by Eugene Struthers
Option One:
A)
3 X Soft White Shoot through translucent Umbrella 33" 84cm.
(One of these umbrella's must have a external black cover, so the umbrella can bounce the light.)
B)
1 X Gold 33 84cm reflective umbrella with black cover.
2 X Silver 33 84cm eeflective umbrella with black cover.
C)
1 X Beauty Dish + Honeycomb Grid + Diffuser - Silver.
(Try and get a beauty dish with an attachable grid panel)
D)
3 X 300/ 400 Watt Stobe/
Guide Number: (ISO 100): 58.
Color Temperature: 5600 ± 200K.
Modeling Lamp: 75WS (Adjustable)
Recharging Time: 0.5 - 2s.
Flash Triggering Method: Sync Cord, Slave, Test Button, Flash Trigger.
Flash Duration: 1/2000 - 1/800s
E)
2 X White Vinyl Backdrop Studio CP Photography Background 3X5m.
(Purchase one that is seamless and washable)
F)
1 X Black Photo Studio Muslin Back Drop 3x6m.
1 X Grey Photo Studio Muslin Back Drop 3x6m.
(Purchase two that are extra long in length)
G)
2x 70 X 70 Cm Speedlite Studio Flash / Umbrella Softbox With Carrying Bag.
(The umbrella body should be made of high-density nylon material, high reflective; double metal frame, light and solid, 8mm umbrella shaft, suitable for a variety of flash & strobe holders) If you can purchase the softboxes with an attachable grid, even better.
H)
2 X 40x200cm (15.7 x 78.7) Studio Strip Softbox mounted SpeedRing Lighting Honeycomb Grid Microfibre Cloth.
Specification:
Shaft Diameter: 8mmSoftbox
Shape: Strip
Exterior Colour: BlackFeatures: Speed Ring
Interior Colour: SilverBundled
Bag, Diffusion panel, Speed Ring
Material: Cloth
This section covers the gear and backup equipment you will eventually have to purchase to put into your basic kit. A few of the items listed are a must and others are an added extra which will make your life easier. Whether you chose to do studio or location glamour images.
1) 2 X Soft White Shoot through translucent Umbrella 33" 84cm.
(They break easily and are so inexpensive. Keep two extra tucked away in your bag)
2) 1 X Gold 33 84cm reflective umbrella with black cover.
1 X Silver 33 84cm eeflective umbrella with black cover.
(Two extra as backup, even the real expensive one's break)
3) 1 X Speedlite Beauty Dish + Honeycomb Grid panel + Diffuser - Silver with a S-Type Bracket Holder or hotshoe bracket.
4) 3 X Flash Bracket B Shoe Umbrella Holder Swivel Light Stand.
Universal Swivel Hot Shoe Flash Holder Type B for Light Stand with Umbrella Lock
Attached to a monopod / light stick with an umbrella. It can be hand held high up by an Personal light assistant. Not sold with a light stand or umbrella.
5) 3 X E-TTL Flash Hot Shoe Adapter Converter With Extra PC Sync for DSLR Camera and Flashguns.
(Support flash gun which trigger on hot shoe, support
ETTL)
6) 1X Flash TTL Speedlite (See above for details)
Guide No: 58 (ISO 100, 105mm）
Zoom range: auto,24,28,35,50,70,80,105mm
(Rear-curtain sync, FEC, FEB, FEV, modeling flash, manual zoom, auto zoom, sound prompt,advanced setting) Triggered by camera mounted trigger & flash receiver)
7) 1X Flash Bracket Holder, Double Hotshoes Camera Flash Brackets Dual Flash Light Stand Mount with Umbrella Socket for Photography. (Must have the bracket to hold an umbrella and be adjustable)
8) 3 X Flash Reflector Diffuser Kit, Bend Bounce Positionable Diffuser + Silver/White Reflector, Camera Flash Diffuser.
(Great for working in tight spaces)
9) 1 X Photo Studio Multifunctional 80x80cm/ 31.5x31.5 Softbox with S-type Speedlite Flash Bracket Mount and Carrying Case for Portrait Photography.
