Portraiture

enoeske · 09-26-2016, 09:05 PM

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Originally posted by sarge

I recommend the LumoPro LP180 flashes.
https://www.amazon.com/LumoPro-LP180-Official-Strobist-Flash/dp/B00E0L75FI
They are far better made than Yongnuo and are very consistent.

I have both and find the opposite to be true. The Lumopro felt very cheap and came with a malfunction that remained after an official repair. The Yonguo feel very solid (a canon 480 clone) and have been perfect for years.

C_Jones · 09-26-2016, 09:08 PM

Per your printing needs, I want to mention I get very nice prints from the Wal-Mart photo center and the prices are economical. If you do get prints from there, make sure you uncheck the "auto-enhance" choice when selecting your image/print.

Culture · 09-26-2016, 10:31 PM

Hello Laura,
You will do well with the Yongnuo as Enoeske has recommended. I have two of them myself, with their triggers also.
This was shot with Yongnuos. One light for the background and one for the keylight. Portraiture is really fun.

For a group shot you need about two lights to light everybody evenly.
I had one family shot of about 9 adults and 4 kids. I used two umbrellas. Both pointed to at 45 degrees to the ceiling.
It was shot in the living room with all white walls. This was good because then I could avoid shadows with the light bouncing everywhere. Just a thought as this is your first portrait.
It might be scary but if you practice you will be able to get the hang of it.

lauravp77 · 09-27-2016, 02:12 AM

I think I will go with this, as it includes the softbox lights, and the total output is 2400 watts. it also has the back drop with it.

CanadianStudio 2400 Watt Digital Video Continuous Softbox Lighting Kit and Boom Set with High Key Muslin Black/White/Green Screen and Backdrop stand kit - FREE SHIPPING FROM CANADA:Amazon

---------- Post added 09-27-16 at 02:15 AM ----------

Originally posted by Culture

Hello Laura,
You will do well with the Yongnuo as Enoeske has recommended. I have two of them myself, with their triggers also.
This was shot with Yongnuos. One light for the background and one for the keylight. Portraiture is really fun.

For a group shot you need about two lights to light everybody evenly.
I had one family shot of about 9 adults and 4 kids. I used two umbrellas. Both pointed to at 45 degrees to the ceiling.
It was shot in the living room with all white walls. This was good because then I could avoid shadows with the light bouncing everywhere. Just a thought as this is your first portrait.
It might be scary but if you practice you will be able to get the hang of it.

I will definitely get some practice in with my partner before doing my paying sessions

**Cee Cee** · 09-27-2016, 04:07 AM

I've found that the compact fluro type bulbs used in these cheap lighting kits are pretty ordinary, I don't think they tell the truth about light output and colour temp, it can be very hard to get the white balance right, I have 2 x 5 bulb soft boxes with single bulb overhead soft box and still have to use a much higher ISO than I would like, I find the nature of the light very unforgiving and unflattering for skin tones. I get much better results with umbrellas & strobes.

edit : I hadn't seen your last post before I posted this, this is very similar to what I have, I hardly ever use it, I always go for the umbrellas & strobes first

C_Jones · 09-27-2016, 07:25 AM

Originally posted by lauravp77

I think I will go with this, as it includes the softbox lights, and the total output is 2400 watts. it also has the back drop with it.

CanadianStudio 2400 Watt Digital Video Continuous Softbox Lighting Kit and Boom Set with High Key Muslin Black/White/Green Screen and Backdrop stand kit - FREE SHIPPING FROM CANADA:Amazon

---------- Post added 09-27-16 at 02:15 AM ----------

I will definitely get some practice in with my partner before doing my paying sessions

Something like that looks like it will cover your basic needs for now. Like I mentioned before, you will be able to understand/utilize it for now, and you can apply other types of lighting later if you find you want to. There are many types of lighting systems, and starting out with something you can understand and use is a start.

lauravp77 · 09-27-2016, 08:30 AM

Originally posted by C_Jones

Something like that looks like it will cover your basic needs for now. Like I mentioned before, you will be able to understand/utilize it for now, and you can apply other types of lighting later if you find you want to. There are many types of lighting systems, and starting out with something you can understand and use is a start.

