Client want studio session... backdrop and lighting question

[CSPhoto]

I usually shoot with natural light (great for me bc I have NO studio equipment), but I have a new client that wants to do a maternity shoot with a black background (you know, the ones everyone has!).

So here's my question...

What do I need to start with (backdrop, lighting equipment)? This is what she has in mind... soft lights hitting her belly, nice soft shadows and a black background.

I don't have a bunch of money to spend... maybe $150. I've also read all the DIY stuff, but I don't think I can build a backdrop prop on my own. I am willing to just buy fabric (not sure which kind won’t have any bounce back) and hang it up if that's possible, but I think I just need to buy some lights. The studio will be rather small.

If you guys know of anywhere where I can buy used equipment or equipment that's reasonably priced, that would be greatly appreciated.

Please let me know what type of lights and back drop I need!

Thanks a bunch in advance

[OsmosisStudios]

Not to be totally contrary, but why not just ask her to find someone else? She isn't asking for something you normally do, and its asking a lot of you in terms of investment (even if you rent).

[CSPhoto]

Thanks for the reply! I actually have been wanting to get into it and now I have an excuse to do so!

Subrina

[OsmosisStudios]

In that case, your $150 budget wont get you far, even on the DIY approach.

[nickbedford]

You can get reflectors very cheap on eBay (I just ordered a 5-in-1 for about $18).

You might be able to find some lights (fill lights of sorts) at your local hardware store. Using these and the reflectors you can fool around with lighting angles and use the reflectors to soften and reflect from the other side.

Do you have an external flash? This would likely blow the budget, but even with a cheap flash (like the Canon 270EX), a tripod and a cheap off camera flash cord, you could probably get some decent lighting.

I have the flash, cord and tripod combination and will soon have the reflectors but I haven't had the time to get around to experimenting with off camera flash much more than some very hasty shots of my parents.

I want to set up some portraits with friends to get a feel for a basic portrait lighting setup. These are some of my DIY ideas anyway.

I think you can do it on $150, but it'll be tight.

Cheap, black knit sheets are easy to find. They work fine for black backdrops. Also, microsuede-style shower curtains work well too. Probably could get either for under $20.

You can do this with one light (though it's nice to have two). You can buy a cheap flash unit (like a Vivitar 285HV, Yongnuo brand, etc) for about $50, and a set of wireless flash triggers for about $20 off of e-bay. You'll also need a lightstand ($20-$50), flash bracket($15-$20), and a shoot-through umbrella ($15).

That's right around $150, and should get you started. Eventually you'll probably want to get a nice backdrop holder ($140), but probably not necessary right now.

[nickbedford]

Originally Posted by Photoboothguy

I think you can do it on $150, but it'll be tight.

Cheap, black knit sheets are easy to find. They work fine for black backdrops. Also, microsuede-style shower curtains work well too. Probably could get either for under $20.

You can do this with one light (though it's nice to have two). You can buy a cheap flash unit (like a Vivitar 285HV, Yongnuo brand, etc) for about $50, and a set of wireless flash triggers for about $20 off of e-bay. You'll also need a lightstand ($20-$50), flash bracket($15-$20), and a shoot-through umbrella ($15).

That's right around $150, and should get you started. Eventually you'll probably want to get a nice backdrop holder ($140), but probably not necessary right now.

Wow, thanks also for the tips.

[CSPhoto]

Thanks for all the tips! I'm gonna start doing my research right now!

Bre

[BigFuzzy]

Not to be a downer, but do you even know how to do flash photography? That's where I'd start.

Who cares about kit if you're going to spend 75% of the session adjusting flash and camera settings instead of shooting.

Make sure you know how to get that "soft" light (ie hard vs. soft light) subject distance from flash and wall, which is crucial to these sorts of shots.

I agree that you can do it for 150$ on a purely monetary basis... but..may I suggest that on top of getting the needed kit, you spend time reading up on flash and practicing.

Then, we want to see some results posted here to see how it went!
Good luck!

[MrJones]

first of all, do you have the space for that kind of a job?
studio photography needs space.
I've built a small studio in my living room and I would never ever invite a paying costumer for a shoot there, it's just too tight and the photos won't come out "PRO".
think about your good name and what a bad session could do.
in my opinion 150$ is not enough for building a studio for a paying costumer, the outcome will most certainly be OK or worse and your good name is going to be hurt.
in order to get GOOD photos, you'll need at least two strobes, refelectors, soft box, grid... these things cost money. it's not simply just directing the lights.

my advice? skip it this job. buy your equipment slowly, test it, play with it and then - when you're feeling ready and confident, take your first job.