Best photographic lighting umbrellas according to redditors
We found 310 Reddit comments discussing the best photographic lighting umbrellas. We ranked the 85 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 310 Reddit comments discussing the best photographic lighting umbrellas. We ranked the 85 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_-EMnDb8Z0AE1X
/u/CaptainDoP - I'm sorry - your "friend" is selling you an obsolete camera and lens system with zero video capability and low resolution 12.3MP stills for a lot more money than it is worth.
With a $2500 budget, you can get a modern camera and accessories. Here is what I would recommend:
Camera and Lens
Tripod
Audio
Lights and Backdrop
This setup will cost you just over $1500 and give you the ability to produce well-lit Ultra High Definition content that looks like this:
It's a pretty good still camera too, as seen [here] (https://youtu.be/eDQJzln8-5M).
Hope this is helpful and good luck finding the right camera and setup for your needs!
> a better one for portrait photography.
For starters, portrait photography isn't about the camera as much as it is about the lenses and the lighting. Also, using good lenses on a mediocre body will get you far better results than using mediocre lenses on a good body. A D7500 is a better camera than a D3200, but the D3200 is probably not a major bottleneck to opening up opportunities in portraiture unless she already has good lenses and good lighting gear.
Questions:
Let's assume that she has a D3200 with the 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. It'll do, but you can get better lenses for portraiture than that. My ideal kit for that camera (or for a D7500) would be two lenses: Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 ($500 used) and the Sigma 50-100 f/1.8 ($600-700 used). (With third-party lenses, make sure to get the Nikon version, of course!) These are two of the best possible lenses you can get for a D3200, D5xxx, D7xxx, especially the latter, which is a zoom lens specifically designed for portraiture, as it covers all the classic portrait focal lengths.
If you want something on more of a budget, but still excellent for portraiture, get her a Nikon 50mm f/1.8 AF-S ($150 used) and/or an 85mm f/1.8 AF-S ($350 used). These fixed-focal length lenses have great image quality, and between the two of those they'll cover pretty much all portrait needs. However, a high-quality zoom (with a fixed f/1.8 or f/2.8 aperture) is going to be a lot more versatile. If you can't get the 50-100 f/1.8 above, I'd get her a Sigma 50-150 f/2.8 lens. The newer "OS" 50-150 f/2.8 is wickedly sharp wide open at f/2.8 like the 50-100 f/1.8 is at f/1.8, it's great for portraits (covers all the classic focal lengths and then some), and it sells for only $400-450 or so used. The older non-OS 50-150 f/2.8 version is nice and sharp from f/4 on but only sells for $200 used, really quite a bargain but not as good as the OS model.
If she already has good lenses, the next thing to get (or maybe at the same time) is a bit of lighting gear. You can go bananas on lighting gear, but a good basic kit is a flash, a flash controller, a light stand, and an umbrella. Nikon has a great infrared wireless flash system that works well with the D3200 or any other modern DSLR, and used flashes and gear are cheap. Get her a flash that's compatible with her camera like a Nikon SB-600 ($50-75), SB-700 (~$100), SB-800 ($75-125), or SB-910 ($250-300, skip the SB-900). Then, get a Nikon SU-800 flash controller ($75-100 used), which goes on the camera, plus a light stand and a big umbrella kit. You may want to get some rechargeable AA batteries as well.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I09WHLW x 2 - Speedlights - $56
https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Wireless-Speedlite-Receiver-Universal/dp/B00A47U22U - Wireless Trigger - $19
https://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Light-Stands-Cases/dp/B001WB02Z4 - Light Stands - $29
https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Professional-Universal-Speedlite-Umbrella/dp/B00JJJR7PY - x2 - Cold Shoe - $22
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0132I34K4 - Octobox - $23
https://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Premium-Shoot-Through-Translucent-Umbrella/dp/B005ODKMOC - Shoot though umbrella - $14
https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-43-inch-Collapsible-Multi-Disc-Reflector/dp/B002ZIMEMW - 5 in 1 reflector - $20
That brings you for a full starting light setup that can be used for headshots and starting boudoir for $183. And you even have flexablity in there to use a 1 light setup with reflector or use 2 lights. You would want a few sandbags to keep the gear stable, but I am not including those in the price.
Now for a background setup
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E6GRHBO/ref=psdc_3444601_t1_B00MTF6ZVC
Is a good basic stand but hard to fit under your budget with the above lighting gear.
https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Studio-Collapsible-Backdrop-1-8x2-8m/dp/B00UWL02PU is also an okay starting backdrop, Grey can be turned into white or black. I will warn you that you will need a fabric steamer to get the lines out, but that is pretty much the same however you go with cloth. Another more expensive choice is to go with seamless paper, I love working with paper, but it is an ongoing expense to use it.
Now if you are going to make this her studio all the time, they make http://www.homedepot.com/p/EUCATILE-32-sq-ft-96-in-x-48-in-Hardboard-Thrifty-White-Tile-Board-HDDPTW48/205995949 that you can use to make a great background. Or to me the better option if you are going to use a room as a full time studio, paint the walls, put down hardwood or laminate, and you have a great studio setup.
My suggestion is three of the Cactus V5 radio transceivers, two Yongnuo YN560 flashes, and two light stand kits with umbrella mount and a shoot-through umbrella
It's an inexpensive, reliable, portable, and powerful setup that works with every camera with a hotshoe. The three drawbacks are that flash power can only be controlled on the flashes themselves, the flashes are manual-only, and Canon bodies don't trigger non-ETTL flashes or transmitters in liveview mode. If you're doing home-studio work, none of those will matter. It's just something to be aware of. And definitely read David "Strobist" Hobby's blog.
Aww thank you! I've seen your posts around, I love your pics!
I bought some umbrella lights awhile back, and I usually have them out while I'm taking a photo-set. It makes a big difference, especially since the natural lighting in my apartment isn't the best. These are the ones I have :)
Hello! Here's a look out of my comfort zone, I usually stick to neutral warm shades like oranges and browns but I decided to try something new.
PRODUCTS USED
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate
Nyx Brow Mascara in Chocolate
Colourpop Shadow in I Owe You (transition shade)
Colourpop Shadow in Paradox (maroon)
Colourpop Shadow in Central Perk (brown)
Citycolor Shimmer Shadow in Beach Cottage (green)
Nyx Crystal Liner in Crystal Silk
Nyx Face & Body Loose Pigment in Gold (inner corner)
Too Faced Perfect Eyes Waterproof Liner in Perfect Black
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara
Ardell Lashes in 207
Too Faced Born This away Foundation in Warm Beige
Nyx HD Concealer in Beige
LA Girl Loose Powder in Banana
Tarte Bronzer in Park Ave. Princess
Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Snow & White Sand
LIGHTS
Photography Photo Portrait Studio 600W Day Light Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit by LimoStudio, LMS103 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_hO9PcBfKm1jNY
Hey! Always great to see more new MTG youtubers. The game can always use more. First, a few questions, what program do you use to edit? What do you use to record your audio and video? What kind of computer do you have?
Ok, a few tips I’ve learned is if you’re gonna be mainly talking to the camera you gotta have great audio and it needs to be recorded separately from your cameras mic. I would suggest this lab mic as a starter. It’s cheapest and can record right to a smart phone.
BOYA BY-M1 Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone for Canon Nikon Sony DSLR Camcorder Audio Recorders iPhone 6 5S 5 4S 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NHN168W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_jdKYBb701AGWS
Lighting helps make videos look so much better and less washed out. I couple of light behind the camera pointed at you never hurts. I’ve had these for 3 years and they still work great.
LimoStudio 700W Photography Softbox Light Lighting Kit Photo Equipment Soft Studio Light Softbox 24"X24", AGG814 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E4YS2XU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3eKYBbM38FJ0N
I don’t personalky have these but my friend does they they seem to work for her and are cheaper
Fancierstudio lighting Kit (DK2) Umbrella Lighting Kit, Professional Lighting for Studio Photography, Portrait Lighting, continuous lighting kit and Video Lighting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TSCARK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fgKYBb2GV6BFZ
If you have some sort of social media presence (twitter, Facebook, tumblr), mention it at the end of the videos. It’s a good way to get your videos out there and seen more.
An intro and outro title sequence are always nice. They’re not necessary but add a little something to make the videos feel more professional. Plus, you just have to make them once and can tack them to every video.
Make thumbnails for your videos. Use something like Fotor to just add text of the title of your video to a screenshot of the video. Most people watch YouTube on their phone and just see the thumbnails. So it’s good to have informative ones.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to edit your videos. It might feel jumpy and choppy but most people are use to it. Or be like me and do many takes till you get it close enough. I usually do one take to get it all out and find my flow then try again. I find scripts work for some people but a lot of the times come off stilted. An outline of points to hit might be a happy medium.
Anyway, if you have any questions you want to ask me go ahead. I’m not a seasoned pro or anything but I’d love to help.
Your best bet is just doing it yourself using you iPhone and these few items from Amazon. It'll cost you about $100 for these 3 items, but you'll never have to pay someone to do it for you, so its worth it.
https://www.amazon.com/Julius-Studio-Photography-Backdrop-Background/dp/B015YHXHWQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1526082839&sr=1-3&keywords=white+photo+backdrop
https://www.amazon.com/Julius-Studio-Background-Backdrop-Photography/dp/B072BCNRTY/ref=pd_bxgy_421_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B072BCNRTY&pd_rd_r=3P35Q5G0Z2FWQG3Q4TAK&pd_rd_w=ZQN9c&pd_rd_wg=ReAuO&psc=1&refRID=3P35Q5G0Z2FWQG3Q4TAK
https://www.amazon.com/Fancierstudio-DK2-Professional-Photography-continuous/dp/B004TSCARK/ref=sr_1_7?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1526082936&sr=1-7&keywords=studio+lighting
I've been using this one for months now for my Twitch streams and really enjoy it. Inexpensive and does just what I need it to do.
