 BetterPhoto Member |
Dance/Event Photography: Lighting/Contracts/Price Hello, I am in the process of turning my serious hobby of photography into a business. I have been shooting models to build my portfolio and have gotten my website up and running. I was recently asked to take dance portraits (both headshots and auditions photos) for a local studio. So... here come my questions. 1.) Are studio strobes a necessity? I have 3 large continuous light sotboxes and a Canon 580EX flash. The softboxes get HOT, which I didn't realize until after purchasing them. I'm also not thrilled by the amount of light they provide (2800 watts total). I'm thinking my flash could help with that. However, I am considering buying a few other flash units instead of strobes - to use as my mobile studio lighting. Good or bad idea? I already have the flash transmitter. 2.) Does anyone have example of event photography contract??? I have a current model contract (http://home.comcast.net/~jennyswanson42/Adult_Model_Release.pdf), but not an event or portrait client contract. Help in this area is greatly appreciated! 3.) I do not yet have means to accept credit cards (other than through paypal online). Any suggestions where to start with this? Is it worth it? Ways to avoid it? 4.) I will be working with the studio owner on pricing packages. However, suggestions here would be helpful. First, should I have a general or hourly fee for the studio PLUS charge the students for their packages? What prices are reasonable? Well, I think that's about it for now. I would appreciate all feedback. PLEASE, PLEASE, pretty please! :) All the best,
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Jenny, I really only have an answer to your first question; strobes would be much better than continuous lights. One of the best reasons is that the strobes stop action, since they are only on for about a thousandth of a second. This would be a real advantage with dancers. You might want to look at products from Alien Bee and Calumet Travelites, both are good location units. Thanks, John Siskin
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BetterPhoto Member |
Thank you John. I looked at Alien Bees and I liked their products. I've also been looking at Britek's HS200 (which was suggested by Debby Tabb on here). My main concern with strobes is: (i) I don't know anything about light metering and (ii) I'm not sure how to get all the strobes to sync without a cord. I'm sure each set is different, but is there another product needed to have the strobes sync wirelessly? I should probably just pick up a book on strobe lights and start reading to figure these things out.... Thanks again John for your answer.
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Jenny, You can use the LCD and the histogram on your camera to set the exposure properly. You will need to have a way to see the image much more than you need a meter. I have one I haven’t used in a couple of years. I will grant that it is difficult the first time, but it does get easier. One thing to keep in mind when buying strobes is power, not just how much you have, but how much you can buy. All strobe systems do not have precisely the same color, so there can be an advantage in buying the same brand. I often use 600 watt-seconds or more so my lights are from companies that make high powered strobes, even when I buy a low power strobe. There are a number of people selling wireless sync systems on EBay, The cost about $30 and work well for about 30 feet. If you need a wireless system that will work at a greater distance it might cost substantially more.
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Mark Feldstein |
The lights John recommended, Calumet Travelites (monolights) are quite good and I believe made by Bowens. Aliens are good though not my own preference. In recent years, I've heard nothing but derogatory comments about Britek including how under powered they are, accessories that break almost right out of the box, cheap stands, and bad power supplies. You can start with a single monolight, say in the 750 watt second range that also allows you to switch or ratio down the power. Hang a softbox on it, single stand and a radio slave and be in business. In awhile, if you need more light or different accessories to shoot with at once, say a snoot or barn doors, buy a second light and so on. Build your system as your experience grows. Look for deals on Bowens lights at BHphotovideo.com and Calumet Travelers at Calumet Photo. Calumet is hq'd in Bensonville as I recall, not too far from Dekalb. ;>) You might just take a ride over there and take a look. Or if you go into Chicago, check out Helix Photographic on South Racine Avenue, not far from UI circle campus. Speedotron corp., that also makes both monolights and pack systems, is downstairs of Helix which sells new AND used professional gear (4th floor, studio department And, consider getting good quality used lighting equipment, Norman, Bowens, Speedotron when you can get more watt/second bang for your lighting bucks. As John suggested, better to have too much power than too little. Sticking with one brand systems favors being able to interchange accessories like softbox rings, stand adapters, barndoors, and reflectors. Very handy. Once you get your light(s) practice on some "volunteer" friends or family. You'll probably get the hang of it pretty quick. BTW, I've been photographing theater and dance companies for years. I looked at your model release. It's got some conflicts and ambiguities (3 that I see off hand) and you might want to get rid of them before someone claims it's unenforceable. Get a form book on professional business practices for photographers. Try the one at ASMP.org as one good source, and there are a number of other ones with the modifiable forms you need.
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Christopher A. Vedros |
Most strobe units have built-in slave sensors. I know Alien Bees do. If you connect one strobe unit to your camera with a sync cord, other strobes will fire automatically. Depending on what strobes you buy, you may not need a radio trigger system. Chris Vedros
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BetterPhoto Member |
Many Many thanks to all who have replied. John, it is good to hear that I don't need to figure out a light meter!;) Mark, Thanks for your response. I've read several of your threads on studio lighting. I appreciate you commenting on my question. Do you have any of your dance photographs posted somewhere I could view them? Chris, I appreciate your input. I like that the Alien Bees have the slave-sensors. I've checked them out online and I think they might still be in the running for me. Again, thanks to all. Best,
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