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Discussion in 'Creative Arts' started by BigP1202, Jan 20, 2012.

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  1. BigP1202

    BigP1202 Formula 3

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    #1 BigP1202, Jan 20, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    This year I'm really going to dive into artificial lighting. I would love to get some Alienbees and a Vagabond but I'm not spending that kind of money without some practice first.

    It's been suggested that I pick up some Vivitar 285HV flashes and a cheap trigger off of eBay. Is that all I'll need? Any form of umbrella or softbox? I'd obviously have to get some light stands as well.

    For example, I'm trying to achieve images such as the one posted below. It was shot by a flickr contact of mine. Caption says 4 flashes on stands. So all the flashes were fired by the remote trigger?

    This is confusing. Any help is more than appreciated :)

    Peter
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  2. Far Out

    Far Out F1 Veteran

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    #2 Far Out, Jan 21, 2012
    By the looks of it, I'd say the light on the picture was A LOT more expensive than the Vivitar league you (and I;)) are playing in. The amount of money you can - and sometimes need, depending on what you want to do - spend on flashes is staggering.
     
  3. Cozmic_Kid

    Cozmic_Kid F1 Veteran

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    #3 Cozmic_Kid, Jan 21, 2012
    Look at his pics, and ask Isaac for help :D

    If 4 flashes were used in the pic above they were fired wireless from various positions.

    I have never been a fan of flash use, but have started playing around with it a bit more. Still need 2-3 externals to the one I have already.

    Remember to adjust the flashes as well though.
     
  4. BigP1202

    BigP1202 Formula 3

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    #4 BigP1202, Jan 21, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    What about a cheap amazon kit? I was thinking something in the form of continuous lighting with softboxes and power cords. Since I'll be on location most of the time with my car there, I could just get an AC power adapter and plug it in to my car. Or find an outlet with an extension cord. It's not like the lights would be turned on the entire 1.5 hour long shoot.

    Something like this. Cheap, pretty good reviews, and a good set for a beginner. Plus I have a homemade studio backdrop that is bolted to my wall with a 36 foot long rolled seemless white backdrop. Could use those inside as well as outside too.

    1200W continuous lighting, adjustable stands up to 7 feet, and 33" umbrellas.

    Am I just not using my head here?
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  5. Cozmic_Kid

    Cozmic_Kid F1 Veteran

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    #5 Cozmic_Kid, Jan 21, 2012
    What is cheap? *LOL*

    What is the item called?
     
  6. BigP1202

    BigP1202 Formula 3

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    #6 BigP1202, Jan 21, 2012
    Sets from around $100 to $300 like the above photo. Cowboy Studio and eStudio seem have fairly good reviews.

    Also, I was at a wedding today for my GF's sister. They asked me to use their Canon HD video camera throughout the day. No prob! I was around the two pro photogs all day. They had two light stands with external flashes (one Vivitar and one Canon flash) hooked up with pocket wizards and some other Paul C. Buff thing. I guess it's what was originally suggested. Seemed to work pretty good.
     
  7. alfas

    alfas Formula Junior

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    #7 alfas, Jan 22, 2012
    valuable resource...

    http://strobist.blogspot.com/

    and I can attest to cowboy studio triggers, have had for a while now and they have been great for the short money i got them for.

    The other option is to peruse craigslist for lighting kit. You'd get better kit for a fraction of the new price since you are just testing the waters and if you don't like them you just re-list and move on.

    KEH.com is also another great resource for used.
     
  8. BigP1202

    BigP1202 Formula 3

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    #8 BigP1202, Jan 24, 2012
    I've been reading up on the strobist blog, thanks for that. Also some more suggestions coming in are get another speed light (already have an SB-600), two stands and two umbrellas and I shouldn't need anything more, unless I'm trying to light something better it bright sun light.

    Thanks for the help guys. Now the used market search begins!
     
  9. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

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    #9 4REphotographer, Jan 24, 2012
    Peter,
    Don't go cheap, I did and regretted it. I had 2 285s and some stands and umbrellas and cheap eBay triggers. They were crap, barely ever worked.
     
  10. iamthesimpleone

    iamthesimpleone Formula 3

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    #10 iamthesimpleone, Jan 24, 2012
    I haven't used flashes in years, so I'm not up to date on current stuff.

    Vivitar 283's are quite rugged and reliable.
     
  11. BigP1202

    BigP1202 Formula 3

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    #11 BigP1202, Jan 24, 2012
    Ok, this is what gets me. I guess like individual copies of third party lenses (Sigma, Tamron, Tokina) everyone can get a bad copy which skews their opinion.

    If two people have different opinions and experiences on the topic of cheaper flashes, wouldn't it make sense to try out the cheaper equipment and if I realize it's not what I'm looking for just sell it for almost what I paid for, rather than diving into a full on kit?