(Adjustable screws and anti-slide pad to fix size-variable flashes steadily.
Able to adjusting the flash in different direction.
Mounted horizontally and vertically functions)
10) 1 X 2000mAh External Camera Flash Power Source Battery Pack Case Portable Extended Flash Power Battery Pack Kit.
(Optional as you can use batteries as well)
The basic photography kit is for those newbie photographers who haven't committed themselves to going full-time into "Glamour" photography. This kit is for photographers that have shown an interest, and have tested the water, perhaps even attended a local glamour studio event once a month, or have done the odd portrait or wedding for money. And still want a cost-effective kit which won't hurt the bank, whilst allowing them to maintain an air of professionalism but on a part-time basis. They don't really want to become gear junkies until they have totally committed themselves to going full-time and have gained enough experience and built up a reputable portfolio.
Below is a list of the basic kit's and accessories, I would recommend you purchase when starting out. The bare minimum, to achieving professional images on a cost-effective low budget.
The "Foolproof" kit below, is one I used when I first started out and held a normal 9 - 5 office job whilst doing photography assignments on the side for an extra income. It is now my backup kit and is basically all you need to get started on day one as a "Glamour-Photographer".
Try not to be brand specific when starting out. Don't get caught up in the hype that a £1,500 piece of equipment is far better than a £90 one.
There are loads of professional photographers using basic kit's to make a regular income from photography as a career.
"The images below are being used to illustrate the various types of equipment used. There are other brands and manufacturers available."
A B C D
E F G H
I J K L
M N O P
Optional
N)
Light battery pack (Optional)
(This piece of equipment will be covered in the advanced photography course section)
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 19 20
I)
3 X 2m 7ft photo photography light stand tripods for lamp softbox camera studio kit.
Specifications:
Lightweight, durable materials, stable, robust construction
3 stage centre shaft
Easy height adjustment / Rubber feet provide extra grip
Minimum height: 80.5cm / Maximum height: 200cm
Weight: 1040 grams / Load capacity: 2.5kg
Attachment: Large spigot/stud with 1/4" thread
J)
1 X Light meter
-
Digital exposure meter for ambient and flash light
-
Receptor Head: Sliding Lumisphere with Lumidisc Adaptor
-
Light Receiving Method: Incident light and reflected light
-
Receptor Incident Light: Built-In Lumisphere, Attachable Lumidisc
(Attach the safety strap once take out of the box)
K)
1 X 110cm/43" 5 in 1 Studio Lighting Diffuser Light Mulit Collapsible disc Reflector.
1 X white diffuser / 1 X Black / 1 X Gold / 1 X Silver / 1 X White bounce
L)
30"-75" Aluminum Alloy 1/4" Thread Boom Arm Holder with Sandbag
Photo Studio Overhead Boom Arm Top Light Stand with Head Grip for Softbox Light. (Important addition to light stand kit)
M)
10Ft Heavy Duty Adjustable Photography Background Support Stand Kit With Case.
Specifications:
Material: Aluminum / Height: up to 2m / 6.6ft / Width: up to 3m / 9.8
O)
16 Channel Wireless Remote FM Flash Speedlite Radio 1 X Trigger, 3 X Receiver.
-
Operate frequency: 433MHZ /Sync speed: 1/250s
-
Work range: ≤30M / Screw mount on receiver: 1/4"
P)
3 X Wireless Flash Speedlite with Built-in 2.4GHz Radio for DSLR Camera
(Make sure to purchase a speedlite with a compatible radio receivers built-in to the unit) Average price £48.00 each
Specifications:
Guide no: GN58@ISO 100, 105mm
High-speed sync, TTL, Manual, Multi mode
Auto & manual zoom functions
Wireless sensor indoor 25m, outdoor 15m
Flash exposure compensation
LED display & metal hot shoe
11) 1X FC100C 33-foot (10m) Heavy-Duty E-TTL Off-Camera Flash Shoe Cord Speedlights with E-TTL Hot Shoe | Maintains Full E-TTL Connection.
