Doing a tattoo shoot.

I am going to be doing a 1 year anniversary BBQ type event for a tattoo shop. The artist wants shots of all the tattoos she has done on the people there.

The photo area we discussed is very well lit, with a white wall. Will have a black background if I want it. Or would a more neutral backdrop be better?

My question is this. Without breaking the bank, what is a good basic lighting set up? I am a natural light person, and still in the infancy stages (in my mind) of getting things set up like they should be. Can I just do a lot of fill light on the sides and front? Or do I need an umbrella and off camera flash, etc...?

Any help is appreciated.

Thank you

Hmm, that can be a "big" question -- when it comes to studio-type shooting/lighting I don't do "studio" shooting, but it seems like for lighting "more is better"!

While waiting for more informed input, you might want to check out this excellent thread on "Show Us Your Setup" (and results):

https://photography-on-the.net …hlight=show+us+​your+setup

Then, have you visited the Flash/Lights sub-forum?:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdis​play.php?f=35

You don't mention what equipment you already have?

I assume this "BBQ" will be during daytime hours - in which case whats wrong with a reflector and natural sunlight?

There are some very affordable starter kits that can be had from any of the online retailers. My first kit after the digital era was two lights along with umbrellas and stands was less than 500.00 CAD. I have since moved up to Elinchrome strobes which are more expensive. The starter (which I cannot recall the name and I am not at home) worked fine and the only thing I didn't like about them was the rather flimsy light stands. I have found most of the kits (even some of the more expensive ones) tend to cheap out on the stands as a way of keeping the costs down. For something like this I would use a main light with an umbrella or soft box and (depending on the pose and subject) another that could provide some fill or highlights. I like to shoot this kind of thing in a controlled environment. You could do it outside but I would still use at least one light for fill as the shadows can be distracting if they are too harsh. I agree that it would be nice to know what you already have at your disposal so that we aren't over guessing the solution. Whether or not you try and find a more "diy" solution or buy something is up to you. If you are planning on this being a quasi business going forward you will need lighting equipment.

My camera is an XTi (I know I know.. not ideal)

I do not have any actual lighting equipment, so that is why I am asking now, so I can get it bought and learn to use it. Almost all of my photography experience has been outdoors, for wildlife and stuff, with all natural light. I have 4 months to get this ready.

The shooting will be indoors. This is happening in April in the Pacific NW. You can not count on any decent weather then.


Tony, I am checking out that thread right now... thank you

Make sure you protect your gear from the smoke...

Thank you for the advice. I will look into the YN-560s and the softbox.

The lens, well, we shall see, because yes, money is a bit tight right now.

Also, is this set up even worth looking at?

http://www.cowboystudi​o.com/product/c07/p070​2-23.php

the link was sent to me by a guy I know that I am not sure I trust when he says it is awesome gear.

Whatever lighting setup you end up with my advise is to practice, practice, practice, as much as you can prior to the event. Setup, take some photos, move the lights, take some more. Learning to light well takes time.