I want to purchase some lighting to assist in photography what is the best way to start?
eck2go asked:
I am a keen amateur photographer and would like to move up to use a decent lighting kit for indoor portraits, indoor wedding shots etc.
I am on a tight budget and not interested in “Flash rigs”
Can anyone help?
I am a keen amateur photographer and would like to move up to use a decent lighting kit for indoor portraits, indoor wedding shots etc.
I am on a tight budget and not interested in “Flash rigs”
Can anyone help?
Go to your local photography shop, see what sort of things they recommend, look at the prices, then look on Ebay and get them from there, usually a lot cheaper. Slave flash into a proper photography umbrella is usually the best way. Photographers studio lights might come a little cheaper, BUT, the bulbs are expensive, don’t last long. [who] mike-from-spain
Paul C. Buff, the guy who manufacturers Alien Bees, White Lightning and Zeus strobes recommends buying one monolight and one light-modifier such as an umbrella — then learning to use it, and adding more as needed. I think that’s a good idea. Alien Bees are a good value for the money – not equal to high-end strobes, but definitely usable in a studio-situation. Check this website for lots of good, objective information:
[who] Marco M
Check out for more details of what you can do with just simple flashguns, like the Canon Speedlights and Nikon Speedlites. [who] Thorbard
I use builders lights from b&q, not quite as good as the real thing but make a huge difference and for a tenth of the price!
some photos done using these lights on here
[who] Charlotte
Probably looking at around £200 for the cheapest kit. More if you want something more decent and complete.
Also if you’re shooting Sony-Minolta you’ll need an additional adapter. [who] CiaoChao
Strobist.com is the best place to start.
To get the kit, have a look around flea markets, school fetes and car boot/garage sales you will be surprised at what people are selling for peanuts.
When you are starting out, stay away from huge studio flashes, unless you are going to buy a studio in the near future or expect all of your shoots to take place indoors with a high ceiling, then just don’t bother, it’s a waste of money.
If you don’t want to shell out £300 on a dedicated flash, an old one will do the trick.
To reduce the light output – One layer of handkerchief = -1 stop.
Lightsands can be ought for as little as £5 if you shop around and an unbrella/brolly can be had for under £20.
The trick is to shop around, the internet is a wonderful thing and always keep your eyes open at markets, fairs ect…
Good Luck! [who] Michelle Jones