Studio Lighting

[Doug_Lester]

As you can easily see from this thread, everyone has their own opinion about which lighting is 'best'. It's peobably the topic which moist easily begins arguments between photographers. In my view, no single brand is "best". What is best is what works best for you, in your specific shooting space and for your individual needs and wants. In my view, most amateurs who shoot in a smallish space, who shoot individuals and small groups of people and who are not shooting daily, like most pros, can get by quite well with less expensive lights. Many use ABs quite well and are very pleased with the results they obtain. Personally I ran a commercial studio, lighting everything from small products and magazine illustrations to boudoir portraiture and some model portfolios using White Lightnin' (the Bees big brother) and Novatrons with outstanding results. If I were just starting out now instead of being retired, I would probably go for the Bees.

[haselton]

Wow.......I didn't realize that I would stir this much dust!
But what I have learned is that everyone has a brand they like, but whatever it is they learn to use it well.
Thank you to all for the great advice!

[haselton]

OK....now that I got my last question answered......what power should I start with?
I will do my shooting in a small studio, garage, or converted bedroom for now.

[Make-up by DeAnn]

320ws should be fine.

DeAnn

[christian]

For a studio... you've got a lot of options.

I would suggest as big of a place as possible. I would suggest painting the whole thing either black or white. Black if it's a small space to keep the light from bouncing so much. White if you want to also allow natural light to play a part. Don't forget to paint the floors... unless they're blonde wood or something.

Then again, I usually rent studios because most of my shoots are location. I guess I should allow people who shoot more studio to answer... if studio is what you're wanting to shoot primarily.