Here's before the kit, and here's after.
Maybe you should buy her a lighting kit!
Consider lighting instead. All cameras have noise problems. The expensive ones just have better low light conditions. If I were you I'd rather get a light kit (you can Amazon a 3 light kit and get one for under $150). Look up three point lighting and go from there. Cameras are expensive but they also might not solve your problem. Lights always will given that they gave enough watts.
Here's a good starter kit:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005FHZ2SI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482256333&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=light+kit
If you're keen on getting a camera look into repurposing a DSLR as a webcam. However for streaming purposes I really don't think you need much more than a $100 webcam.
Hope this helps,
Chris
If the interviews are under 20 minutes long, or can be recorded in multiple takes:
It's a little over your budget, and I'd still recommend you spend another ~$60 for a set of lights but that might not be necessasary if what you're filming is already lit.
The EOS-M is surprisingly capable at this sort of shooting, but as I mentioned it does have a 20 minute per take recording limit so it might require some thought on how to best use it. Using Magic Lantern allows the camera to automatically resume recording, but you will lose a fraction of a second when that happens.
You also might want to consider a Rode Videomic (not the GO version!) for the run-and-gun driver interviews as using lapel mics on them might not always be a practical solution.
I doubt you can get better quality for the price, though /u/HybridCamRev is bound to show up and proove me wrong :-)
this is what I use
Facing me diagonally from both ends of my desk. Needed them to get the green screen working.here is how it looks with one of my favorite overlays... hahaha
I use a backdrop kit that includes stands and muslin backdrops. I replaced the muslin with 9-ft. rolls of seamless paper after viewing this tutorial. Total cost: $300
For lighting, I use speedlites--a 430EX II and two YN-560s. The 430EX II is connected to my camera via a 24-ft. E-TTL cable from FlashZebra. The YN-560s are triggered remotely by the 430EX II. Total cost: $375
For light modifiers, I have a 24-inch soft box, 37-inch umbrellas, and 16-inch beauty dish. Total cost: $150
You can see what some of this looks like at http://clintonblackburn.com/headshots-and-insights-from-peter-hurley/.
My two cents is that it's not really worth it. Yes, TTL can be convenient if all you will ever do is to shoot with on-camera flash, and leave your camera in auto all the time, and with an advanced wireless setup with multiple flashes, it's somewhat convenient to be able to adjust the ratios from the camera itself, rather than having to go to each flash in a different setup.
That said, in terms of advanced lightning and overall versatility, you are going to have a much better time with a wireless setup and multiple flashes.
However, for the price of the one SB-700, you can have:
Total: $268, that leaves you with enough to add a softbox or some lightning modifiers.
Here's the thing: A manual flash, and compensating for it, even if you occasionally mount it on your camera becomes second nature after just a week or two, and the sheer convenience of being able to (let's say you're photographing a party), being able to just put two flashes in the room, set them both to something reasonable, point them at the ceiling, and shoot away handily beats out TTL, and avoids the harsh light on-camera flash gives you.
Since you're giving prices in euros, you may want to check amazon.fr, amazon.co.uk or amazon.de - whichever of these is more local to you - the Yongnuo gear is usually available there, and light stands to the Cowboystudio are usually also available, and shipping may be cheaper.
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1. Note there are two different Nikon models, the N1 or the N3 - you'd need to check which model you need.
I would highly recommend the Yongnuo external speedlights! You'll also need wireless flash triggers to shoot with your flash off-camera (made for your camera brand) I personally like to shot through a white umbrella for close up portraits. You can find all of this equipment on Amazon :)
Yongnuo Flash: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PGTOX26/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_B3jizbSQH5JC7
White Umbrella: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003PEX8XE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_K8jizbZE9WMJ8
Flash Adapter for light stand: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TYDBYQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_m9jizbNDJBSJ6
Light stand: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K69A0QY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_79jizb8EEAZAT
I can recommend wirelessly flash triggers too! What brand is your camera?
The corner / wall method is your best option for minimal equipment. White walls are best, grey walls would work too. You will need a single flash or strobe with a cheap light stand / umbrella, and ideally a tripod / tethered laptop to make sure shots are consistent and ensure exposure looks good. Normally you would need a trigger for the flash, but you can use your pop-up flash as an optical trigger without affecting the exposure (covered in the video I linked below).
Cheap Stand / Umbrella ($29): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004HR0M4Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Cheap / Reliable Flash ($63): https://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-Professional-Wireless-Speedlight-Flashlight/dp/B00EVMIHPS/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1510120921&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=yongnuo+yn+560&psc=1&smid=A23V097EB9TP7J
And the following items are not 100% necessary, but you can use them for anything in your house, not just the flash - and these batteries are fantastic.
Rechargable Batteries with Charger ($18): https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-K-KJ17MCA4BA-Individual-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B00JHKSMJU/ref=pd_bxgy_23_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=RVHZJ9CHST6PRESKD9YC
8-Pack Rechargable AA Batteries ($19): https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-BK-3MCCA8BA-Pre-Charged-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B00JHKSN5I/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1510121000&sr=1-3&keywords=eneloop&dpID=51JN-N5n6NL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
Here's a video explaining single speed light portraits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQCtYqqt5lk&t=960s
They have some similar videos too, worth checking out.
Just get your settings right with test shots, shoot raw, shoot full manual with an aperture of 5.6 or 8, ISO 100, 1/200 of a second. Your flash through umbrella will probably be at 1/4 or 1/8 power. The closer the light source is to the subject, the softer the light will be. Check your histogram to make sure you aren't blowing out any highlights. Tell people to wear basic, neutral clothes for the shoot, ideally not white, and have them all bring one alternate outfit just in case.
There is a lot that goes into it, but just watch some YouTube videos (Tony Chelsea, Gavin Hoey on Adorama), practice a bit with yourself, friends, family, and you'll be good to go.
If you have any other questions about it, feel free to PM me!
Edit: As far as lenses go, use the 50mm 1.8. It's the sharpest lens in your kit. Don't use it wide open, shoot at f5.6 or higher, and make sure your subject is about 5-6 feet from the wall behind them.
Attach one of these radio triggers to the hotshoe mount on your camera and the other the hotshoe mount of your SB-600.
http://www.amazon.com/Yongnuo-Wireless-Trigger-Shutter-Transceiver/dp/B004YW79F4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452508589&sr=8-2&keywords=yongnuo+603
Then place the radio trigger and your flash onto this and fire away
http://www.amazon.com/Photography-Studio-Umbrellas-Fancierstudio-UB1/dp/B004HR0M4Q/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1452508670&sr=8-4&keywords=light+stand+umbrella
I have a canon t3i, budget is $400 and am upgrading my tech for beauty videos. I need new lights, focus remote control, new battery, sd card, 2 lenses. Zoom and wide.
I know this is a photo thread but hear me out and share input.
UPDATE:
I never specified that I'm focusing on video. I guess I assumed it was self explanatory with the info I went on to ask about pertaining to video.
Q's:
How much film time will this sd give me? Google says 2 hours, but maybe someone here knows better.
https://www.amazon.com/SCT-Digital-Ultimate-Extreme-S-F32-RT/dp/B007XVPI4C/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1518712664&sr=1-4&keywords=canon+t3i+sd+card
Are these lights worth it?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O9RH4HM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3VAHM8ODBLF0H&psc=1
I currently have these https://www.amazon.com/Photography-Portrait-Umbrella-Continuous-LimoStudio/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=sr_1_sc_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1518712989&sr=1-2-spell&keywords=limo+studip+lights
They heat up and take up too much space in my little square room and dont light enough or evenly even with my ring light in front of me.
What zoom and wide lens can I use, to zoom into face sitting 4+ feet away from tripod. I currently have the canon 50mm lens.
What wide lens can I buy? My kit lens is still too close to me even zoomed out.
Budget friendly lenses for my crop sensor.
What my videos look like now, I need to update, get a nice bokeh when zoomed into face, even lighting, and nice wide shot to use for intro and outro of videos.
https://youtu.be/TlbrPApdIyE
Any other tips on saving money, improving my videos, etc, I'm open to learning. Thank you.
I would really like to have a nice blurry background like here for intros and outros
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Dd_MQf6-dY&list=PLv8BKE_eGqqosNUuj2eDCh4Ynsh6M1HwD&index=2
If you don't have the means at the moment to invest in speedlites and remote triggers, I recommend continuous studio lights in umbrella or softbox form.
Ah, ok! I'm sure some other ladies will chime in, but I'd suggest something like this if you need an affordable option for something that can take decent photos and vids: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HLDFNKQ/
if you can do a little more: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T5A0EVQ/
Down the road you might want to upgrade to a camcorder or DSLR, but I think this is a good way to get started.
You also might consider an affordable light set if you don't have natural light: https://www.amazon.com/Photography-Portrait-Umbrella-Continuous-LimoStudio/dp/B005FHZ2SI/
I use these; http://www.amazon.com/Photography-Portrait-Continuous-LimoStudio-LMS103/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=sr_1_5?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1456935387&sr=1-5&keywords=photography+lighting
They're super-duper.
This is the one i have. It all collapses down to a thin bag which is easily hidden in a closet or under the bed and the bulbs are top notch
Photography Photo Portrait Studio 600W Day Light Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit by LimoStudio, LMS103 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_o1P9ybEH9CPBC
Get yourself a box resizer and a good razor knife. Sometimes a half an ounce or less can make the difference between $5 shipping and $7+, and you will also save packaging material by not having to stuff half of a box with packing paper or bubble wrap.
