Building a studio (on a budget)

[DocFrankenstein]

I am thinking of setting up a small studio and I'm wondering how much it would cost me...

Basically 4 umbrellas (or more?) and a few different backgrounds...

Wiring... flashes... etc...

How much does it all cost? What are my options? I've never tried shooting in a studio before...

[scottbergerphoto]

I am thinking of setting up a small studio and I'm wondering how much it would cost me...

Basically 4 umbrellas (or more?) and a few different backgrounds...

Wiring... flashes... etc...

How much does it all cost? What are my options? I've never tried shooting in a studio before...
There have been alot of threads on this recently. A Search above would be very fruitful. :wink:
Scott

[DocFrankenstein]

:lol: :lol: :lol:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=46037&start=0&postdays=0&postorde r=asc&highlight=build+studio

[nucki]

I am thinking of setting up a small studio and I'm wondering how much it would cost me...

Basically 4 umbrellas (or more?) and a few different backgrounds...

Wiring... flashes... etc...

How much does it all cost? What are my options? I've never tried shooting in a studio before...

I was in the same situation a while ago (and still now) I thought how much flashheads I need, how many umbrellas ....
then I met a pro photographer wich became a good friend of mine. he told me he uses most of the time just one flashhead (with fresnel lens) he's doing fashons all the time. take a look at http://www.robertosmark.com most of these shots (not all) are made with just one single powerfull flashhead from about 45° from above.

so maybe just one flashhead maybe is enough for the first time....

best regards
Peter

[Longwatcher]

You can set up a studio with one light, but two can be noticeably better in that it will give you more control. A third or fourth lights just add a little more control, 5 or more is obsessive.

I have a 4 light setup (Alien Bees) and usually only use three of them regularly, I use the fourth for spot lighting when needed for an effect.

I have shot with only one or two lights and gotten great pictures, so you don't have to have four. The primary reason I got a fourth was for backup purposes so that I always have at least 3 lights.

With the right lights, a reflector can substitute for one (or more) of the lights.

Also if possible, I recommend softboxes over umbrellas except for convienence of less space required of umbrellas.

Estimated cost for 4-light Alien Bee travel setup and good backdrops about $4000 (includes wireless remotes and battery power). If studio only (slave flash and plugged into wall) drop this to about $2500

The minimum I would expect for good equipment is $1500 for a couple of lights and backgrounds, less then that and you will feel the need to upgrade later. On the high-end, You can spend over $10000 on high-end professional lights and backdrops easily.

Just looked up Busy Bee setup $1675, just add backdrops and props.
http://www.alienbees.com/packages.html

[Harry Settle]

I bought a Smith Victor flash kit for around $129 which consists of two small strobe units, umbrellas and stands. You can't adjust the power output so it forces you to learn exposures and ratios, mostly by varying the strobe to subject distance. It has given me a really good understanding of how lights work. They will be satisfactory for my needs for a long time. I guess I would like to have a nice light with a softbox though.

I tried a flex type background and wasn't impressed. I am currently looking for a reasonably priced set of stands and background setup. I may try the "Peoplepopper Kit" from Photek. ($149)

[Harry Settle]

Oh yeah, don't forget simple things like posing stools and such.