Yeah that's it. I just want something to start out with. I'm taking a series of photography courses starting with the basic in October (basic digital) and following it up with intermediate, advanced, theory & history in the new year. There are also some electives I'll be taking. Small photog business, 2 on portraiture, and 2 on wedding photograhy. I expect by the time I get through he compulsory classes, I'll have had lots of practice with lighting and a much better understanding. Then I'll probably invest in flashes.

Aksel · 09-27-2016, 11:21 AM

I recommend this video about lighting:
Peter Hurley: Illuminating The Face | Fstoppers

lauravp77 · 09-27-2016, 01:52 PM

Originally posted by Aksel

I recommend this video about lighting:

https://fstoppers.com/product/peter-hurley-illuminating-face

Thank you for the recommendation, however, the link seems to be broken.

**robgski** · 09-27-2016, 03:42 PM

Originally posted by lauravp77

the link seems to be broken.

Try the link now/

C_Jones · 09-27-2016, 04:22 PM

Originally posted by lauravp77

Yeah that's it. I just want something to start out with. I'm taking a series of photography courses starting with the basic in October (basic digital) and following it up with intermediate, advanced, theory & history in the new year. There are also some electives I'll be taking. Small photog business, 2 on portraiture, and 2 on wedding photograhy. I expect by the time I get through he compulsory classes, I'll have had lots of practice with lighting and a much better understanding. Then I'll probably invest in flashes.

Sounds like a good plan.

Aksel · 09-28-2016, 05:38 AM

Originally posted by robgski

Try the link now/

Thanks. That's the link.

BrianR · 09-28-2016, 09:04 AM

I tried out a friends lighting setup that was similar to the one you're looking at (but from Cowboy Studios) and overall I think these are a little meh for live people.

Cowboy studios might be worth a look for you though, it looks like they have a showroom in Mississauga and maybe (?I've no real idea?) you can try something similar before you decide to buy:

Buy Photography and Camera Supplies from #1 Store in Toronto | Cowboystudio.ca

slip · 11-10-2016, 06:40 PM

In the case of studio work, the old saying is you get what you pay for is standard. It doesn't mean there isn't decent equipment out there if you search.
I have heard some good reviews of Cowboy Studios though.
so my 2 cents

The ultimate light is window lighting. Nothing beats the quality of a nice big window (north facing is best) before photography painters used window light for hundreds of years
Try to use it as much natural light as possible even if its only part of your lighting setup
Softboxes (my choice) has softer light then umbrellas. your have more control over the direction of the light with softboxes.
The bigger the softbox, the softer the lighting. I would try to get a min. of 24"
If you choose to have a background, it will need its own light to eliminate shadows or keep the subject far enough away from it (which can be hard finding the space)
I only have a one person basic setup. I bought this softbox Cheetah QBox 24 inch foldable soft box it is of very high quality for the price and the guy is super helpful. it doesn't have the speedlight holder so if you go with speedlights, you need to order this Speed Pro Bracket
I bought it years ago so if you decide on this setup, contact them and make sure you get the right setup for your flash or contant lighting

there are a lot of good suggestion on this thread, so research and good luck!
let us know how you make out

Randy

lauravp77 · 12-04-2016, 06:01 PM

Is this a good unit? It seems rather cheap.

Yongnuo Professional Flash Speedlight Flashlight Yongnuo YN 560 III for Canon Nikon Pentax Olympus Camera / Such as: Canon EOS 1Ds Mark, EOS1D Mark, EOS 5D Mark, EOS 7D, EOS 60D, EOS 600D, EOS 550D, EOS 500D, EOS 1100D: Amazon.ca: Camera & Photo

I also found this one, which is more expensive, and am curious about it as well:

CAMERON HSS240-N TTL FLASH TRIGGER SET

Thanks in advance.

