Studio Lighting HELP!

[indiepixie]

Hey everyone I hope you are all well and hope you can help! Great to be here.

I am thinking of purchasing a Canon EOS 1100D. I was thinking of using the camera wireless on studio umbrellas but have never done this before and would like to know exactly what I will need?

I may just revert to a sync cord but would love the wireless freedom.

Thanks everyone! x

[zona5101]

you'd need:
one or more lights - monoblocks or speedlights or even a power pack and head(s)
You'll need a light stand for each light / head
You'll want an umbrella hot shoe clamp if you're going speedlight
A light modifier for each light (umbrella, softbox etc)
You'll need a way to trigger the flashes (radio, corded, optical or a combination)

[indiepixie]

Brilliant thank you for your help as far as lighting is concerned I am looking at the below:

Interfit INT117 Super Cool-lite 5 Twin Head Kit (INT117) - Warehouse Express

Not sure if this will meet my demands for now and also unsure if they are variable?

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by indiepixie

Brilliant thank you for your help as far as lighting is concerned I am looking at the below:

Interfit INT117 Super Cool-lite 5 Twin Head Kit (INT117) - Warehouse Express

Not sure if this will meet my demands for now and also unsure if they are variable?

Stay away from constant lighting...... everyone who has bought some finds there is just not enough power to do what they want to do.

[Jayman11]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

Stay away from constant lighting...... everyone who has bought some finds there is just not enough power to do what they want to do.

+1 to that. I bought constant lighting and it was a total waste. Waiting to get a good set of strobes now myself.

[SusanH1970]

I use one AlienBee 400 with a 32"x40" softbox. They do have a European website: Paul C Buff Europe. The European Home Of Alien Bees, Cybersyncs, Whitelighting, Einsteins. plm's. You could go with one of their packages; they're reasonably priced. They do have wireless systems - check out the Cybersyncs.

[Randy Orton]

Studio lights are standard lights, such as floodlights and spotlights. Depending on the subject, combination of lights in various locations and brightness are used. As you will see, you can duplicate most studio-style lighting effects within your 3D application. Direct lighting involves the aiming of one light, usually a spotlight, from a position off to the side of the scene.

[Frank Wang]

I second the Alien Bee recommendation. Good bang for your buck!

Any wireless radio trigger will do. You will need a transceiver attached via a hotshoe to the camera and a receiver attached to your flash unit (which can be a big studio flash or small portable strobe). Often times the transceiver / receiver units are interchangable.

Pocket Wizard is the standard but they're expensive.

Radio Poppers are slightly less expensive.

Youngnuo is a new player on the scene but make much more inexpensive radio triggers. Maybe $30 for a set.

[kevingeary]

Alienbees are the best for what you want. Great starter lights and keepers...lots of "pros" I know use them because they are so well done for the price. Get at least the AB 800s though. For the difference in price between 800 and 400, 800 is no-brainer.

There are lots of wireless triggers available now. Check out CheetahStand Home Page for some new very affordable/reliable ones (should be listed on the home page).

For a modifier, I'd get the AB beauty dish and an umbrella. Start with two lights and go from there. Those are the cheapest modifiers and the dish is very versatile as it comes with a white diffuser that basically turns it into a soft box.

[Jim Poor]

I'll second or third or fourth . . . the ABs. I have to 1600s and 5 800s. I normally only use 3 at any one time, 4 for hot white backgrounds, but I use the extras as travel kit.

The Einsteins look great and have a few advantages, so I may be upgrading soon.

Originally Posted by kevingeary

Alienbees are the best for what you want. Great starter lights and keepers...lots of "pros" I know use them because they are so well done for the price. Get at least the AB 800s though. For the difference in price between 800 and 400, 800 is no-brainer.

There are lots of wireless triggers available now. Check out CheetahStand Home Page for some new very affordable/reliable ones (should be listed on the home page).

For a modifier, I'd get the AB beauty dish and an umbrella. Start with two lights and go from there. Those are the cheapest modifiers and the dish is very versatile as it comes with a white diffuser that basically turns it into a soft box.