Box Resizer tool On Amazon $16.99 - Free Shipping
DONT BUY BUBBLE WRAP LOCALLY AT THE STORE. GET IT ON AMAZON.
I almost never pay more than $27 for 700ft of bubblewrap. I used to spend more than that on 250ft when I was buying it at Lowe's or Staples.
Bubblewrap on Amazon for $25.88 with free shipping
Keep an eye out for something like this at thrift stores, you can find them ALL THE TIME, usually for around $5 - $7, and they are GREAT for mounting your rolls of bubble wrap on to save space and make dispensing it easy.
Clothes rack with bar
For taking photos, I use something like this setup. I place the backdrop stand behind a dresser and drape the fabric backdrop over the top of it and tuck it into my top drawer for a seamless background that I can also lean items against since it's tucked in.
Backdrop + Stand Kit $36.90 on Amazon. Free Shipping
Photography Lighting Kit $52.10 On Amazon - Free Shipping
Many Cam is a great one.
Here is a cheap light system...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018KE5XUO/ref=sspa_mw_detail_3?psc=1
Also don’t use a built in webcam. They are crap and customers won’t watch. Most girls stream in HD.
I try to use the back camera of my phone more often than the selfie/front side but it's harder to look good! I bought a lighting set on amazon that really helped me out too.
My insta is @kimandmakeup :D
At that budget, get some manual offname speedlights, and some cheap 28in umbrellas. They are far from the best things out there, but even the junk has its place, and that place is on shoestring budgets. As for backdrop, go to walmart, and pick up some queen or king size bedsheets of the walmart brand. Get one thats close to middle grey if possible. A middle grey sheet with a speed light and a color gel will become whatever color your gel is. I bought the strobist pack of gels, so my one sheet instantly becomes the whole rainbow. The reality is that $150 is a drop in the bucket of a proper studio, but there are plenty of budget ways of doing things. If you want even cheaper lighting, at the trade off of control, go to your local hardware store and pick up some of the $5 work lights that look like more like a bowl from your kitchen than a proper light. Continuous light can still be plenty useful but can be a little trickier to set up, and dealing with spill can be a pain. $2 foam core project boards make great dirt cheap reflectors and flags. You best bet at that budget is to think more DIY than "what can I buy". Try things and experiment. I have spent almost as much money at HomeDepot making my own lighting modifiers as I have on buying actual modifiers, and the results aren't really much different between my homebrew and the actual gear.
edit: Here's some links!
AmazonBasics speedlight $28 (x2, ~$60)
flash triggers, $15
two shoot-through, two silver reflectives, two gold reflectives, w/stands and carry bag $57
so that puts us at ~$135 right there
grey bedsheet $15
cheap gel kit $8
So add in tax and shipping, and there's your $150 budget plus a few bucks extra.
Now like I said you can do continuous light a little cheaper.
Here are some lights, modifiers, stands, and backdrops for $97
The key here is this is all "junk". That doesnt mean dont use it. I have a bunch of stuff from kits like these. But dont be surprised if an umbreallas silver lining separates off, or a softbox develops a tear in it. They just arnt made to the same standards as "pro" gear, but you can get just as good results with it if you take your time to learn what you are doing, and accept the downfalls of what you are buying and work around them. Work in your budget and develop your skills more. You will either pursue it further and buy better stuff later, or like me, still have the cheap off name junk because it works fine and you would rather spend money on glass than umbrellas.
Did some research, here's I think my bargain basement lighting kit, and good reviews too.
There, you're good to go for wireless flash for ~$100, manual flash power, works with any camera that has a flash shoe.
If you can only spend $50, then just get the flash separately for $30 and the batteries. Then you can get the radio triggers, light stand, and umbrellas later when you have the money to spare.
Also, eventually, you may want to get a larger umbrella - I use an Impact 60" convertible umbrella. Big, beautiful, soft light. I have two of these; they have 4.5 stars on amazon, great umbrella. They are a little unwieldy though; 60" is a big umbrella to deal with.
The following is for a two light setup
this
Just add flashes. there are some good cheep flashes out there do your research and read reviews.
I went with these but they are a pricey. but they do what me and my fiancee need and its modular so I can add more flashes to the system.
in additon we also got a set of these as we determined some times we need to limit the back blast of light you get from a shoot threw umbrella
Go to Strobist and read his guides. so much good info
Unanswered question from the previous megathread
Author /u/71ffy - (Permalink)
Is the LumoPro Strobist starter kit still the one to buy? I tried researching and buying my own stuff, and I had a lot of problems with the equipment. My flash would not always go off in wireless mode, and my umbrella swivel would not hold up my altura flash. I even bought another swivel, and it was too small.
link: https://www.amazon.com/Strobist%C2%AE-Compact-Jump-Starter-Flash/dp/B074ZSDZFC/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1511478550&sr=8-10&keywords=lumopro
Is the LumoPro Strobist starter kit still the one to buy? I tried researching and buying my own stuff, and I had a lot of problems with the equipment. My flash would not always go off in wireless mode, and my umbrella swivel would not hold up my altura flash. I even bought another swivel, and it was too small.
link: https://www.amazon.com/Strobist%C2%AE-Compact-Jump-Starter-Flash/dp/B074ZSDZFC/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1511478550&sr=8-10&keywords=lumopro
I just purchased 5 triggers, 2 stands, 2 umbrella mounts, and 2 Brollyboxes they look like the softlighter mentioned below. I spent about 145 total. I played with it earlier today these are straight out of the camera, if that isn't obvious hahaha.
Hey this is all "Free super saver shipping" because shipping sucks.
If you have not done lighting before, you should really practice first, and you should simply buy before renting. If you don't know how to use basic cheap equipment, you'll have even more problems trying to use higher end equipment.
I would buy instead of rent, it's about the same price and if you learn how to use it properly you'll get the same results. The reason pro equipment costs a lot is not because it makes your photos better, it's because it's more reliable, quick, etc. Lots of pros don't always use pro equipment.
Neewer TT560 - $40
Flash stand with umbrella - $33
43" reflector - $13
Total: 86
Stand the model in front of a white background, put the Flash and umbrella at a 45 degree angle from the subject, hold the reflector on the opposite site to use as a fill. Use photoshop to turn the background pure white.
If you want to go super budget, buy 3 canlights from home depot ($7 each), buy 3 150w equivalent dailight CFL bulbs ($13 each), and a piece of white foamcore board ($1) for a total of about $70 depending on the pricing close to you. Use one can light as a key, use the foamcore board as a fill, use a 2nd can light as a background light, and the third as a backlight for the subject. You will of course need something to clamp the lights on. If you are doing full body shots you can use a white shower curtain as a diffuser for the key canlight.
Here's a lighting tutorial that you can use to get some ideas too. This site has a lot of tutorials you can check out. Ignore the pro equipment, it can almost all be swapped with DIY or cheap equipment.
You can get a kit with a stand, umbrella, and an adapter for your hotshot flash on Amazon for $36. Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002DE3RYM/ref=mp_s_a_4?qid=1320287178&sr=8-4
Honestly, when the "real deal" can be had for probably less than your monthly cable bill, it's not worth the trouble to try improvising.
Snag these two light kits:
This wireless flash kit works with sony (all camera's with a hot shoe actually)
Then buy this light stand and umbrella kit
Grand total of about $160
Also be sure to read Strobist 101
Zack Arias's one light DVD is also extremely good at explaining things.
Flash photography has a bit of learning curve but well worth it if you are into portraiture.
Are these overhead/ceiling-mounted lights? I agree with /u/JwellsGames, alternative lighting would probably be far superior. The lights you are currently stuck with are throwing out some pretty brutal light, and I can't think of a way you'd be able to cut that part that highlights your nose if they are ceiling mounted.
Perhaps, if you have room, you could use two studio-type umbrella stands (one to the left, one to the right). The umbrellas act as light diffusers, and you can use them fairly close. I prefer umbrella stands over more direct lightning just for the comfort level of having to put up with specialized lighting for hours on end while we stream. lol
Something like this: (Fancierstudio DK2 Umbrella Lighting Kit - Amazon) I'd recommend replacing the bulbs with some daylight-tone LED bulbs.
As for your angle, I think it looks fine. It's close but not too much so. The only suggestion I might offer is to raise the angle of your webcam just slightly, so you get maybe an extra two or three inches of your noggin in the shot.
I work Streamate and have been a full time cam girl/escort for 4 years. Equipment matters! The better your stream, the better your traffic, visibility, and money.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TSCARK/ref=psdc_14014911_t1_B005FHZ2SI
Go for These umbrella softbox over the one you linked. Cheaper (2 for $35ish) - the umbrella softboxes you linked are very limited in adjustment. You can tilt up and down like 10 degrees since the stand is inside the umbrella, with these, the stand, bracket are outside, with the light inside, you can still tilt (See it set up here - It can tilt from horizontal to 90 degrees pointing straight down). Some may call them cheap, but I've been using my four for coming on 7 years now... just fine and still work like champs.
Especially for speedlites, cheaper stands are fine under many situations with some sort of sandbag.
Just get something like this and plug in whatever bulbs you want. Strobes don't really work for video.
Simple headshots?
I started with THIS
Changed the bulbs to my liking and voila.
Nice job! I thought it was a real good list and I've gotta agree with most of it, especially maximum overdrive. A few suggestions I'd make would be to try a different background, maybe have some horror related things around you like posters, figures, whatever. I'd also say try messing around with the lighting a bit for the face cam parts. It was shadowy too yellow. If you don't have anything specific you use I'd suggest this set.
https://www.amazon.com/Photography-Portrait-Continuous-LimoStudio-LMS103/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469661904&sr=8-1&keywords=limostudio+lighting+kit
It's cheap and it works really well. You are very charismatic and the content of the video itself is really good. I liked the overall length of the video too, not overly long and just enough to describe each film and get the idea of why it made the list. Keep up the good work!