09-27-2016, 04:07 AM	#20
Cee Cee Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Glenroy, Melbourne Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,441	I've found that the compact fluro type bulbs used in these cheap lighting kits are pretty ordinary, I don't think they tell the truth about light output and colour temp, it can be very hard to get the white balance right, I have 2 x 5 bulb soft boxes with single bulb overhead soft box and still have to use a much higher ISO than I would like, I find the nature of the light very unforgiving and unflattering for skin tones. I get much better results with umbrellas & strobes. edit : I hadn't seen your last post before I posted this, this is very similar to what I have, I hardly ever use it, I always go for the umbrellas & strobes first Last edited by Cee Cee; 09-27-2016 at 04:14 AM.

09-27-2016, 11:21 AM	#23
Aksel Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 224	I recommend this video about lighting: Peter Hurley: Illuminating The Face \| Fstoppers Last edited by Aksel; 09-28-2016 at 05:39 AM. Reason: The link was broken

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09-26-2016, 09:05 PM	#16
enoeske Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Surprise, Az Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,136	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Originally posted by sarge I recommend the LumoPro LP180 flashes. https://www.amazon.com/LumoPro-LP180-Official-Strobist-Flash/dp/B00E0L75FI They are far better made than Yongnuo and are very consistent. I have both and find the opposite to be true. The Lumopro felt very cheap and came with a malfunction that remained after an official repair. The Yonguo feel very solid (a canon 480 clone) and have been perfect for years.

09-26-2016, 09:08 PM	#17
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,074	Per your printing needs, I want to mention I get very nice prints from the Wal-Mart photo center and the prices are economical. If you do get prints from there, make sure you uncheck the "auto-enhance" choice when selecting your image/print.

09-26-2016, 10:31 PM	#18
Culture Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Vaasa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 818	Hello Laura, You will do well with the Yongnuo as Enoeske has recommended. I have two of them myself, with their triggers also. This was shot with Yongnuos. One light for the background and one for the keylight. Portraiture is really fun. For a group shot you need about two lights to light everybody evenly. I had one family shot of about 9 adults and 4 kids. I used two umbrellas. Both pointed to at 45 degrees to the ceiling. It was shot in the living room with all white walls. This was good because then I could avoid shadows with the light bouncing everywhere. Just a thought as this is your first portrait. It might be scary but if you practice you will be able to get the hang of it.

09-27-2016, 02:12 AM	#19
lauravp77 Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 72 Original Poster	I think I will go with this, as it includes the softbox lights, and the total output is 2400 watts. it also has the back drop with it. CanadianStudio 2400 Watt Digital Video Continuous Softbox Lighting Kit and Boom Set with High Key Muslin Black/White/Green Screen and Backdrop stand kit - FREE SHIPPING FROM CANADA:Amazon ---------- Post added 09-27-16 at 02:15 AM ---------- Originally posted by Culture Hello Laura, You will do well with the Yongnuo as Enoeske has recommended. I have two of them myself, with their triggers also. This was shot with Yongnuos. One light for the background and one for the keylight. Portraiture is really fun. For a group shot you need about two lights to light everybody evenly. I had one family shot of about 9 adults and 4 kids. I used two umbrellas. Both pointed to at 45 degrees to the ceiling. It was shot in the living room with all white walls. This was good because then I could avoid shadows with the light bouncing everywhere. Just a thought as this is your first portrait. It might be scary but if you practice you will be able to get the hang of it. I will definitely get some practice in with my partner before doing my paying sessions

09-27-2016, 07:25 AM	#21
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,074	Originally posted by lauravp77 I think I will go with this, as it includes the softbox lights, and the total output is 2400 watts. it also has the back drop with it. CanadianStudio 2400 Watt Digital Video Continuous Softbox Lighting Kit and Boom Set with High Key Muslin Black/White/Green Screen and Backdrop stand kit - FREE SHIPPING FROM CANADA:Amazon ---------- Post added 09-27-16 at 02:15 AM ---------- I will definitely get some practice in with my partner before doing my paying sessions Something like that looks like it will cover your basic needs for now. Like I mentioned before, you will be able to understand/utilize it for now, and you can apply other types of lighting later if you find you want to. There are many types of lighting systems, and starting out with something you can understand and use is a start.

