As a semi-pro photographer, I think a lot of people stay away from lighting gear for a variety of reasons:
I've compiled a few different lighting kits here that will get the job done on the cheap. The key word here is cheap. If you're looking for middle of the road equipment, you won't find it here. Most of this stuff is imported and made available through Amazon. If you want to experiment with lighting and want to fund it by digging through your couch cushions, read on:
Clark Howard Kit - $150
In case you don't know, Clark Howard is a syndicated radio talk show host, and is the cheapest person alive. This kit features the bare essentials. A 16 year old kid working at a grocery store can afford this stuff.
Weekend Warrior Kit - $ 300
If you have a bit more $$$ burning a hole in your pocket and want a better setup, take a look here.
Backdrops, Light Tents, and Bulbs
Honestly, guys...unless you're looking to replicate the pros, you can just go really simple here. A piece of white posterboard goes a long, long way:
There are a TON of light tent/box tutorials on the internet, so I won't get into great detail on those here. They are AWESOME for small product photography (like pens!) and control lighting very well. You can go simple with a cardboard box or get fancy and use PVC pipe, it doesn't matter. The key isn't the size or materials of the box, it's the lighting!
If you're going to use lighting other than photography flash, make sure you are using pure white bulbs (5500K). Every home improvement store carries these bulbs, as does Walmart. They're usually a bit more expensive than a typical incandescent bulb, and can be harder to find in the light bulb aisle. But trust me, they have them. You can use these bulbs with cheap and simple garage/shop clamp lights to great effect.
I'll add a thread about camera settings and general lighting discussion later!
- Expensive
- Confusing
- Takes up a lot of room
I've compiled a few different lighting kits here that will get the job done on the cheap. The key word here is cheap. If you're looking for middle of the road equipment, you won't find it here. Most of this stuff is imported and made available through Amazon. If you want to experiment with lighting and want to fund it by digging through your couch cushions, read on:
Clark Howard Kit - $150
In case you don't know, Clark Howard is a syndicated radio talk show host, and is the cheapest person alive. This kit features the bare essentials. A 16 year old kid working at a grocery store can afford this stuff.
Yongnuo YN-560 speedlight - It is what it is, gang. No bells and whistles here, just dirt cheap and reliable.
CowboyStudio stand/umbrella/bracket kit - Don't sneeze on this thing, or it will blow over.
CowboyStudio NPT-04 wireless trigger - Bam! Welcome to the 21st century.
43" 5-in-1 reflector - I own this thing. It's fragile, but it gets the job done. Take care of it, and it will last!
CowboyStudio stand/umbrella/bracket kit - Don't sneeze on this thing, or it will blow over.
CowboyStudio NPT-04 wireless trigger - Bam! Welcome to the 21st century.
43" 5-in-1 reflector - I own this thing. It's fragile, but it gets the job done. Take care of it, and it will last!
Weekend Warrior Kit - $ 300
If you have a bit more $$$ burning a hole in your pocket and want a better setup, take a look here.
Yongnuo YN-560 speedlight (x2) - Having two flashes opens up a lot more options to you.
Opteka LS1000 10' light stands - These are much more sturdy than the budget stands. You might have to sneeze twice.
ePhoto brackets (x2) - Our fancy new stands will need these to hold the umbrellas.
ePhoto 40" shoot-thru umbrella (x2) - El Cheapo umbrellas for you Mary Poppins wanna-bes.
CowboyStudio 24" softbox - This will give you something new to play with.
CowboyStudio NPT-04 wireless trigger - Same as in the budget kit, only with another receiver for your 2nd flash unit.
43" 5-in-1 reflector - Seriously...buy this thing. It's a helluva deal.
Opteka LS1000 10' light stands - These are much more sturdy than the budget stands. You might have to sneeze twice.
ePhoto brackets (x2) - Our fancy new stands will need these to hold the umbrellas.
ePhoto 40" shoot-thru umbrella (x2) - El Cheapo umbrellas for you Mary Poppins wanna-bes.
CowboyStudio 24" softbox - This will give you something new to play with.
CowboyStudio NPT-04 wireless trigger - Same as in the budget kit, only with another receiver for your 2nd flash unit.
43" 5-in-1 reflector - Seriously...buy this thing. It's a helluva deal.
Backdrops, Light Tents, and Bulbs
Honestly, guys...unless you're looking to replicate the pros, you can just go really simple here. A piece of white posterboard goes a long, long way:
There are a TON of light tent/box tutorials on the internet, so I won't get into great detail on those here. They are AWESOME for small product photography (like pens!) and control lighting very well. You can go simple with a cardboard box or get fancy and use PVC pipe, it doesn't matter. The key isn't the size or materials of the box, it's the lighting!
If you're going to use lighting other than photography flash, make sure you are using pure white bulbs (5500K). Every home improvement store carries these bulbs, as does Walmart. They're usually a bit more expensive than a typical incandescent bulb, and can be harder to find in the light bulb aisle. But trust me, they have them. You can use these bulbs with cheap and simple garage/shop clamp lights to great effect.
I'll add a thread about camera settings and general lighting discussion later!
