BetterPhoto Q&A: How to Choose Studio Lighting

Wondering how to choose studio lighting? This Q&A covers the entire studio lighting topic. Want to learn about studio portrait lighting? Take Vik Orenstein's Studio Portrait Lighting online photography course.

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  22 Questions
Replies
Last Activity
 
  Main Light for Studio
As I am experimenting in my new homemade studio, I know I need a good main light. I am thinking what I need to do is get a nice softbox for a main light and use my smaller two lights for fill and a...
7
May 14, 2008
 
  Portrait Lighting - Help!
I need your help! I received a very generous Christmas present that included some studio lighting and backdrop system. The problem is that I don’t have a clue how to use it or where to place the ...
7
January 02, 2007
 
  Best Starting Tools for Home Studio
I have been a hobbyist photographer since I was a teenager and have taken a few photography courses over the years. My dream is to have a studio in my house some day. But, until then, I need to ge...
11
October 17, 2005
 
  Portable Lighting Systems
What portable lighting system is recommended to use with Nikon D70 for both indoor and maybe some outdoor shots? I am just starting with my own business and am on a tight budget....
8
February 02, 2006
 
  Color Correction in Lighting
I'm in the process of purchasing lighting equipment, and I read somewhere that it's good to buy a system that is 5500k or 3200k and use a color correction filter. What name or brand do you...
3
June 01, 2004
 
  Difference Between Diffusion and Reflection?
I have a beginner continuous lighting set with umbrellas. I understand that putting the umbrellas in front of the light source is diffusion and bouncing it off the umbrella is reflection. When is ...
2
March 23, 2004
 
  Strobe Light Accessories: What are These?
Recently, I got a great deal on used White Lightning strobes and accessories. However, no instruction manuals with any of the equipment. I have the strobes figured out, but the items I have uploa...
1
December 02, 2003
 
  Setting Up a Studio/Digital Photography
what are the basics in setting up a studio for digital photography? Ligiting fixtures, backdrops, size sq. ft., etc?...
1
November 21, 2003
 
  Which Meter Reading Should I Use?
Hi,When using Bowens Studio lights in home studio room 10ft by 15ft, I place Key light 45degs to one side plus fill 45degrees to other. My Key light is set at half power and gives reading of F8 at ...
4
October 06, 2003
 
  How to Use Studio Lighting/ What Film to Use?
My husband is in a band and they are wanting me to do some "band" shots for their promo package. Our local camera store has a small studio for rent with lights and backdrops that I will be using. ...
5
July 23, 2003
 
  What Studio Lights?
I am inerested in buying a strobe lighting kit of maybe 2 lights or so. I have read about lighting kits and how to use them, but don't know how to select a good brand and intensity I need. I w...
3
October 07, 2005
 
  continoue light verses regular studo flash
I have purchased a Canon D60 (digital)camera and want to do studio work. I need to know which lighting systems to dse. Should I purchase continous light systems or flash light systems. Complexed ...
5
October 08, 2005
 
  Preset Lighting Scenes For Portrait Studio
Once upon a time Paul C. Buff made a light control box called a CompuScene. They only have one left; we need three.Does anyone know where to find something similar to this? Must store at least 20 ...
4
November 30, 2003
 
  Church Lighting Question
Hello everyone.I am an outdoor location photographer at which I am doing quite well. I am concidering branching off into doing indoor weddings as well. However, I have done several test shoots in...
2
June 09, 2003
 
  Lighting: Actual backdrops vs Digital Backdrops
Im trying to set up a small studio in my house. The photos I take are art photos of people. I was looking into backdrops when I discovered digital backdrops used with a blue or green screen.My ques...
5
August 13, 2003
 
  Backgrounds and Lighting
Can someone recommend, for a tight budget, a studio flash system (for portraits) and a source for backgrounds (also for portraits). The backgrounds I have located are expensive and I am not famili...
5
July 14, 2002
 
  Lighting equipment
I want to buy some studio lights more or less a traveling kit. I can not afford thousands of dollars of equipment what can I buy to get me started. Nothing to cheap eitherplease help....
3
April 07, 2003
 
  Beginner lighter
Looking to start off with something simple to buy. Shoot alot of portrait shots would like to move indoors for photo shoots, any sugesstions for lighting, what to get, flash, softboxes, umbrellas, ...
2
May 31, 2002
 
  Has anyone used a Britek AS-90 Professional Strobe
I am considering purchasing one (on a tight budget as well, but this would be an excellent deal if it has the model lighting option) and have not used studio lighting before. What I'm wonderin...
1
September 12, 2005
 
  Equipment for Small Indoor Studio
I am interested in purchasing basic lighting equipment for an small indoor studio, but am unsure what I would need for lighting. Is there somewhere to find a guide or a particular site to go to fo...
6
October 11, 2001