Weekends are my busiest streaming days since I normally run from 12pm-1am but I'll try to throw a guide together this weekend and post it on the sub.
But for you:
LimoStudio Green Screen Stand - $35
LimoStudio Green Screen - $18
LimoStudio Studio Light Umbrella Kit - $52
Alternatively, you could get the softboxes instead:
LimoStudios Light Softbox Kit - $77
What's interesting is Limo no longer sells the green screen and stand together without the lighting kit but I don't think that's a deal killer.
Alternatively, if you want the full setup in one go, with two umbrellas, two softboxes, four light stands, a green screen and stand, and a black and a blue backdrop. The only thing substantially different from this kit is that it leaves out the third, small light stand from the umbrella kit that is typically used to project light on the subject's back to create a "highlight" on the outline of the subject to help the chromakey separate from the subject and the green screen but I don't use this and don't have any issues.
LimoStudios Full Light and Backdrop Kit - $143
Also, quick question, when I make this guide do you think it would be helpful to provide light setup and position guides as well as chromakey guides?
I have this cheap light kit from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Photography-Portrait-Umbrella-Continuous-LimoStudio/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1517634363&sr=8-3&keywords=light+kit
I use it for taking documentation pictures of art. It's pretty good, the bulbs that come with it aren't particularly bright, so I bought some of the same brand's larger bulbs. They're daylight balanced.
Depends on what kind of photography you'll be doing of course, if you plan to be hand holding, shooting people etc, you'll probably still want to use flashes (maybe as supplements to the light kit) or brighter lights.
You're welcome! Here is the link
This link is especially cool because you can choose to buy the whole set at once or just parts. So if anything ever breaks or you want more of one thing, you can always take care of it!
Yeah, the amazon kits, for the most part, are just junk, and the stuff you do really want is bad quality. It's substantially better to get stuff as you get more experience.
For a camera, I definitely think that you are good with a t6i or t7i. I agree with the other poster to make sure that you get an "i" because they have the swivel screen that makes life so much easier. After a quick check, you could get this referbed t6i for about $500 which is not bad. Don't worry about it coming with a kit lens, sometimes those lenses can be useful, and for the most part, since it is an "amateur" camera, they are hard to find body only. So you should be good there.
I'm not entirely sure what the "tutorial" mode is, but really do read up on the exposure triangle. It's not super difficult (there are TONS of great graphics that help explain it), and it will make your photos/videos SO much better because you will be in control, and more aware of the capabilities and limitations of your camera than if you shoot in a mode that's not manual.
Also a few quick notes about filming with DSLRs that you aren't going to see if you just look at photography sources. One, try your darnest to always shoot ISO 100 when filming. Bumping the ISO in pictures is fine because the grain is either not recognizable or is easy to remove in photos, but it is SUPER noticeable and hard to remove in video. This is because the grain changes every frame, effectively animating it. The other thing is that if you shoot higher than 60 fps, you might end up wanting to add motion blur or something because the video might look a little odd. On the contrary, for photos you'll probably want to shoot more like 200 so that handshake doesn't introduce motion blur.
The other thing that is SUPER IMPORTANT for video and just like "nice to have" for photos is a good memory card that has a high write speed. This is the one that I personally use. If the memory card doesn't have a high write speed, then your camera will just stop recording because the write speed of the memory card can't keep up with the data coming from the camera.
Also, side note, there are tons of articles that will say that canons can't shoot more than 12 minutes of video at a time because it exceeds the 4gb file size (which it can't go past due to stupid copyright laws. I don't get it either). This isn't entirely true. All the canons that I have dealt with (everything from a t3i to 70D) record fine past the 12 minute mark, just when they get done recording it will split it into 4gb files. Only one canon have I ever seen ALWAYS shut done at the 12 minute mark no matter what, so I suspect it was just broken. However, even with my own trusted camera that I have never had problems recording more than 12 minutes has recently stopped at about 30mins (my guess had to do write speeds), so just always be aware.
As far as lighting kits go, this one is pretty good for a beginer. Most people do a basic 3 point lighting which is probably fine enough for what you want to do. So with that in mind, and since you want to do green screen, you might want to get 2 of those kits. The key to doing green screen is to have a really well- and evenly- lit screen. TBH you really don't need to get a green screen kit unless you just want to. All it really is, is just a large piece of fabric anchored in such a way so that there are no wrinkles. Of course, the kits are nicer, but you may want to see if you can DIY that part.
As for a tripod, this one is probably fine for what you want to do. Just keep in mind that if you continue to do more in video/photography you will probably need to get a better one later on. I personally have one like this that I use like as a back-up, so they aren't a complete waste of money.
Hopefully this helps! If you have any more questions feel free to ask!
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced lighting setup, here is what I use:
Photography Photo Portrait Studio 600W Day Light Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit by LimoStudio, LMS103 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XMmVBb2BH6EX3
I like the flexibility with having more than one light and the umbrellas really soften the light, giving a much higher quality of light. And if you ever desire to use a green screen, these can throw a lot of light on that to smooth out any shadows. It’s a solid setup for the price.
If you can do natural light, it is always best!
I got a set from amazon awhile back that I use ...
http://www.amazon.com/LimoStudio-Photography-Portrait-Umbrella-Continuous-Lighting/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1413006810&sr=8-5&keywords=photography+studio
It's pretty nice having more then one light.
It depends also on the videos u r making.
What's ur youtube name?
MIne is Shopaholic Not So Anonymous
Thank you! This photo was taken in natural light, but I also have these umbrella lamps , which honestly changed my world since I don’t have to stress about daylight anymore. For food, you generally want to light from one side to best highlight texture and to keep things from going flat. I position one lamp to the side of my food, and the second lamp on the same side but angled slightly behind the food. Then I position a reflector opposite the lamps to help brighten shadows. You’ll need to play a bit to see what works best for different foods and set-ups (I find white-on-white desserts the most challenging), but that’s the gist of it.
I’m a former art director so also adore post-processing. My favorite program is a Photoshop plugin called Topaz Labs. If you use their filters with a very light touch, they can really bring a ton of life back into photos.
I sell clothing on eBay and I am wondering if this idea of mine is possible. I have this lighting kit. I want to be able to use it like an external flash trigger. So, the lights only turn on when I actually take a picture.
Is this possible? Is there some kind of thing I can attach to the outlet to only turn the lights on when I press a button or something? Thanks for any help.
I got this, it seems like a good amount of light for the money. My backdrop, I just got piece of sign from home depot that was pretty white, and a bit rigid, but still flexible, taped it to a table, and up the wall. I was pretty impressed with the light, its probably not amazing, but the price was right.
I use lighting like this for my streams and I love it. It’s more bulky than a ring light for sure and I place them feet from my desk so it may not be viable but I deal with a lot of light sensitivity/photophobia so I’m unable to use a ring light. This may not be an option for you but if you have issues with light it’s perfect for being well lit without the pain.
Goal: Build indoor product photography lighting setup for <$200
Hey pros, I need your help badly.
Recently I have purchased a Nikon D5200, a mannequin, and really started to really step up my product selling game. As I have no large scale lighting or backdrop setup i'm forced to do this outside (See: Example 1 and Example 2 ).
Now these photos are great and all but I can't shoot them whenever I want or at any time that's convenient really. So i'm hoping to build an indoor setup.
Pieces I need:
I'm just all around overwhelmed, hopefully a pro can point me in the right direction.
Good morning!
I'm leaning toward a career in creative with an emphasis on food, beverage and dining. I'm a beginning photographer, and have a Canon T2i with standard 18-55mm lens. This lighting kit and Adobe CC.
I was in a bar one day and saw a professional taking pictures of some craft cocktails. He had his DSLR hooked to a laptop, and after every shot he took, the image would populate on the screen of his computer. For whatever reason, I didn't ask him any questions. Any idea what he was doing? and, if so, is that something I need to look in to?
The 3 factors I've noticed that make the biggest marginal improvement in a video are:
I love talking about this stuff, so if you have any more questions, let me know!
I haven't tried regular vanity lighting but this set from amazon is awesome for videos and makeup application. They are pretty cheap in comparison to other similar lighting. My friend has them and I recommended to a other redditor who loves them too! Hope this helps!
I am a hobbyist photographer. I was in this situation as well, I first ordered the cheapest shoot through umbrella and stand I could find (Neewer- $20). It was a total POS, the mount was cheap plastic and I returned it. I paid slightly more for a LimoStudio light kit+ 2 flash umbrella holders and am much happier with this purchase. The stands are light weight but fine for indoors and outdoors any stand should be weighted down. I bought this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHZ2SI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
and 2 of these to adapt off camera flash
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DAW8688/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
This is great for being on a budget, can plug in to your laptop or get a cube to plug into the wall outlet, and it clips where you want: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074C7KRW5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Edited to add: the one above also lets you adjust the light to yellow/blue/mixed light and has multiple, easy to switch to settings. (Can you tell I love it? lol)
This was My first light set and IMO totally worth it if it is/becomes in your budget. I've had it for several years without issues.:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHZ2SI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHZ2SI/ref=s9_simh_gw_p421_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;pf_rd_s=center-2&amp;pf_rd_r=0RHZ1WW1HSSQFFPS6VVJ&amp;pf_rd_t=101&amp;pf_rd_p=1688200382&amp;pf_rd_i=507846
These are really cheap, you can find much higher end studio/photography/portrait lights. They can work to provide spot lighting. You still need good overhead lights and the higher the bulb wattage in the umbrella lights the better, same for the overhead really. Big shop lights can work as well, i.e. halogen, but they get hot, not ideal unless you're in a cooler climate.
