I need to take modeling/fashion pics indoors. What kind of studio lighting kit should I use?

Question

I've looked around on ebay for different kits, but I'm not sure what would be best for my situation. I need a kit that will provide enough light to take high quality pics indoors, at different times of day and night. I'm also looking for something relatively inexpensive (around $150 or less, if possible). I don't mind buying something used, but I'm just not sure whether some of the kits I'm looking at are for taking pics of people or of smaller objects. Also, if I get several 500 watt lights, will I end up blowing out the fuses in my house? Do I need anything special to accomodate these high energy bulbs? Thanks to anyone who can give me some good, reliable input!

I've gotten some great input so far, but I should clarify my intentions: I want to sell a bunch of clothing on ebay, not take amazing magazine-quality fashion photos. I'd like enough light to brighten up an average size room in my house so that I can take pics that are hopefully as clear as the ones I've been taking outside all summer. I've been looking at different lighting kits on ebay and was thinking about buying 3 x 500 watt lights (which somebody here suggested--thanks), but I wasn't sure if that amount of light would be enough to light up a model. Some of the kits I looked at had smaller wattages and I was afraid that they would only be enough to light up a smaller object and not enough for a person.

Answer 1

if you dont know lights to the point you cant tell whats used for what how will you use them?

will you blow the fuses yes if you exceed the wattage of the curcuits you use, try running some power leads from another end of the house so you dont load everything on the same curcuit

so find out what your set up is and use leads from other parts of the house if you have to,

3x 500w should do it if you want basic key, fill and backlight - depending on the room size and other factors you havent given -

edit in some more details and better answers than mine will come, there are some lighting gurus here, but i doubt you have given enough detail for them??

really i would be using strobes for what your doing....

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Answer 2

Katherine, IMO you first need to take classes in photography. Learning photography in a classroom setting is the best way. Since you state "... I'm just not sure whether some of the kits I'm looking at are for taking pics of people or of smaller objects" its obvious that you need formal instruction.

While you're taking classes, try to find a position as an assistant to a professional photographer. Keep your eyes and ears open and only ask questions when your mentor isn't working or if you really don't understand his/her instructions.

Simply buying a DSLR and some cheap lighting equipment does not make you a portrait photographer.

Answer 3

Starting out with "I need a kit that will provide enough light to take high quality pics indoors" and ending with (I'm also looking for something relatively inexpensive (around $150 or less, if possible). Doesn't work in this field.

Answer 4

For a fashion model you get amazing pictures with as little one strobe light. One very large softbox for a key light and a piece of foam core will do it. You have to get a 4x8 piece of white foam core as a reflector for the contrast side.

I love my Hensels, but Alien Bees is the most light for the money.

When it comes to buying equipment, get the best that you can scrape up. The quality will show up in your pictures.

Answer 5

Go to your local Home Depot or equivalent and get yourself a pair of work lamps.

These are floor-standing 250 watt halogen units which put out an ungodly amount of light for their size (and cost).

Your fuse panel will have no trouble with them.

Answer 6

rather look at Alien Bees. Their light fixtures are inexpensive and that they simply artwork. client provider is 2d to none. you do no longer could desire to purchase each little thing at as quickly as, and you could properly be at an advantage beginning with one gentle, gaining knowledge of it, then including extra light fixtures as needed, yet AB delivers gradually increasing savings on their upload-ons while paying for distinctive light fixtures so that's fairly useful to to confirm with them first. Your budget could assist you to get an extremely fantastic studio setup. additionally look at their White Lightning sequence of light fixtures. they are slightly extra costly (nevertheless very inexpensive while in comparison with a number of the different manufacturers), yet furnish bigger wattages and function aluminum bodies. do no longer ignore some stable high quality gentle stands, backgrounds and lightweight modifiers (umbrellas, comfortable boxes)