[justuspr]

Since I took my first photography class back in 1992, about 99.9% percent of my photography has been with natural light, I rarely use the on camera flash and have had a Vivitar 2800 flash in my camera bag since 92 that I've never used. However as life goes on, my opportunities become fewer and fewer to get out and shoot. (currently once a week if I'm lucky). So I would like to start experimenting with portraiture and possibly still lifes in a studio setting, just to expand my horizons a bit.

So I have a few basic questions that I'm sure some of you can help me with.

1. What are the pro's and con's between constant lighting and flashes in a studio setting? (being used to natural light I would be inclined to use constant light)

2. What should I look for in a beginner lighting set?

3. Any good book recommendations?

and last but not least

4. What questions should I be asking that I haven't asked yet?

I hope this isn't beating the proverbial dead horse for too many of you. Thanks for your help.

[dmdctusa]

You should check out StudioLighting.NET. The link is:

StudioLighting.net

The have some good tutorials and also some very good podcasts containing news, comments and interviews with professional photographers.

I am currently in the process of selectng new studio lighitng and evaluating constant vs. flash for a three light setup.

Presently I am leaning toward ALZ0's low cost HMI lighting. It's not dimmable but the price is right. HMI appeals to me because I have a couple of halogen lights but don't like the 3200K color tem. or the heat. The HMI is is 5600K and much cooler running.

I would also recommend Ralph Hattersley's book, Photographic Lighting - Learing To See. He strongly advises starting with constant lighting in order to learn to evaluate the quality of light.

Good Luck!

[justuspr]

Thanks dmdctusa for your response, I'll check it out.

[Mike Cash]

4. What questions should I be asking that I haven't asked yet?

5. Is it safe to use that old flash with my new camera?

[slip]

5. Is it safe to use that old flash with my new camera?

If it fits and fires with your pentax, I can't see why not.... you will have to use it in manual, though

good luck

randy

[Paul_C]

5. Is it safe to use that old flash with my new camera?

Might not be. Check the trigger voltage to make sure you don't fry your camera.

For everything else, start here: Strobist: Lighting 101