What else do I need?

V

vcfilms

Well-known member
Hey all,

I am in the market for some extra lighting and or grip, accessories, etc. and would love some knowledgeable advice. This is what I currently have:

Lowel kit with 2 x Omni and 1 x tota
1 diffused glass for the omni, 1 umbrella,
1 42'' 5in1 photoflex reflector with stand and holder
1 Photoflex Softbox for the Omni


So here's where I'm at I am at, in the market of spending between $100-350 per light and/ or accessories for another one or two lights and would love some of your suggestions. I do mostly commercial, film and photography work with the Sony EX1/ Letus and a Nikon D200. Also, looking to light greenscreen inside a 10x9 room if possible (I know not the best space for greenscreen)

P.S. Also, looking for some good options for foamcore for bouncing light, what do you guys use?

Thanks so much,
R
 
I'll bite....Given your budget, and the equipment you already own, I would suggest a couple fresnels lights. Since your Lowel products are probably 500 watts each and above(more like 1k's) You might look into perhaps a 650 and 300 watt fresnel, or perhaps even a 150watt unit.
I would tell you to get 2-3 C-stands, a Mafor Clamp and a Cardellinni clamp. A couple of the Harbor Freight dimmers(do a search for those on this site) gels...CTB to make your lights match daylight, and plenty of diffusion. Lowel also makes diffusion frames, and I suggest these, as placing gel or diffusion on a Lowel light would cause them to melt or worse. The frames will hold the gel or diffusion 4-7 inches away from the face of the light.
You might consider 24x36 inch silks and nets, or perhaps even a 4ftx4ft silk and solid flags to control your larger wattage lights. You can save a few bucks and buy open frames and skin them with several different types and densities of diffusion of color correction..
You want a substitute for foam core ? Foamcore is a staple on any set, some people like beadboard, mirrors, white matte board, insulation board with the shiney surface...Good luck
 
Thanks for the quick response. Actually not looking for a replacement for foamcore just wondering what kind to get and where's the best place to get it?

Thanks!
 
You can get foamcore at any craft store. I have tons of it, I've made cookies, folding flags, cutters, use it reflect light, you can make almost anything with foamcore besides scrims. Not going to drop $80 on a cloth flag when I can make one for $5, I'm to poor.

Like filmat said, look into some Fresnels. Check out www.coollights.biz. I have two of the 650's and will most likely be ordering some other lights when they get them in stock. Also, if you're looking for a cheaper, lower wattge light, look at the Lowel pro lights. I have two of them and I love them.

Gels and blackwrap are a must as well.
I have this set and it's perfect for me, since I have smaller lights at the moment. You may want to get some bigger sheets for your softbox.
http://www.filmtools.com/lee-filters-master-location-lighting-pack.html
 
One thing you might look at is some Fluorescent options. All your lights seem to be "hot lights" which is fine for commercial photography, but if you have to put a person in a chair or on a small set in a room, you're going to fry them. There are a number of DIY ways to get there with Fluorescent lights, but most a built around the new(ish) compact fluorescent bulbs that fit in the same base as a common light bulb. I have a dozen or so, and find them indispensable.
 
Thanks for the advice guys. I'm thinking the cool lights flourescents may be a good option. Any other advice regarding the Fluorescent options?

Thanks again
 
Hi R:

If you try to shoot green screen in a room that small, you will get spill, regardless. Your subject will have green all over them. You need a larger room.

Dan
 
Hey Dan,

I know I do need a larger room. I have a room I might be able to convert that is 20 ft x 11 ft. If I positioned my talent about 7-10 ft from the green screen I would probably be ok? Will get some warehouse space hopefully in the not so distant future but trying to make due with what I have right now.

Thanks
 
Hiya:

There are a lot of variables. You ideally want your camera as far away from the greenscreen as possible, to reduce depth of field, throwing little wrinkles and creases more out of focus. You also want your camera at least about 10 feet from the talent idealy for the right FOV, etc. Little longer lens is more flattering to talent usually. If you can get 10' between your talent and the greenscreen, you will at least minimize the spill. A lot of it depends on greenscreen material, type of lights you are lighting the greenscreen with, etc.

I highly recommend lighting small green screens with two fluorescent instruments. I use two Kino Flo Diva 200s. The good thing is that the falloff from fluoros is much shorter than fresnels or open faced lights so less reflectance of the light off of the greenscreen would be the net result.

It will be better, if not perfect.

Dan
 
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