy stop on your schedule...that would be way cool!

That's a Pelican bag... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller...egoryNavigation It looks huge in that photo but, it's really pretty small.

And btw, I love that 580ex mod...I just sent 2 of mine to him last Friday!

Dang it all, it isn't large enough to carry my Avenger stands. Still though, an amazing looking bag. I tell ya, I'm as bad as a woman when it comes to my bags!

Cheers,
Zack

Glad I found this thred! I've been looking for some info like this.

HAHAHA!!! Way to dredg up an old post guys!!!

Zack I will bve at one I promise... even if I have to travel!

OMG! I need to pull my head out of my *** and start looking at the year!!!! Oh well, I guess we can celebrate the 2 year anniversary of the thread! At least I found out about Zach's stuff...all good!