Decent budget lighting kits

PerroneFord said:
Ok,

The Starlite does one thing. And it costs as much as solutions that can do 2-3 things just as well. So, it's not a smart purchase. Especially for someone on a tight budget who needs everything.
Click to expand...

What do they do, exactly? I wasn't able to find much on the site, since they appear to be an older model. I found a set of 2 with stands and accessories for $150.
 
You got real good advice from experts on how to shoot with a bare minimum of lighting.
I was about the same level and budget you were and I picked up a 3 light kit with stands bulbs and a carrying bag for 70 from Amazon. Just so I would have something. They have saved my inexperienced butt several times. They are just a stopping off point. But you know what I have started using more? That piece of foam board like the experts suggested. They might even chime in with me in repeating the old saying. Less is more. So true.
My budget was less than yours and I am happy with my purchase. It looks reasonably professional and it was cheap. Since it was reasonably professional, I networked a few jobs and that money will go for better lighting.
So you climb the ladder one rung at a time.
Sounds like you want to buy it. So buy it. And you will have money left over for the foam board AND the aluminum light from Home Depot. I have that in my kit too. LOL

Good luck,
GLB
 
PerroneFord said:
Ok,

Here is a shopping list:

1. 1k Fresnel. Absolute STAPLE of the industry.

http://cgi.ebay.com/MOLE-RICHARDSON...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2ea88fe3e9

2. 1k PAR. Use this for any time you need a bounce, softbox, etc.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mole-Richardson...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9f3877d8

3. A 750w broad. Used to light large areas, bring up ambient in a room, etc.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lowel-Tota-Ligh...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2c53620f49


4. 2K Junior. Buy this one when you get more funds. You can light most of a large room with one of these and a silk

http://cgi.ebay.com/MOLE-RICHARDSON...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3caab9c2fb

5. 350w midget. Hair light, accent light, small spot.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mole-Richardson...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5191024978

Add some stands from Matthews (my fav) or Avenger, 4 C-Stands, a few flags, some gels, and go to work.

If you can only buy one of these at a time, then buy them in the order they are listed here. Once you get all these, buy some Fluorescents. Some Kinos or Cool Lights.

There you go. That's what you need. Go forth and LIGHT!
Click to expand...

thats a good shopping list
 
I just wanted to chime in here and say I learned a lot from reading this post. Thanks for the questions AND answers.

I lit a lot of my early stuff with a home depot 1k and 4 florescent lights. I thought it looked pretty good. Now I've got orange and blue gels, a couple china balls and some more home depot lights.

I think a few practicals help immensly because they are imperfect and that gives a little character to my sets in the form of odd shadows and whatnot.

I think lighting is one of those things that take a long time and a lot of practice to get right. An amatuer can look at a scene and say... Hmmm It sucks. But It might take the DP a few trys to really get things ironed out.

For instance, a few months ago, I thought I was king Sh#t when I bought my camera and started ordering light placements and whatnot. My first stuff was soooooo flat because all of my lighting was even. I've now learned to leave some of the shadows in for contrast and dramatic effect. And who knows what I'll learn tomorrow.
 
Hi - I am trying to find the lighting tutorial "stickied" at the top of the section... as you mentioned - can you be more specific or send a linkg to a good tutorial? THanks!
 
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