What equipment would u recommend for first studio? - SBB Digital Scrapbooking Forums | Scrapbook-Bytes

scrapchick87 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-13-2006

Hi Ladies,
I have been thinking about gettting some photography equipment to do a small studio in my home mostly for me, family pics, to use personally not as a business, but I do not have thousands to invest. What would you recommend as a must have? I've been looking around the photo fles website and they have tons of great equipment, but I do not really know what I need, umbrellas, reflectors, etc... and with Xmas coming I am thinking about adding these to my list.

shelleyrae · #2 (**permalink**) 10-15-2006

Amazon has some great home studio essential packs I guess for lack of a better word - There are lighting packs that include lights, umbrellas etc they are a couple of hundred dollars and there are a few brands (ebay may have them even cheaper)
Reflector packs which are also important to have eg gold will add warmth, white and silver will bounce more light back up to faces
A good tripod that reaches a height you can work at comfortably
This is a very simple article recommending what and why you need certain equipment
http://www.cnet.com.au/digitalcamera...0062280,00.htm

bethwillis · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2006

I would suggest checking out this site www.alienbees.com this is where I got all my studio equiptment and they have custom packages or you can make your own with discounts if you buy lighting units. I would sugest 2 lights, one large softbox, one umbrella- I like the black and white one- it has a black cover or a shoot through white one, then you will need all the cords and depending on if you can plug your lights straight into your camera or not you may need a hot shoe. If you don't want to do two lights because of price I would do one light and a softbox and a large reflector, I never use my gold side of my reflector mostly just my silver or white if silver is too bright. You'll want some kind of backdrop- you can make these out of muslin, or purchase them, muslin or canvas ones, ebay is a good place to look for these- I love the Silverlake Canvas Backdrops but have purchased mine all on ebay. If you want to do more than 2 people you need a backdrop that's bigger than 6x9 so probably one that's at least 10x12. Then you'll need something to hang the backdrop on, you can make something or I would suggest buying a good backdrop stand. A tripod is also a very good thing to have.

Cynnder · #4 (**permalink**) 11-07-2006

LMBO..ditto to what Beth says..I have about the same setup!

bethwillis · #5 (**permalink**) 11-07-2006

That's hilarious Deanna!

bethwillis · #6 (**permalink**) 11-07-2006

Deanna you're on PROPS aren't you? I knew that I knew you from somewhere

Cynnder · #7 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006

LMBo..yuppers its me!!!!!! small world isnt it!

Pesto126 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-08-2006

ditto - alienbees is the way to go.. costs some $$$ but if you are serious about studio work, it will pay off in the long run.. If you are just interested in taking some photos of the family, you can use a cheap garage light with a small umbrella attached with a clip and a cheap backdrop draped on the wall..