What do I need to do the strobist lighting idea?

[lynweber]

I have a SB600 with D5000.

I want to do the strobist lighting but I am confused can someone give me directions? (I have read the strobist website, but can't figure out what flashes I should get and triggers taht wont damage my camera.)

what do i need to get started, flashes, triggers, umbrellas? What kind?

I already have the lightstands, I am currently using homemade lighting.

I recently went to the Cord Camera in my area and was told to get the this kit but its $649 too much for me and it was a strobe light kit. (Photo Basics by Westcott Kit 241, I think). Anyway figured using all flashing would be cheaper and give me the same effect?

[Benji]

Hello fellow Hoosier,

My first question is why do you want to do the "strobist" thing? They are expensive, slow in recycling time between shots, gobble up batteries, need additional items that cost $$$ to adapt them to your light stand, they are fragile and they have no modeling lamps to tell you what you will get when the flash fires (unless you jury rig up some sort of a modling light.) On another site I frequent, some guy there brags about having six of them! Six at about $400.00 each!!! He spent $2400.00 to be "cool" I guess. If it takes $2400.00 to look "cool" while you are fiddling with changing batteries every few minutes on six speedlights I would rather look uncool!

There are several American companies that import a little Chinese a/c powered flash unit that is more powerful than most speedlights, has about a one second recycling rate, is small, lightweight and it requires no batteries, and the best part it costs about $75.00 and that includes a power cord, PC cord, optical slave (so it will fire when another flash goes off) and a stand adapter so it will fit your stand.

One such company and flash unit is Cowboystudio at CowboyStudio Photography Lighting Equipment | Studio Accessories I have six of them and they are great!

Benji

[lynweber]

See I thought it was supposed to be cheaper and a better way of lighting? I am doing mostly portraits indoor right now and I know when the weather changes I'll be outside more. I'm just looking to get the most for money weather it be strobist or strobelighting kits. I'm wanting to stay under $400 for 3 light kit if that helps anyone.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by lynweber

I have a SB600 with D5000.

I want to do the strobist lighting but I am confused can someone give me directions? (I have read the strobist website, but can't figure out what flashes I should get and triggers taht wont damage my camera.)

what do i need to get started, flashes, triggers, umbrellas? What kind?

I already have the lightstands, I am currently using homemade lighting.

I recently went to the Cord Camera in my area and was told to get the this kit but its $649 too much for me and it was a strobe light kit. (Photo Basics by Westcott Kit 241, I think). Anyway figured using all flashing would be cheaper and give me the same effect?

Before we start thinking about what to get, you mention you are using some homemade lighting...lets start there. What are the top 5 things you'd like to improve by replacing your current lighting?

[lynweber]

backlight my subject I currently have two lights at 5500k that are positioned on either side of my subjects. Perhaps I just need better placement? I dont know.

I feel that the lights is powerful enough its 100w.

ease of use is a big thing

I just feel like there is something missing either the light is to hard on the subject or just not enough. I need something more behind perhaps?

[lynweber]

oh and my lights get too hot.

[Benji]

Originally Posted by lynweber

oh and my lights get too hot.

So are these light continious or are they flash? If they are flash units and are getting hot something isn't right. If they are continious there is your problem.

Benji

[lynweber]

continious. Any tips of placement?

[dakwegmo]

The strobist approach to lighting is basically using small flashguns (such as your SB-600) off camera. The idea is that they are small, lightweight, and can be setup just about anywhere. To get started you really only need one flash to use off camera (which you have) and a way to trigger it. With the equipment you've got you can get an optical slave that's triggered by your on board flash, a couple of hot shoe adapters and a cable to connect them, or wireless triggers like (pocketwizards or cactus triggers). Then it's just a matter of modifying the light. Most people also start with a light stand and shoot through umbrella to create soft light.

Midwest Photo Exchange has kits to get you started. This kit will work with your camera and flash: Strobist Starving Student SC2 Lighting Kit but they have a variety of options.

[zona5101]

Do you want to stick with continuous lighting? You can but it’s a tougher row to hoe. As you say, the lights get real hot. You will find that to get the soft light you will need to use light modifiers such as soft boxes, umbrellas etc. In addition to modifying the light they will cut the output that reaches the subject so you have to either pump up the wattage (more light=more heat) or use slower shutter speeds and/or open up the aperture. Many, many people are successfully using portable strobes to facilitate their lighting needs. There are many posts here and on the web concerning “Strobist” type lighting. There are also cheap ac strobes you may consider but having the ability to have portable lighting without the need of an ac outlet is pretty compelling.
Check out this thread where there are some great shots using portable strobes:
Strobist: Show us how you took it?