Are you using Lightroom? Also, I'm not sure how much money is low budget but you might want to consider some lights like these. If any of that is too expensive, then you might have to create something. For instance, look around for pallet boards. Stores sometimes throw them away. Tear off those planks and nail them together to create a large-ish "wall" that you can take outside for natural lighting. Then you can use props accordingly. Does that make sense?
Hi! I know nothing about photography, but my sister is learning and playing around with it, and I wanted to get her some film & accessories for Christmas. She has a Minolta x700 that used to be my mother's. Any pointers on good things to get that would go with that? Thanks!
Edit: Decided to get her an entry-level umbrella lighting kit. Figured she'll get a lot of mileage out of playing with lighting.
This plus a white wall in my house. Adjust the levels in photoshop.
I'm looking to buy some lights for photography. I do film work so I feel more at home with continuous lighting.
I was thinking between softboxes or shoot through umbrellas like these
https://www.amazon.ca/Neewer-Photography-Portrait-Umbrella-Lighting/dp/B00VWD2VUG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1492787413&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=umbrella+photo
I found some on ebay as well, as Neewer but each stand had space for two bulbs on each mount. That seems like the better option but I'd like to confirm
Does this seem like the right choice? Quick set up seems better than hassling with cheap softboxes, just wanted to know what you guys recommend.
I don't care what anyone says, lighting is important. It's second only to sound as the two biggest and easiest to fix flaws that damn near every streamer has issues with.
The good news is that you don't need to go overboard with professional lights. You can get the Neewer lighting kits for under $50 and, if you watch for sales, you can get it as cheap as $35. It comes with three lights and two umbrella diffusers meant for three point lighting set-ups.
But you don't even need to go that far really. If you're streaming from a couch, you'll do better with a kit. But if you're streaming from your desk, you can get away with using a couple of cheap desk lamps with CFL bulbs in them, one acting as a key and the other acting as a back. You can use the monitor light as your fill. You can probably find lamps like that cheaper from Walmart or the Dollar Store, honestly, but the link is more to give you an idea.
Whatever you do, do not just use your room's overhead light. It can create issues with backlighting and some really harsh shadows across your face. Also, make sure to put shades or curtains over all your windows in order to block out sunlight. The light through a window can change a lot in as little as an hour just as the sun moves, let along changing weather conditions. It can cause you headaches trying to light yourself if you've got that sort of inconsistent light screwing things up every time you set up.
A lot of Youtubers have simple lighting kits that work really well and increase the quality of the video drastically. Something like this would work well for just starting out and it's super affordable.
http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Umbrella-Continuous-Lighting-Photography/dp/B013JV3J1I/ref=sr_1_2?s=photo&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1463778143&amp;sr=1-2-spons&amp;keywords=lighting+kit&amp;psc=1
Not OP, but I bought these and they work perfectly for my setup. They're quality for the price they're at.
This is the set I bought. Works great.
https://www.amazon.com/Photography-Portrait-Umbrella-Continuous-Lighting/dp/B018KE5XUO
If you are looking for a full setup with lights and backgrounds this looks like a pretty good option, but it is close to your max budget. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSMRZEO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_uX-6AbFA0SSHR
If you have Amazon prime and don't mind spending $20 more to get it a little faster...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073JF96QP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mX-6AbR2EKDZE
If you are just looking for lights you can go with either this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXA1J0H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8Z-6Ab8798CGM
Or this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018KE5XUO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_F1-6AbEZSMH3Z
All of these kits use pretty similar gear. The main thing you want to look at is the bulbs.
I use a Galaxy S8+ for my photos and I have a Samsung Dex Dock to make it my computer in my work space too. I do my photos, editing, listing and shipping all from the same device. I have a photo set up similar to the first and second one. I'm also in a basement so natural light isn't an option.
Here is a sample photo I took with those lights and my phone. I do use pro mode most of the time. https://imgur.com/gallery/DZMLEcL
Shit, I can't actually watch this with audio. I haven't seen season 3 yet. I've been waiting for a time when I feel like shit and have a few days off to binge the series, but no luck so far. I'll watch but it won't have anything related to audio in my critique. Sorry, mate!
So let's just start with the visuals at the very beginning of the episode: the lighting source in your room is, if I'm you, on my right hand side above my head, probably about 3-4 feet away from me. You can tell because of how the light hits you on camera. Your hair is lit up on the crown and it's spilling down the right side of your face down to your shoulders, but we don't have a good light source on the left side to balance it out. As a result, we're seeing a dimly lit shot. The background is out of focus/washed out color-wise. I can't make out the time on the clock in the background. At least I think that's a clock, it could be some decorative thing with a tassel, idk.
Since I'm critiquing solely visuals with your video, I really have to drive home the importance of lighting and what it can do for you. This is a great piece from Khanacademy about the art of lighting in Pixar films. Don't let the title fool you, there's a lot that will transfer over to live action shots as well.
https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/pixar/art-of-lighting/introduction-to-virtual-lighting/v/art-of-lighting-overview
Listen to her talk about the differences between soft lighting and hard lighting, how it evokes a certain mood or changes the diffusion patterns. The same advise can be given to live action shots as well. The better the lighting, the higher definition an image. You can't fix an image with bad lighting, even if you have the highest quality camera in the world; it's only as good as the environment you're using it in. If you have dull, washed out lighting and a single light source, your live action shot will suffer from the same issues.
I linked this product a lot today, but if you're going with a live action shot, you'll need some decent lights (I promise I'm not affiliated! I just ordered them a month ago and the setup has been killer easy):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018KE5XUO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
For $50.00 I've not found a better set. I have a big room with a single light source in the very center. I film on the left hand side in a corner in front of my blue-screen. In order to achieve a well lit light source, I have two lights setup parallel to one another at a 45 degree angle with the lights hitting aluminum coated umbrellas that serve to refract the light and illuminate my shot. If I want to go for a softer, more even tone, I break out the white umbrellas which will give me a less direct diffusion pattern.
My front facing light is a Tao Electronics desk lamp with an adjustable base that can angle however I want, it also can emit a white light in the same vein as my diffusion lights, though if I turn it up high enough I get splotchy.
If this description doesn't help give you an idea I'm sitting at my desk right now and can film a small segment giving you kind of a tutorial on how lighting works and how it can be used to give your shot a cleaner look. However, you have an expert from Pixar talking about lighting on a site that's completely free to use. I suggest you make good use of her!
A single, static shot for 12:44 seconds, that's a long, long time to look at a single frame. Somewhere around the 7:55 second mark the definition of your background came into focus. I don't know if these are two different shots with different settings, but I'd like you to cut the image from 7:55 - 8:05, frame it side by side with your editor and cut your previous shot and put them both together.
During whatever adjustment was made the camera you're using began focusing on the background around that time and defocused the foreground shot (you). The definition change is immediately noticeable and jarring. Again, this could be a product of bad lighting or an automatic setting on your recording camera (i'm guessing webcam at this point) that decides to change the focal point.
The bad part is you never go back into focus for the rest of the video. Overall, I'd have to say if I were to just judge this visually (which I am) it's pretty subpar: if you're new, don't really focus on this so much. Good quality will come with time, consistency and effort. However, if you've found that you're now a few months into creation, then you need to begin studying about film, how to frame a shot and start looking into how to keep engagement with an audience. You could be talking about the most interesting theory in the world, something that would just grab me by the balls and never let go, but because we're working with a visual story here with the video, my eyes will be darting around, I'll get bored and if I'm bored, then I'm going to click away.
If you have any questions about any of these critique points, just let me know and I'll try to explain them more or do my best to point you in a direction for some reading.
Best bang for your buck when it comes to portraits (based on what you currently own) is a lighting setup. 2 yongnuo 560exIV's and a transmitter should be around the 150-200$ mark. Some cheap umbrellas and stands can be found sub 75$ for a kit on amazon. Leaves you enough to either upgrade your body to something with faster AF and ISO for outdoors stuff (Maybe the latest and greatest rebel?) or get an 85mm F/1.8 lens which would be my go-to for portraits.
LINKS
Yongnuo Flash kit (Everything you need)
Complete umbrella setup
The difference in quality of photos by upgrading to an older FF or getting a new lens will be significantly less than by upgrading your lighting. Yongnuo also makes an extremely cheap flash with TTL so you can set it to auto when going around the house chasing moments. Toss a tiny softbox on it and slap it on the top of your camera and you'll be amazed at how nice the pics turn out.
Just to confirm based on what you're saying on other threads too, you say your flash can only go up to 1/128 and you want something that goes up to 1/4000. Do you mean shutter speed sync? Because normally 1/128 means that the flash is only firing with that fraction of power from its 1/1 full power setting, so 1/4000 would be almost nothing.
Also umbrellas are extremely affordable, you can get a 3-umbrella kit with mount and tripod for under $35.
Why not both?
I got these stands, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AMOTAY/ref=oh_o01_s00_i00_details
and these softbox umbrellas,
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BSQK8Q/ref=oh_o03_s00_i00_details
then added these two umbrella holders,
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ENW61I/ref=oh_o02_s00_i02_details
And that was all right around $120
Ah, that clears everything up :)
I found this stuff on amazon, could this be viable in combination with the YN-560 and the Metz?
http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Single-Bracket-Mounting-Umbrella/dp/B002DDZ7OG/ref=pd_sim_e_3?ie=UTF8&amp;refRID=19Y48XB3CYFXFXN8ZVKE
EDIT: and another- possibly dumb- question... If I have 2 'remote' flashes but only one hotshoe on my camera, do I need 2 pairs of transmitters/receivers so I have 1 transmitter on the camera and 2 receivers?