    The key factor here is budget. Much like my D3000 I originally bought (I'm on a D90 with a few lenses and a flash now), I'm looking to start out rather inexpensive and then work my way up. I know for a fact I'll be able to pick it up and learn rather quickly, but I don't want to spend all the $$$ right off the bat in case I don't like using off camera light, although I don't see why I wouldn't.
     
  12. alfas

    alfas Formula Junior

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    #12 alfas, Jan 24, 2012
    get your feet wet for short money.

    deals can be had if you look around.

    KEH, fredmiranda.com buy/sell, nikon forums, there are a lot of places to grab solid used kit.

    Calumet has a house brand that seems reasonably priced but cowboy studios triggers for $20 can get you started and a couple of stand/umbrella kits and you are off.

    I'd buy good used before cheaper new if there is an opportunity to.
     
  13. BigP1202

    BigP1202 Formula 3

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    #13 BigP1202, Jan 25, 2012
    Ok awesome. Just what I was looking for. Thanks!
     
  14. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

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    #14 4REphotographer, Jan 25, 2012
    Well I really suggest you don't get eBay triggers, honestly, they are junk. Another thing to keep in mind is that the Vivitars are completely manual and not near as powerful as modern day flashes. Just a couple things to keep in mind.
     
  15. Cozmic_Kid

    Cozmic_Kid F1 Veteran

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    #15 Cozmic_Kid, Jan 25, 2012
    I will be building my own softbox out of styrofoam :D

    Lets see how that will work out *hehe*
     
  16. Crawler

    Crawler F1 Veteran

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    #16 Crawler, Jan 25, 2012
    I hope it doesn't catch fire. ;)
     
  17. BigP1202

    BigP1202 Formula 3

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    #17 BigP1202, Jan 25, 2012
    Last edited: Jan 25, 2012
    Let's cover the basic shopping list. In order to use two speedlights (brand doesn't matter here) on two light stands with umbrellas, for me to fire them simultaneously I would need...?

    Triggers?
    Sync Cords?
    Translators?

    Basically I want to know what I need to buy to run two light setups at the same time, fired at the same time.

    Apologies if this is getting out of hand :)


    Edit: Also, I have the D90 and SB-600 which can be set to Commander Mode. Does this affect the supplies needed at all?
     
  18. Cozmic_Kid

    Cozmic_Kid F1 Veteran

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    #18 Cozmic_Kid, Jan 25, 2012
    Well, I could use the fireproof stuff we produce ;)

    But I was thinking of using my flash and not any kind of lamps :D
     
  19. BigP1202

    BigP1202 Formula 3

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    #19 BigP1202, Jan 26, 2012
  20. nthfinity

    nthfinity F1 Veteran

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    #20 nthfinity, Jan 26, 2012
    Continuous lighting if you are planning on doing video; but make sure to stay away from CFL as you will get a hum in the video itself. For still images, continuous lighting works great for longer exposures with a darker setting.

    Otherwise, you need some powerful flashes; which I don't have yet :( Too many other costs I've had this year, and am not certain how soon I can re-invest in the lighting equipment.

    On a budget, you can always use a tripod, and have multiple flash firing, and photoshop them together for an ideal lighting situation between the background, and foreground pop.
     
  21. Cozmic_Kid

    Cozmic_Kid F1 Veteran

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    #21 Cozmic_Kid, Jan 27, 2012
    What are you using exactly?

    Like what was the set-up (names etc.) for your fantastic car shots last year?

    I thought you were using flash :eek:

    I have just borrowed a couple of umbrellas from a friend to try and play around with.
    As I said earlier I am making my own softbox to see if I will be buying a real one later on. :)

    I just can't decide which way to go :-/
     
  22. absent

    absent F1 Veteran
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    #22 absent, Jan 27, 2012
    Getting the right light setting always gives me nightmares.
    I guess I will never get it right......
     
  23. nthfinity

    nthfinity F1 Veteran

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    #23 nthfinity, Jan 27, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    A single softbox, 8-10 sec. exposures in a dark setting; requiring F16 +- depending. An extension cord, a remote trigger, a tripod, and a light mount. Photoshop with merging layers for the desired effect. It's a time consuming process for some of the photos. It takes about 15 minutes to set up, and can be portable with a battery, or running car with an inverter (SLS AMG shot, and blue 455 LTA shots)

    The toughest aspect of light painting a car is that it is very difficult to replicate a studio's overhead soft light with a portable softbox. Actually, impossible. I have found a few workarounds that work OK via trial and error though.

    It might help if you wear all black, and have flat black shoes too to reflect as little as possible.
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  24. blackwood

    blackwood Formula 3

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    #24 blackwood, Jan 27, 2012
    ^^ the ferrari frame is amazing.
     
  25. Cozmic_Kid

    Cozmic_Kid F1 Veteran

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    #25 Cozmic_Kid, Jan 28, 2012
    Thanks a mill for the info. :) :)


    Wish I had cars like that around I could test on :D

    That GTO........... *DROOOOOOOOLLLLLLLL* AMAZING!!!!! :D
     
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