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FORUMS General Gear Talk Flash and Studio Lighting 
Thread started 06 Jan 2015 (Tuesday) 18:42
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Portrait lighting question

 
CameraMan
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Jan 06, 2015 18:42 |  #1

OK, I usually shoot weddings and outdoor portraits. My goal is to start indoor studio style portraits.

So let me get into my lighting equipment...

Canon 580EXII Speedlites x 2
Calumet Travelite 750
Calumet Travelite 375
PocketWizard TT5Flex x2
PocketWizard TT1Mini
Dynaphos 500 watt light with 24" x 18" softbox
2 really nice umbrella reflectors, 3 fairly cheap umbrella reflectors, 5 in 1 light reflector 24" x 36".

I also have a set of 250 watt Novatron lights (2 lights) that I have been trying to sell since June 2014 but no one is showing any interest in them at all. I honestly don't know if they will work with my Pocketwidzards.

I am making decisions as I type and will eventually try them out with my PocketWizards. They do have a wired trigger system that I plug directly into the camera.

I've used all of these lights but not together. Would it be overkill if I tried using all of these lights to light my subject? Or maybe use them differently.

I am thinking of a few possible scenarios here...
Scenario I: Using the Novatrons to light up the backdrop, The Calumets would be used to light my subject. Softbox light as a hair light. (probably without the softbox)

Scenario II: Calumets still lighting the subject and using the 580 EX II's to light the backdrop and again, Softbox light as a hair light.

Scenario III: I am actually trying to figure out if combining the power of ALL of these lights somehow would work or would they overpower the room with lights?

I know I need more triggers but I am seriously considering purchasing the YongNuo YN-622C/YN-622C-TX Controller Triggers to do the job a little cheaper or should I just look for 2 or 3 more PocketWizard TT5Flex triggers?

My question is, what would you do, what would you use and how would you use them? I am also planning on adding another Calumet 750 to my arsenal becayse it really is a slick little light and it works perfectly with my triggers.


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dmward
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Jan 07, 2015 16:06 |  #2

Start by thinking about what camera settings are required to shoot a portrait.
i.e. F8 or 11, ISO 200 or 100.
Now you can decide how to deploy your lights to ensure you get the lighting scheme you want that will ensure those settings work.

Also, remember that the speedlite, unless its a quite a low power setting, less that 1/4, probably doing to be the slowest to recycle which dictates the speed with which you can trip the shutter.

Another consideration, when using multiple manufacturer's units is the varying color temperatures and potential to cause problems with white balance, especially skin tones.


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Jan 07, 2015 16:13 |  #3

dmward wrote in post #17371167 (external link)
Another consideration, when using multiple manufacturer's units is the varying color temperatures and potential to cause problems with white balance, especially skin tones.

This. Using the cooler of the lights for kicker lessens the issue, but for key and fill it could be problematic.


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CameraMan
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Jan 08, 2015 15:38 |  #4

dmward wrote in post #17371167 (external link)
Another consideration, when using multiple manufacturer's units is the varying color temperatures and potential to cause problems with white balance, especially skin tones.


Thanks for pointing that out. I didn't think of that. I am thinking of purchasing that other Calumet Travelite. Maybe I'll look at getting a couple more of those and shelving the Novatrons if I can't sell them.


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Portrait lighting question
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