I kind of like the idea of a strobe set off craigslist, or the alien B400/800 as /u/CakesArePies mentioned, but considering the flexibility of a flash (personal perspective) over a strobe for mobility, I would prefer to purchase an extra flash & umbrella kit. I can use them for in house group/portraits too.
I'm pretty comfortable with the flash on body (with demb), and have used that a lot for indoor events. Regarding batteries, I already have 3 sets of Eneloop XXX (Black 2500mAh), and the La Crosse Charger - BC1000, for a speedy recharge.
I'm thinking of investing in a starter umbrella kit, and leaning towards the following (in order of preference);
Along with the Canon 90EX as master flash trigger. I do plan to upgrade to a 6D, or higher soon, so rather than a 600-RT, I think a 90EX might be better choice.
I have a really basic light stand that I can use for indoors fine:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002DDZ7OG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
I tried to use it outdoors this wekeend, but it stood no chance in the wind, and was impossible to keep up.
What do you guys recommend for an outdoor light & umbrella stand?
Do you have any examples of a "great portable light"?. Are you talking about a full time light? a strobe? a Flash?
At this point, not really being a portrait photographer, I'm leaning towards spending a little less for gear as long as its reliable. I don't need anything that's fancy. For a flash, I think I'm mostly looking for something that can give me manual control and Master/Slave options for later... Not sure what else I "need". (Do I need TTL? will I want it in the future? Manual mode is great when you can setup shots, but will I want TTL for outdoor fills?)
Reality is, I simply can't spend $150 on a light alone at this point.
What would be the big downsides to say something like a Yongnuo YN-560 II? for $70. How does it compare to say a LumoPro LP160 which is twice the price. Both of which do not have TTL (correct?).
Then adding a simple Stand/Umbrella setup for ~30-40/ea. I know the quality here will be less than "par", but as long as the locks hold tight and I can weigh it down with a bag, I should be good... (not being heavy enough is a concern though, as I plan on using it outdoors... but then again, I'd be caring them around so I don't want things to heavy). Looking at these... CowboyStudio Single Setup, ePhoto (two stand setup), Thoughts?
As for a wireless flash system to invest in, This I could see putting some money into as It would be expanded upon later down the road. But I don't expect to be getting some ridiculous system either. Some of the cheaper wireless flash triggers didn't lock onto the stand, which means the flash isn't secure either... That steered me away from those, so I'm still looking. I was looking at Yongnuo RF-603 until I noticed that.
My debate at the moment is, do I need TTL, or simply Manual control? I played with a friends Canon 550EX (II I think) last night, and ended up sticking to manual mode the entire time... Granted, that was in a controlled situation and I was able to play around with the flash settings. I could see where the TTL would be great for getting the right fill in an outdoor shot.
Ahhhh!!..... (haha)
Yes I have a remote trigger for the flash.
How does this setup look? + a reflector? Can you find me a decent one on Amazon? Is it worth it at all to get one of the 5 packs they seem to have all over?
I have the small flash bender and I've tried that soft box. Both are too small, in my opinion to produce soft light unless they are very close to the subject (one of the rules of light is the larger the light source, relative to the subject, the softer the light). You'd be better off investing in this kit.
The Speedliter's Handbook, by Syl Arena, is a great resource, although it is directed more toward Canon flashes, the principles apply to any flash by any manufacturer.
EDIT: Corrected autocorrect.
How familiar are you with SLRs in general? If you already know what your doing go for it. If not, your better off getting one of the Sony or Canon camcorders.
But since I know your budget I'd reccomend this mic running into this recorder. You can hear and audio sample here.
This is a nice simple/cheap lighting kit.
That will leave around $650 for a camera.
You can change up the lights a bit if you need more money for a camera. You can get this and this to diffuse the third light since the kit only comes with 2 umbrellas.
For me, cheap as in $50 USD lol. I'm thinking about this https://www.amazon.com/Fancierstudio-Umbrella-Lighting-Professional-Photography/dp/B003Y31FHC/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1497559675&amp;sr=1-3&amp;keywords=professional+lighting+for+video
Not sure how I would use the small one, though.
Depends on what you deem as inexpensive. I went with this for $50 recently:
http://www.amazon.com/Fancierstudio-Light-Lighting-Fluorescent-Umbrella/dp/B003Y31FHC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1426098256&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=Fancierstudio+Light+Kit
I have seen a huge improvement since I had terrible lighting in the room I was in... it also fixed all my green screen issues I was having. I don't think I will need to upgrade from this kit down the line which is also a perk (I still have tweaks I want to do).
However starting out a cheap lamp or two is probably the best bet actually.
This is what I have http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Y31FHC/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1 They have a really strong light but its also soft, I've never used more then one at a time because it really brightens the room. One thing I have noticed though is that it gives a slight blue tint the videos I make with it. No idea why. But yeah, for only a tad over $50 pretty good!
yea I have that similar setup now but there is no way I can fit the light umbrellas. I bought this back in 2014 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Y31FHC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Thinking about a led light panel but so expensive!
I've used these fairly cheap umbrella lights from amazon, they are a little bit flimsy, but are a great deal for the price, and put out a good amount of bright light. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TSCARK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WcGQybTKT1YVG
These are the umbrella lights that I have:
https://www.amazon.com/Fancierstudio-DK2-Umbrella-Professional-Photography/dp/B004TSCARK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1478013351&amp;sr=8-6&amp;keywords=umbrella+lights
This is what I mean about using foam boards:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/27/33/61/2733611f93695a589884bc848c200a21.jpg
I'm not sure if I'll be able to create the same effect with umbrella lights.
amazon sells a cheaper version here
they're pretty neat
i got 2 sets of lights.
Personally I just went for it and got
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kfVByb3M3GG3G
Worth it. Brought them with me in Christmas to get good lighting for photos. Great success!(;
Came with carrying case and everything!
Thanks! I've been eyeing something cheap like this (comes with stand):
https://www.amazon.com/Photography-Portrait-Continuous-LimoStudio-LMS103/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=sr_1_2?s=photo&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1474599365&amp;sr=1-2&amp;keywords=light+set
Have you used the neewer one? Seems like it would be a great key light. I've heard the cheaper ones can sometimes have flicker problems, but the reviews are kind of amazing for it only being $33. Might have to pick it up. What's your lighting like?
https://www.amazon.com/Photography-Portrait-Umbrella-Continuous-LimoStudio/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=lighting+setup&amp;qid=1565406980&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-3
Hello!
I'm trying to build a small studio on a budget, since I don't really know that much about lighting and equipment, I'm shopping by best sellers/most reviews on Amazon, I will be doing portraits photos.
https://www.amazon.com/Photography-Portrait-Continuous-LimoStudio-LMS103/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1511300862&amp;sr=1-3&amp;keywords=lighting+kit
And what about this for the stand?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E6GRHBO/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&amp;pf_rd_p=3341940462&amp;pd_rd_wg=jm5yS&amp;pf_rd_r=XZG63ZDMVDGWZAPMBNH4&amp;pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-bottom-slot&amp;pf_rd_t=301&amp;pd_rd_i=B00E6GRHBO&amp;pd_rd_w=JmGsI&amp;pf_rd_i=lighting+kit&amp;pd_rd_r=abee786f-075f-4975-acf1-144b8e613585&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1511300901&amp;sr=1
Thanks a lot!
http://www.amazon.com/Photography-Portrait-Continuous-LimoStudio-LMS103/dp/B005FHZ2SI
This is the light kit I have. It works really well for starting out and its like 51 bucks.
I started with a similar cheap kit to this: http://www.amazon.com/Photography-Portrait-Continuous-LimoStudio-LMS103/dp/B005FHZ2SI?ie=UTF8&amp;keywords=light%20kit&amp;qid=1462400627&amp;ref_=sr_1_3&amp;sr=8-3
I still use it to this day from time to time although with softboxes. Anything from cowboystudio (or similar names that en with studio, limostudio, fancystudio) will do fine for starting. They are cheap made but I grew my kit from there. Changed the bulbs for more powerful ones. Put a 1 bulb to 4 bulb adapter. Bought a couple led panels, better stands etc.
Buy one or two 5 in 1 reflectors with c stands and clips.
If you want a better kit (your budget seems to allow it) I would get individual lights and build a kit. I'm a big fan of led. I always shoot raw so as long as my lights have the same color temps I'm usually fine.
Hope that helps.
Your lighting setup matters a lot more than the camera for product shots and it’s pretty important for video too.
Look into a canon m50 or Sony a6300 as good starting points.
From there, because you’re doing video I guess just get continuous lights. For my wife we just use one light that holds four regular light bulbs (we use daylight balance led bulbs) and has a thing to hold an umbrella. Similar to this. A three light setup like that would be good for video but you probably want a bit more than a single bulb per light (you can always unscrew a bulb or two if it’s too much.
For product photography. I just don’t know how to properly light that stuff.
Thank you, this is very helpful.
Here is what I bought. I'm not using flashes as it's continuous lighting.
Photography Light stands are your best friend. Anything that has a camera mount (threaded screw that goes into the bottom of a camera) will work with the rift sensors.
I bought this kit for my wife's dress photography sessions but she stopped using them. The stands are PERFECT for either a full 3 sensor room setup OR just the rear sensor.
It seems that your comment contains 1 or more links that are hard to tap for mobile users.
I will extend those so they're easier for our sausage fingers to click!
