Newbie to shooting models .. lighting needs?

[luvsadog2]

One of the guys I work with just asked me if I would consider taking some shots of him modeling (he started his own urban clothing line). I use my little office at work as my "gallery" and he was very impressed with some of my shots, which prompted him to ask me if I'd be interested. However, I am still a newbie to photography and have primarily been shooting everything BUT people, so he realizes that this would be a learning experience for me.

What I need to know is.. what basic lighting elements would I need to get for doing an outdoor daytime shoot? I have an XSi, a 430ex and the lens listed below -- I know the 100mm f/2.8 is good for portraits, so would it work for a model shoot? If not, would any of the lens I currently own work?

I'll search the forum tonight for any posts that are related to outdoor model shoots, but I'd appreciate any feedback on what basics are needed to get a good outcome.

Thanks!!! Carla

[DarksideTi]

The 100mm might be a little too close for a clothing shoot, I would bring the 50mm, that should be nice and sharp, and you can get some good full length shots. Bring that 18-250 as well, that could make for some interesting compositions. As far as lighting, a big reflector is a great thing to have, preferably a full length one. You could use that 430 EX as well, though you would be best off using it off camera, on a stand, with a bounce umbrella to light the full length of the model.

Good Luck!!!

[luvsadog2]

The 100mm might be a little too close for a clothing shoot, I would bring the 50mm, that should be nice and sharp, and you can get some good full length shots. Bring that 18-250 as well, that could make for some interesting compositions. As far as lighting, a big reflector is a great thing to have, preferably a full length one. You could use that 430 EX as well, though you would be best off using it off camera, on a stand, with a bounce umbrella to light the full length of the model.

Good Luck!!!

Thank you, DarksideTi -- I know of a camera repair shop that sells used equipment, so I'll give them a call to see if they have anything I could use.

[luvsadog2]

The 100mm might be a little too close for a clothing shoot, I would bring the 50mm, that should be nice and sharp, and you can get some good full length shots. Bring that 18-250 as well, that could make for some interesting compositions. As far as lighting, a big reflector is a great thing to have, preferably a full length one. You could use that 430 EX as well, though you would be best off using it off camera, on a stand, with a bounce umbrella to light the full length of the model.

Good Luck!!!

I was checking out Amazon and they sell lighting kits for beginners that seem reasonable and include the basic elements -- am I better off just buying this kind of kit? I don't expect to be doing a lot of studio/portrait work so I don't think I need professional level equipment, but don't want to buy junk either.

[DarksideTi]

I was checking out Amazon and they sell lighting kits for beginners that seem reasonable and include the basic elements -- am I better off just buying this kind of kit? I don't expect to be doing a lot of studio/portrait work so I don't think I need professional level equipment, but don't want to buy junk either.

It depends. The basic/budget lighting kits are a good way to get your feet wet in studio lighting without spending thousands of dollars. Currently I use "Budget" lighting, I use the Britek HS series (can be found on e-bay). They work well for practicing technique and and getting used to studio lighting, and they have been in use for quite a few years, but they have limitations.

If you are just talking about what you need for THIS shoot, I would buy a large reflecor and an inexpensive radio trigger (ie. Cactus v4), that would get you going for a little money, and you could play with equipment you already have. Going foward, if you want to do some studio work, then yeah, go with a studio "starter" kit. Just remember though, if you go with studio lights outside, you have to have a place to plug them in. ;)

[luvsadog2]

It depends. The basic/budget lighting kits are a good way to get your feet wet in studio lighting without spending thousands of dollars. Currently I use "Budget" lighting, I use the Britek HS series (can be found on e-bay). They work well for practicing technique and and getting used to studio lighting, and they have been in use for quite a few years, but they have limitations.

If you are just talking about what you need for THIS shoot, I would buy a large reflecor and an inexpensive radio trigger (ie. Cactus v4), that would get you going for a little money, and you could play with equipment you already have. Going foward, if you want to do some studio work, then yeah, go with a studio "starter" kit. Just remember though, if you go with studio lights outside, you have to have a place to plug them in. ;)

Thank you so much, that is very helpful ... duh, Carla .. good point about needing a place to plug in lights, ha. I'll check into the reflector and trigger -- sounds good. Thanks!

[fanorama]

I bought my lighting kits too in amazon http://www.cookiewriter.com/trafficreport/img/3721/j09s0423emrh/a.gif

[Snecoechea]

i use a reflector and a cavtus v4 trigger'd 430ex and its a very effective (and moderately cheap) and its a great starting point for outdoor portraits.