10-meter Straight Cord | Mounts to Flash Shoe & 1/4"-20 Threaded Studs. (OC-E3 Replacement)
12) 1 X 9.8 feet/3 m E-TTL E-TTL II Off Camera Flash Speedlite Cord.
Shoe mount on the bottom of the flash connection shoe, as well as a 1/4"-20 socket. Built-in tripod socket at the other end where the Speedlite unit is attached to which permits to be locked onto a tripod & frees your hand from holding the off-camera flash. Total dedication between digital or film camera & flash using ISO shoe connection.
13) 600w Li-ion Battery Portable Outdoor Studio Flash Strobe Light Kit.
(Optional: Great for location and portraits, perfect for wedding photography)
14) 10pc Photo Studio Light Photography Background Clips Holder Backdrop Pegs Clamps. Heavy duty muslin clamp with firm grip
Used for clipping paper, canvas and muslin backdrops to a crossbar
Constructed from hard plastic
Toothed area below jaw ends holds round objects firmly
Swivel jaws hold irregular items. £4.00
15) 1 X 24"x24" Softbox with Grid and S-type Flash Bracket with S-type Speedlite Flash Bracket Mount and Carrying Case for Portrait Photography.
(Adjustable screws and anti-slide pad to fix size-variable flashes steadily.
Able to adjusting the flash in different direction.
Mounted horizontally and vertically functions)
16) Flash Colour Correction Balance Gel Filter Kit for Shoe-Mount Flash 20PCS
20 Gel Filters: 14 colour effect filters, 5 colour correction filters, 1 diffusion filter.
17) Low-discharge nickel metal hydride (LD-NiMH) batteries.
(Nickel metal hydride is the standard in batteries because the have a high capacity and fast rapid recycling speed)
Power output approx: 230 flashes.
18) Flash Hot Shoe Mount Adapter 1/4" Thread Umbrella Light Stand Tripod.
(Designed with cold foot, support standard hot shoe.
Suitable for light stands, Tripod, or flash holders with 1/4" screw head.
Material: metal and plastic)
19) Colour Checker Passport Convenient Portable Accurate White Balance.
(Assists in attaining consistent, predictable colour at capture)
20) HEAVY DUTY BLACK Gaffa Gaffer Cloth Duck Duct Multi Tape 48mmx50m Weatherproof
(Waterproof, Multipurpose, Ideal for both Indoor and Outdoor Use
Resists Moisture for Reliable Tape Performance in Moist or Humid Environments:
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor application.
Extra High performance heavy-duty for securing panels)
Alot of this gear and equipment may seem alien to you. Don't worry, as you progress through the different course levels. There use will all be explained to you.
Option two:
Basic budget two light portable kit
Lights
1) One monolight, minimum 600 watt seconds
2) Second monolight, minimum 300 watt seconds
Modifiers
1) Small softbox 24x24 / 60x60 collapsible
2) Two 48 inch shoot through umbrellas
3) One reflector white/gold
1) Light stand: Two x 240cm 7.8ft 2.4m Flash Light Stands
2) Purchase a strobe sync cable
Total cost: £140.00
Entry level Lights / Modifiers / stands:
The beginner kit is perfect for advertising products, photo-art, industrial,
scientific and technical photography, photographic reproduction.
It would be far better for you to purchase this kit as a whole kit. There are
loads of bargains and advantages to getting hold of your first kit this way.
The following kit would cost £180. But if it were to be purchased individually.
It would cost you about £300.
3 x MT-300AM Strobe Light.
3 x 79"(7 Feet)/200cm Light Stand: Solid safety 3 legs stages, helps to ensure
perfect settings for your photography or video subject.capablefor stable,
heavy duty work.
1 x Barn Door With Honeycomb Grid & Four Color Gels: The universal barn
door kit comes with a grid and 4 color gels with metal frames. Barndoor
devices alter the shape, amount, or color of the light output from the flash
heads.
The kit includes:
3 x MT-300AM Strobe Light + 3 x 79"/200cm Light Stand + 2 x 20" x 28 "/50 x 70 cm
Softbox + 2 x 33"/84 cm Umbrella + 1 x Barndoor HoneyComb with 4 Color Gels +
1 x 16 Channel Flash Trigger + 1 x Carry Bag.