Here is link number 1 - Previous text "kit"
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^Please ^PM ^/u/eganwall ^with ^issues ^or ^feedback! ^| ^Delete
Why don't you get the photolights?
I know they're a bit pricier, but they will last longer and, in the end, might end up costing the same amount.
Top seller on amazon
I would really like to know, as these are almost tempting to for me to buy.
Thanks for your response! Yeah, this is the kit: http://www.amazon.com/Photography-Portrait-Continuous-LimoStudio-LMS103/dp/B005FHZ2SI?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;redirect=true&amp;ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00.
Sure! This is what I bought:
Photography Photo Portrait... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FHZ2SI?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Do you mean these? https://www.amazon.com/Photography-Portrait-Continuous-LimoStudio-LMS103/dp/B005FHZ2SI
Those are what I have in my wishlist but I won't really have room for them. Also, I don't know if I can use LED strips since I'm renting. Don't they require being drilled into the wall?
I'm getting pretty frustrated the quality of my photos, especially with brighter, neon, or pastel clothes. I'm currently using these + a white sheet flat lay + iPhone 8 camera. I try to take photos in the lightest part of my house, but it's gray as hell where I am during this time of year. Any suggestions on improving my setup or technique? TIA.
I would suggest that you try it yourself if you have a DSLR (maybe even try it with your smartphone camera if you don't have a DSLR). It takes time, but it can save a lot of money. Unless you go to somewhere like Fiverr, even the cheapest photographers you will find IRL will charge hundreds. Seriously professional ones like to charge thousands. Here's an outline if you're interested:
If you're not interesting in going DIY for this because you don't have a camera or the time, DM me; I've been doing product photography for about 4 years and Photoshop for 8. I have a Fiverr listing you may be interested in, but I won't link to here since I know the subreddit rules. If you're not interested, no worries.
Product Photography is a huge category on Fiverr, I suggest you look around. If it's not an extremely valuable one-of-a-kind item for Etsy or something, then it makes sense to bet about $10 + the price of your item, instead of immediately going to a full-fledged product photographer and spending hundreds.
Trying to set up to take photographs of my watercolor paintings to produce digital copies that I can make prints from. I am open to buying stuff if I need to, but if possible would like to use what I already have. My main concerns are accurate colors, even lighting and of course a sharp image without distortion. Will be editing in Adobe Photoshop. I am by no means a good photographer, but I am a bit familiar with manual settings. Both my brother and dad were into photography at some point, so I have access to some gear.
I have:
Nikon D7100
50mm f/1.8 and a 50mm f/1.4 G
35mm f/1.8 G
85mm f/3.5 G ED macro
4 tripods
3500K light bulbs
A wall to attach paintings to
My current plan is to use the 50mm f/1.4 lens on a tripod about 3ft away from the wall - or at a distance where the painting fills most of the viewfinder. I put two 3500k lights on tripods and will have one on both sides ideally at a 45 degree angle (or less?). Will be shooting raw and at iso 100 - that's about the extent of my plan but I am trying to do more research for the best set up.
My questions are: Would some sort of color balance or grey card help? I am not exactly familiar with how something like this works but I've seen them mentioned in a few places online - it seems expensive but accurate colors is important to me.
Should I get something to diffuse the lights? I am almost just considering getting something like this if that would be sufficient.
Any critique of my plan or other tips on photographing artwork would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
I am looking to get some lighting gear like this. However, I already have some stands and umbrellas - what is the thing I would be looking to buy if I were only looking for the head (that would hold a light bulb)? Also, what kind of light bulbs should I look for?
These are a little cheaper and work exactly the same: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_oZybzbZ9XAP4V Just make sure they're about at a 45° angle to you on either side, a little above your head. And make sure the green screen is back just enough so you're not casting any dark or large shadows on it
I also do the youtubes. I use this cheap and reliable light kit from amazon.
This is the exact kit I got. No adjustable output :/ I'm thinking I could do some product photography and maybe some portraits but I don't have many other ideas
This one looks good in that price range.
Photography Photo Portrait Studio 600W Day Light Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit by LimoStudio, LMS103 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7WkdzbE542YXW
Make sure you get daylight if you are mixing with windows. Some CFLs will be way too warm to mix.
I think for your budget, you'll get more light going with CFLs. It'll be a little warmer, but not searingly hot.
I prefer OBS for software. It's lightweight, easy to use, and gets the job done. XSplit is a bit more feature rich but for most people's uses OBS will work.
As far as your camera, if you want to do a camera setup the most important thing is lighting. Really any HD webcam - I prefer Logitech models - up through an actually professional camera will work. I like using a greenscreen but regardless of if you use one or not you have to have good lighting. Using normal household lighting might work, but I'd suggest getting some cheap studio lights. I picked up this and it works just fine.
It takes a lot of work to get lighting and camera settings just right, so just take your time and work on it. I'm still not 100% happy with my setup, but that's something I'm going to be working on while I'm on a break from streaming.
That lighting backdrop looks good. You'll then need to solve the problem of softening light sources on the sides. You could do the backdrop and use a larger box with paper windows to diffuse light, or pick up some continuous lighting and umbrellas.
http://www.amazon.com/LimoStudio-Photography-Portrait-Umbrella-Continuous-Lighting/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1421634201&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=Continuous+lighting
As far as cameras go, you don't need latest and greatest. Get a model a few years old and a telephoto lens. I would suggest something with live View so you can judge exposure. I would actually say that in your situation, a decent Micro 4/3s camera would be perfect. Even a Sony NEX would be fine. They are both interchangeable lens cameras. They both offer cheap telephotos too. Again, you don't really need a macro lens.
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-NEX-5TL-Compact-Interchangeable-Digital/dp/B00ENZRP38/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1421634410&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=Sony+nex
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-55-210mm-F4-5-6-3-E-Mount-Cameras/dp/B00HNJWSDS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1421634575&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=Sony+NEX+telephoto
Thanks ! This is what I have at the moment.
Photography Photo Portrait Studio 600W Day Light Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit by LimoStudio LMS103 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_uDpCwbFP3M7R2
And I have a seamless bright white paper background. I also have 2 additional smaller lights....same company, same color.
Lighting for sure, I use this and it works alright https://www.amazon.com/Photography-Portrait-Continuous-LimoStudio-LMS103/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1478746071&amp;sr=1-3&amp;keywords=Studio+lighting
Thanks
This lighting kit; I'm mostly doing outdoor/macro photography, but if I expand to portraits I could actually be making some money out of all this.
> would this be a good place to start? (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005FHZ2SI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?
Not really. Overall output is pretty low so it won't help much, and it doesn't look like you can control the amount of output either, which is really important.
Unfortunately the cheapest good option costs somewhat more.
> Also for video work would these lights be a good set up? (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050K3DW2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&amp;colid=12ABU74GX8YT&amp;coliid=IXN17S7HHO3QY)
Don't know much about video. Looks like those have higher output which is good, but still no output control. And why not use the same set for both video and stills?
I agree about the background, but it was my only option since my house is so dark! It's funny because just this morning I ordered this kit:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHZ2SI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
I'm pretty excited about it. I feel like I can't get much detail from my pics, and figured getting a solid background would improve things tons, as well as less distracting. Plus i can't for the life of me get a good pic of a solid black or white garment outside.
I use my galaxy s4. I know other sellers use their cell phones as well, and I personally don't intend to change that. I don't feel like getting a nice expensive camera isn't in the cards for me at the moment. Plus it's super convenient for me to use my phone.
I've been using this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHZ2SI/ and it's been great so far. I'm not a skilled photographer, but this lighting really did make a difference.
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I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHZ2SI
I used to use a remote but I had to hide it in the pics so now I use voice commands or Android phones have a feature to take a pic when you place your hand in front of you, thats quite helpful.
It depends. you can get away with it with regular house lamps, or get a lighting kit
here is one i bough, but takes a bit of room . If going with regular house lamps, make sure it casts light evenly and does that you dont cast a shadow on the screen.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHZ2SI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1 They sometimes go on sale , and i was lucky to get mine for 35 dollars. Very good lighting!
Hi /u/alocc247 - here are a few suggestions at various price points [Referral Links]:
Hope this is helpful!
Bill
would you guys recommend this?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHZ2SI?psc=1&amp;redirect=true&amp;ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00
Here is the mobile version of your link
Buy a green screen like this one about $60 and a cheap webcam for $50 and for lighting $60
Will this light kit be adequate for small product photography for creating that seamless white background effect? Specifically fishing lures for a web store. I would get one of those soft box kits but I would like to use these lights for other things. Like setting up a green screen studio for my young nieces and nephews. Thanks
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHZ2SI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;smid=APGNKGIBL58YH
Thank you for your insight. It's given me something to think about. I think I'm going with the Panasonic now. Here's the list I've gathered:
Panasonic G7
White balance card
[This](
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHZ2SI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B005FHZ2SI&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=battleforthew-20) lighting set.
Amazon basics tripod
Whatever the shotgun mic will be
No extra lenses for now
Some bag
u/valltekk Just to chime in with my limited experience but hours upon hours of researching tripods, I agree, don't go too cheap. I was going to get an Amazon Basics tripod, they had it listed as a bestseller with like 4k reviews...until I read the 1 star reviews. Tons of people complaining about an arm or other failure causing the tripod to collapse and smash their gear.
I ended up getting a Manftotto 290 light, it's aluminum and can only hold 8 lbs of gear but it's also half the price.
