Absolute Rookie on lighting...just want advice.

x-angel

x-angel

Well-known member
I am a complete and absolute rookie when it comes to lighting, so I'll just throw this out there:

I have seen a lot of brands/types of lights discussed here. I was just wondering what are the advantages and disadvantages to each type? I know that most setups will used the basic 3 lighting setup. But I was just asking for some over all advice. I will mainly be doing weddings, but I am also interested in getting into shorts and things like that. Any advice is appreciated.
 
Might want to just search through many of the posts from the light section. This question you ask is such a broad topic that there a ton of posts that could answer you question without someone typing a book for you answer. Actually, there are several books on lighting that will do you good, I don't have the names of them in front of me, but I know they are in a post in the light section.
 
I do a number of weddings every year, and the best advice I can give you is to get used to working with existing light. Chances are you won't be able to add light at the church (I've used a couple of lights, but you have to be careful you don't make the ceremony look like a complete production number...). The photo shoot usually happens outdoors, where you can use reflectors and diffusers, but usually you'll be following the photographer.
At the reception, having an on-camera light is going to be your biggest ally. I use a simple britek light (www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller...493&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation) with a 50w bulb for the speeches / dances / guest book stuff. I put a diffusion gel over the light to soften it a little, but I can't shoot the dark stuff without it. A 3-light kit might help during the speeches, but again, you don't want to look like you're making a huge production out of the speeches.

On a lighting kit side, I have 2 sets: 3 lowel L-Lights (www.lowel.com/llight/index.html) and the 2650 set from 1080 AV I just ordered www.1080av.com/lighting/2650.php.

Anyone else?

Justin
www.beyondtimemedia.com
 
Howdy,

I agree with Justin when he says to use existing light as much as possible for weddings. However, you may want to consider a sungun/camera mounted DC powered light for receptions, or some type of soft box to set in the corner (this method is less distracting).

It is difficult to answer 'what type/brand' to get. How much do you want to spend and what types of shorts are you wanting to shoot. Rental may be a better route if there is a house close to you. This way much less investment.

I do not like the Lowel kit Justin mentioned - too hard to control. If you want to buy a good quality 'kit' and have the $'s, I like the Arrie Softbox IV, but it is pricey (around $2K I think). You may be better to just buy ala carte the pieces you want.

A little tip for cheap - definitely get a few bounce cards (white foamcore) and negatives (black foamcore). A good/cheap source for soft lighting is to get a few chinese lanterns (the big paper balls). And get a few bulbs of different wattages. This is a nice basic kit if you're doing any type of CU/interview shooting, but they have no range.

I think the best idea is to sift through other posts or state more specifically what you are tyring to accomplish.
 
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