Specifications:
3 x MT-300AM Strobe Light
Output power: 300W
Color Temperature: 5600K
Power Line:5m
Recycle Time: 0.2-1s
Flash Duration Time:1/2000 - 1/4000s
Flash Triggering Method: Sync lead flashing,
Cable lead flashing, Test lead flashing
Modeling Bulb: 150W
Flash Index: 56GN
Power Voltage: AC 220-240V/50Hz
Fuse: 8A
Dimension:12"x5"x5"/30x13x13cm
3 x Light Stand 79"(7 Feet)/200cm
Adjustable Height: 3ft - 7 ft / 85cm - 200cm.
Adjustable Width: 2.5ft - 7 ft / 72cm - 200cm.
Light stands use quick single action locks, providing fast precision height adjustment.
Max load(approx.): 2.5kg / 5.5lbs.
2 x 20"x 28"/50 x 70 cm Softbox
Softbox diffuses the strobe flash giving you that perfect even lighting you need for the best shots possible.
With Standard size universal speed mounts, a quality softbox will fit any compact strobe flash.
2 x 33"/84cm White Translucent + Silver Photo Studio Umbrella
Material: nylon material, Aluminum shaft
Folded Length:57cm (approx,Measured real length.)
Shaft diameter:8mm (approx)
1 x Barn Door With Honeycomb Grid & Four Color Gels (White, blue, red, yellow)
The barndoor direct your light beam from narrow to wide. Which gives you greater control over your spill light. Controls your spill light, this is a must have accessory for creating professional images 4 Color Gels (White, blue, red, yellow) allow you to have different background colors. Gels are used to either correct the light balance or create dramatic lighting effects.
1 x 16 Channel Flash Trigger
It includes a transmitter and receiver.
Radio transmitter installed on camera
Receiver installed on flash/strobe head
Battery:2 x AA (Not included)
Purchase a strobe sync cable as a backup.
1 x Carry Bag
Lightweight and foldable, have one padded compartment's inside.
Large zippered exterior pocket.
Material: Cordura webbed nylon
Option Three:
The foolproof kit, is a real basic bare minimuim kit. The kit is an assortment of gear and equipment which can easily fit into one bag and be taken on public transport or out on location. Easy to transport and easy to set up in the smallest of conference rooms.
The only piece of equipment which is optional is a 9.8 feet /3 m E-TTL E-TTL II Off Camera Flash Speedlite Cord (Point 11 above). Which you can use to control your main speedlite to trigger a 2nd or 3rd speedlite.
1) 3 X Flash TTL Speedlite
2) 2 X Soft White Shoot through translucent Umbrella 33" 84cm
1 X Gold 33 84cm reflective umbrella with black cover.
1 X Silver 33 84cm eeflective umbrella with black cover.
3) 3 X 2m 7ft photo photography light stand tripods for lamp softbox camera studio kit.
4) 16 Channel Wireless Remote FM Flash Speedlite Radio 1 X Trigger, 3 X Receiver.
5) Flash Color Correction Balance Gel Filter Kit for Shoe-Mount Flash 20PCS
20 Gel Filters: 14 colour effect filters, 5 colour correction filters, 1 diffusion filter.
6) 3 X Flash Bracket B Shoe Umbrella Holder Swivel Light Stand.
Universal Swivel Hot Shoe Flash Holder Type B for Light Stand with Umbrella Lock
7) 3 X Flash Reflector Diffuser Kit, Bend Bounce Positionable Diffuser + Silver/White Reflector, Camera Flash Diffuser.
8) 1 X Speedlite Beauty Dish + Honeycomb Grid panel + Diffuser - Silver with a S-Type Bracket Holder or hotshoe bracket.
9) 1 X Photo Studio Multifunctional 80x80cm/ 31.5x31.5 Softbox with S-type Speedlite Flash Bracket Mount and Carrying Case for Portrait Photography.
+
Plus a Light meter and loads of LD-NiMH batteries.
Click here: Technical section
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