Lighting question

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undesign

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First, a disclaimer: I know nothing about lighting.

It's my daughters 1st birthday next month and I'm contemplating the idea of having a small backdrop in a corner somewhere to use for family photos. I don't want to depend on (hopefully) having the right natural light on the day, so I was thinking of renting a light setup.

Nothing complicated or expensive, just one or two lights and a plain black backdrop.

What would I need? Are lights available to rent? Ball park cost involved?

Thanks!
 
bwana said:
SiriS, what sort of equipment do you currently own? Do you have a hotshoe flash or just the on-board popup?
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I only have a 270EX.

If it's too complicated I'm just going to forget about the idea. I'm thinking quick and dirty here. :)
 
I'm just thinking that if you have the 550D you might want hot lights so you can also do some video messages?

Plain material for a backdrop is pretty cheap. I got bull denim for about r50 per 1m x 2.3m iirc.
 
bwana said:
I'm just thinking that if you have the 550D you might want hot lights so you can also do some video messages?
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I haven't thought about that. I was actually thinking of using a "hot light" or two - it never occurred to me that if I don't do video an additional flash or two should do the trick right?

[Plain material for a backdrop is pretty cheap. I got bull denim for about r50 per 1m x 2.3m iirc.
Click to expand...

Cool thanks, that's sounds like a plan!
 
SiriS said:
I haven't thought about that. I was actually thinking of using a "hot light" or two - it never occurred to me that if I don't do video an additional flash or two should do the trick right?



Cool thanks, that's sounds like a plan!
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Most likely. :) I shoot groups with my 7D and two off camera speedlights triggered by the 7D's popup. ETTL might be an issue doing it that way with the 550D but there is always setting them manually.
 
http://www.photohire.co.za/ hire out camera equipment, dunno about anyone else in Cape Town that does...
Their lighting rental is here: http://www.photohire.co.za/catalog/rental/lighting not sure what budget you have?

Not sure bout Canons but with my Nikon I can trigger my flash externally by using my pop-up flash and this could be useful for portraits if you shoot it through an umbrella or soft-box or anything you have really... (sheet??)
 
If you end up, for whatever reason, not getting a lighting setup you can still use natural light to your advantage. Even if it is cloudy you will still get plenty of diffused light during day time. It has to be very overcast for natural light to be inefficient. Some DIY tips that will not break the bank:
- Choose a room that has light coloured walls/ceilings.
- You can still get a piece of material/cloth for a backdrop.
- For DIY stands you can use PVC pipe in cans with cement holding it up - you do get small bags of ready mix, quick drying cement at the hardware shop. You can use cable ties to mount the cloth onto the PVC.
- Arrange the setup such that light from the windows will hit your subjects from the side. You can use any large white surface to reflect light back from the side not facing the window. White hardboard (3mm sheets) is one option - also at a hardware store.
- If you want to you can still use lamps (desk lamps for instance). If you go with a window/reflector setup, a single lamp positioned behind the subjects pointed at the background can help to make the subjects stand out. It is best to diffuse this lamp with something like tissue paper (the type that is crumpled up in new shoes) in front of the lamp. You can get this at any art store. Experiment with distances between the backdrop, diffusion material and light source. Don't keep this setup on unattended since heat + thin paper is a bit of a fire hazard :) (This light is called a separation light btw)

Hope this helps :)
 
Thanks for all the help and advice guys, much appreciated!

I'm still thinking about it - and will pop in at my favourite camera shop to see if they can assist with rentals.
 
Siris. If you would like. My cousin and I have started out in part time photography. He has more experience than I do. However, we both have good equipment and need work for a portfolio. We'll come for free if you want.

PS I don't have lights. Just starting out.. :)
 
the_don46 said:
Siris. If you would like. My cousin and I have started out in part time photography. He has more experience than I do. However, we both have good equipment and need work for a portfolio. We'll come for free if you want.

PS I don't have lights. Just starting out.. :)
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What cameras are you using? Nikon/Canon?
 
the_don46 said:
Siris. If you would like. My cousin and I have started out in part time photography. He has more experience than I do. However, we both have good equipment and need work for a portfolio. We'll come for free if you want.

PS I don't have lights. Just starting out.. :)
Click to expand...

Hi Don. Thanks for the offer, very kind of you! It is however just the lighting I needed sorted - I want to take the photos myself. I'm also new in DSLR's and this is a perfect opportunity to play around some. :)
 
d7e7r7 said:
What cameras are you using? Nikon/Canon?
Click to expand...

Both of us use Canon.

I have a 30D with a EFS 17-85mm lens'
My cuz has Canon 400D with a 100-400 LISUSM & a 24-105 LISUSM. He also just recently got a 430EXII Flash.
 
It's funny but I'm still using this on a regular basis both on and off the camera. :D

I'm wondering if it cant be modded to fit on the 270EX.

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SiriS said:
Hi Don. Thanks for the offer, very kind of you! It is however just the lighting I needed sorted - I want to take the photos myself. I'm also new in DSLR's and this is a perfect opportunity to play around some. :)
Click to expand...

Cool man! Enjoy :)
 
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