I also bought some portrait lights that were super cheap, like $50 for three stands and two umbrellas. They're not bad for the price but I recently got a speedlite and a mount for that and they are too flimsy to hold it and the softbox. Keep in mind though, the speedlite and softbox are a lot heavier than the lights and fixtures it comes with.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHZ2SI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
For a starter set, I went with yongnuo speed lights and cheap stands and umbrellas from Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015ZALVI4/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1453912336&amp;amp;sr=8-2&amp;amp;pi=SY200_QL40&amp;amp;keywords=yongnuo+560+iv&amp;amp;dpPl=1&amp;amp;dpID=51z85GnO1DL&amp;amp;ref=plSrch
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005FHZ2SI/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1453912456&amp;amp;sr=8-3&amp;amp;pi=SY200_QL40&amp;amp;keywords=light+stands+for+photography&amp;amp;dpPl=1&amp;amp;dpID=51fq2%2ByrrcL&amp;amp;ref=plSrch
I bought the flash and trigger separate but since found this deal for two speed lights and the trigger, saves you a few bucks. They are quite good for the price. Keep in mind they are manual flashes
Also, there is a "frequently bought together" suggestion with the speed lights. You'll need the hot shoe adaptor to put onto the stands if you plan to do it that way. The little diffusers are helpful when I don't have an umbrella and can't bounce the flash off a wall or ceiling.
The stands are pretty cheap. But for the price I can't complain. The only real issue I have is if you are outside you will probably need something to hold them down as they are pretty light.
Hope that helps get you started.
Man, this sub is dope. Thanks everyone for your quick responses! I didn't even think about the camera auto adjusting, that plus the fluorescent light and the button LEDs are probably not a good combination. I will test is out and report back!
Also, if i was going to buy some low cost lighting (~50$) what would be a good set? I read the wiki and people said http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHZ2SI/ref=ox_sc_imb_mini_detail?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;smid=APGNKGIBL58YH
which look nice and are pretty bang for your buck but still might be a little over kill for tabletop.
Thanks!
Is the 50mm offered in DX, only found fx versions of it on B&H
Is the Yungnuo 568 a good model? or should I stay with nikon?
Found this on amazon-http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FHZ2SI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1 , is that the type of umbrella you're referring to?
Thanks for this!
Did you mean this for the shoot through umbrella? (Your link was a 404) https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005ODKMOC/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1502380838&amp;sr=8-1-fkmr1&amp;pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&amp;keywords=Photodiox+premium+shoot+through+umbrella
I am interested in learning to take better indoor portraits. I am willing to buy some gear, but cost is a factor as I do not know how I'll take to it, or how much I will use it.
The equipment I have available is:
As far as I can tell right now the biggest problem I have is with the quality of light. The homemade diffusers that I have are a great improvement over naked flash, but they simply don't make big, soft light.
It's my hope that I can find a couple of inexpensive softboxes and stands to improve my lighting, and hopefully someone may have recommendations there. I saw this on another thread, for example: http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Off-Camera-Umbrella-Umbrellas-Shoemount/dp/B008S1W19Q/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1384792982&amp;sr=8-8&amp;keywords=flash+umbrella
I am willing to get a 3rd strobe which seems like it would be awfully useful for removing shadows from the backdrop, but I don't know if it is necessary.
Bottom line... Decent camera, passable lens, 2 serviceable strobes... what else do I need to get to shoot a decent indoor portrait on a budget?
The AmazonBasics flash is ~$30 and is just a rebranded Neewer model. It's full manual, but if you're shooting off camera with speedlights, with the A6000 that's the only game in town anyway. (If there's a TTL wireless transmitter/receiver out there for the Sony multi-interface shoe, I'm not sure).
For stands and umbrellas, when I started off Cowboy Studio stuff was inexpensive and relatively good quality to price. I'm not sure if it's still that way, but if you're looking to keep it cheap to start with, it's not a bad way to go. Same with their wireless transmitter, but Neewer has one for $16 on Amazon right now that comes with 2 receivers.
(The one thing to keep in mind is that the hotshoe on the black A6000 is painted/coated, so the transmitter may have issues grounding, but I haven't had one of these in hand for several years, and I'm having difficulty remembering if the transmitter required a ground spot in the first place, as it's just a simple "pop the flash" affair. You should be fine though.)
So for a starter kit to learn off camera stuff, I'd say go with 2 of the AmazonBasics Flashes
This umbrella/stand kit
And the above mentioned trigger set. That's around $130 and two lights should be plenty to get you started. Maybe even consider getting some softboxes while you're at it.
Since you're just getting started with it, I wouldn't dump too much money into it for now. Those two flashes with umbrellas/soft boxes will be plenty to just get the basics down, learn the different lighting styles, and decide if shooting with flash is where you want to go.
From there, shelling out for some PocketWizards, Profoto strobes, and all the high end kit is up to you!
Something like this. This is what I have
If you're ok swapping one white-label for another, neewer sells it for $79.99.
We use Neewer Photography Lighting kit. You can change the lamps to any color but they come with daylight balances LEDs!
Neewer 600W 5500K Photo Studio Day Light Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013JV3J1I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6svRAbV12VWD1
Ok how's 3 tiers?
First tier is very basic. Any kit like this should do the trick. You would most likely put one light on either side while your product is on a table, then have the 3rd light pointed at a wall behind the table.
A step up from that would be a basic set of speedlights like this paired with one of these or an umbrella (two if you're feeling ambitious one on each side, then snag another flash for a BG light) Flashes are better vs continuous lighting from the first link as they allow you more control and let you modify the light easier (with softboxes and other various things, this would allow you to get softer light, harsher light, more focused light, etc etc) You can also bounce them off a white ceiling at higher power which would act like a big softbox overhead.
Top tier for someone starting out would be a set of alien bees Paired with a couple of softboxes and a background light. They take up more space and I wouldn't recommend them if you're just getting your feet wet. (mine are set up all the time and I shoot stuff like this and this with them. )
I have these lights from Amazon
I've actually been looking into getting lights (and a green screen) for my channel recently, so I'm interested to see the responses to this. Out of what I've looked at so far, I think these umbrella lights are what I would go with. I don't really have any experience with lighting, so I can't say much as to how good those would actually be, but the price is definitely right, and my understanding is that umbrella lights are a little more portable than softboxes, which is a definite plus for me since I don't film in a single location.
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You can get started with just your computer's webcam or a phonecam. People have shot feature films on phone cameras.
The key to getting good video out of a phone camera is to learn to take advantage of natural lighting, and lights you already may have (such as desklamps, worklights, Christmas lights). I recommend reading about how to light / film yourself first, then decide what kind of lighting you need:
If you have some money to spend, I would recommend the following as a basic kit.
Camera, and camera boom. The Logitech C-922x has a built-in microphone.
Next, upgrade your lighting:
Finally, upgrade your sound:
You can spend hundreds or thousands more for better quality and easier to use equipment, but with the above kit, you should be able to get professional results. Depending on what your niche is, it may be worthwhile to spend money on costumes, tip-activated sex toys, room decorations, BDSM equipment, etc.
Hi all! I'm looking to make an entry into speedlight photography. On one of my threads a few months ago, the overwhelming consensus was to buy 3rd party flashes. There were a few recommendations given, but as it was some time ago, I'd like to know what is currently the best recommendations for 3rd party speedlights. I'm starting from scratch with regards to lighting equipment, so I'll need flashes, stands, transmitters/receivers etc. I'm looking to spend around £100, if possible.
Would this be a good deal? - https://www.amazon.co.uk/NEEWER-4-Color-Display-High-Speed-Speedlite/dp/B011BJXWOY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1503048783&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=Neewer%2BNW985&amp;th=1
I also hear good things about Yongnuo. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
EDIT: and what about this, in terms of stands and umbrellas? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neewer-Speedlight-Umbrella-600EX-RT-Youngnuo/dp/B01ABFSAPU/ref=wl_mb_wl_huc_mrai_1_dp
Actually, I was looking more for the lighting end of things. I ended up going with https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O0NMDYE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
and https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ABFSAPU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
As well as https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PIM3I6I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
I think this will be flexible enough for me. I've got a newborn and will be mainly using this setup for portrait photography as he grows up.
The harsh bit of information is: you're not going to be able to get good results with no experience and a £100 budget.
Basically, for that level, you'll only have full manual flashes, so will need to understand how and why you're adjusting the settings (which will be limited) on that budget.
However, in the UK, look to amazon, for the brand Neewer.
You will want the following items:
An example set up of this can be a lighting kit of the stand, umbrella, and mount at £25, a full manual flash for £26, and very basic transmitter and receiver for £11
Be warned though: this kit is not brilliant. But can be a reasonable starting point to get an idea of what to do.
The other alternative is to find and see if you can have the scene naturally lit, and use some form of reflector (large bit of white cardboard can help for cheap) to add some fill in the shadows.
You can accomplish a lot with a single light.
I like the TT600s, but maybe hold off on buying more gear for now. Try to get good with your current flash before spending more money on gear. When you have experience, you'll have a much better idea of how to spend your money.
Presumably the Flash you have supports optical slave mode. Try using it off-camera; there are good guides to set that up.
If you're going to buy anything, I'd recommend a light stand, an umbrella holder, and an umbrella.
Edit:
Here's a kit. Not as good as the individual bits, but a lot cheaper: https://amzn.com/B01DJ11S6G
This or a Pair of them and This with a radio trigger setup.
> Link it up
This
> I think we need more context?
Just normal portraits for future use in weddings and events. What use are for the gold transparent etc.?
I'm not necessarily the best one to answer but I've had the LumoPro LP180 suggested to me, you can get them on Amazon. There is also a kit with a set of useful stuff but its a bit more than your current budget.
(I hope those links worked.)
Non-mobile: This
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Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!
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Buy a $50 light kit for fucks sake
https://www.amazon.com/Photography-Portrait-Umbrella-Continuous-LimoStudio-x/dp/B005FHZ2SI/