09-27-2016, 08:30 AM	#22
lauravp77 Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 72 Original Poster	Originally posted by C_Jones Something like that looks like it will cover your basic needs for now. Like I mentioned before, you will be able to understand/utilize it for now, and you can apply other types of lighting later if you find you want to. There are many types of lighting systems, and starting out with something you can understand and use is a start. Yeah that's it. I just want something to start out with. I'm taking a series of photography courses starting with the basic in October (basic digital) and following it up with intermediate, advanced, theory & history in the new year. There are also some electives I'll be taking. Small photog business, 2 on portraiture, and 2 on wedding photograhy. I expect by the time I get through he compulsory classes, I'll have had lots of practice with lighting and a much better understanding. Then I'll probably invest in flashes.

09-27-2016, 01:52 PM	#24
lauravp77 Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 72 Original Poster	Originally posted by Aksel I recommend this video about lighting: https://fstoppers.com/product/peter-hurley-illuminating-face Thank you for the recommendation, however, the link seems to be broken.

09-27-2016, 03:42 PM	#25
robgski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,816	Originally posted by lauravp77 the link seems to be broken. Try the link now/

09-27-2016, 04:22 PM	#26
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,074	Originally posted by lauravp77 Yeah that's it. I just want something to start out with. I'm taking a series of photography courses starting with the basic in October (basic digital) and following it up with intermediate, advanced, theory & history in the new year. There are also some electives I'll be taking. Small photog business, 2 on portraiture, and 2 on wedding photograhy. I expect by the time I get through he compulsory classes, I'll have had lots of practice with lighting and a much better understanding. Then I'll probably invest in flashes. Sounds like a good plan.

09-28-2016, 05:38 AM	#27
Aksel Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 224	Originally posted by robgski Try the link now/ Thanks. That's the link.

09-28-2016, 09:04 AM	#28
BrianR Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Ontario Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,332	I tried out a friends lighting setup that was similar to the one you're looking at (but from Cowboy Studios) and overall I think these are a little meh for live people. Cowboy studios might be worth a look for you though, it looks like they have a showroom in Mississauga and maybe (?I've no real idea?) you can try something similar before you decide to buy: Buy Photography and Camera Supplies from #1 Store in Toronto \| Cowboystudio.ca

11-10-2016, 06:40 PM	#29
slip Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: 2 hours north of toronto ontario canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,535	In the case of studio work, the old saying is you get what you pay for is standard. It doesn't mean there isn't decent equipment out there if you search. I have heard some good reviews of Cowboy Studios though. so my 2 cents The ultimate light is window lighting. Nothing beats the quality of a nice big window (north facing is best) before photography painters used window light for hundreds of years Try to use it as much natural light as possible even if its only part of your lighting setup Softboxes (my choice) has softer light then umbrellas. your have more control over the direction of the light with softboxes. The bigger the softbox, the softer the lighting. I would try to get a min. of 24" If you choose to have a background, it will need its own light to eliminate shadows or keep the subject far enough away from it (which can be hard finding the space) I only have a one person basic setup. I bought this softbox Cheetah QBox 24 inch foldable soft box it is of very high quality for the price and the guy is super helpful. it doesn't have the speedlight holder so if you go with speedlights, you need to order this Speed Pro Bracket I bought it years ago so if you decide on this setup, contact them and make sure you get the right setup for your flash or contant lighting there are a lot of good suggestion on this thread, so research and good luck! let us know how you make out Randy

12-04-2016, 06:01 PM	#30
lauravp77 Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 72 Original Poster	Is this a good unit? It seems rather cheap. Yongnuo Professional Flash Speedlight Flashlight Yongnuo YN 560 III for Canon Nikon Pentax Olympus Camera / Such as: Canon EOS 1Ds Mark, EOS1D Mark, EOS 5D Mark, EOS 7D, EOS 60D, EOS 600D, EOS 550D, EOS 500D, EOS 1100D: Amazon.ca: Camera & Photo I also found this one, which is more expensive, and am curious about it as well: CAMERON HSS240-N TTL FLASH TRIGGER SET Thanks in advance.