Can you build a Portrait Lighting Kit for $500?
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- A new series where I explore a type of lighting and a budget, can we make it work?
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⚡️ LIGHTING - FLASH
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#dnphoto #lightingbasics #danielnortonphotographer
Daniel...you are the best. Pitching your tent where folks need to be. So much you can do photographically without a tremendous amount of gear. Nice job.
I started out with a single AD200 (non pro). A few shoots later, income from using that allowed me a second AD200 and an AD-B2 bridge. Half a summer later (and lots of softboxes and beautydishes along the way), I added an AD600BM.
Shot with that for two years.
Now I've added two AD400Pro units (and a few Godox-mount softboxes), an extra AD200Pro with R200 (ringflash head for AD200/Pro) complete kit (for on-axis fill), MF12-kit plus two extra MF12s.
The starting point, that single AD200, is way below those $500 mentioned.
The thing to remember is that your starting kit almost never is your ending kit, just find a brand that allows you to stick with the same radio system from your starting kit all along to your ending kit. That reduces your options to Profoto (out of the $500 budget), and all the variants of Godox (that includes flashpoint). Because all the other brands have "pro and hobby" versions of their radio systems, meaning you will probably have to dump your starting equipment (at a 50% loss) on fleabay when you upgrade, instead of just building on it.
Use your starting kit to finance what you need to remove LIMITING FACTORS. Not "nice to haves". Are you limited by flash power, or are you limited by number of ligts? Think before you buy stuff.
One little point I would add is that the strobes use a Bowens mount so that a photographer can easily grow light modifiers collection and be able to use them with upgraded strobes down the road. The Bowens mount seems to be the defacto mount for speed rings and reflectors.
The sk400II kit is quality. The one thing to be aware of is that it only goes down to 1/16 power. Kits of ms300/200 might be a better spot. Alternatively, getting the sk400II kit could be supplemented with ms lights later on.
Of course Adorama has their own versions of both of the lights. Yes the godox ones are also compatible with the more professional triggers. Flashpoint has a nice single pin transceiver that I’ve been using lately in favor of the x2t.
I’d also not overlook a strobist setup in this price range. You can do a lot with a couple tt600 flashes and some nano type stands with swivel brackets and a couple s2 brackets.
As far as a basic portable backdrop, I’m enjoying the westcott xdrop. Some savage paper or your favorite duvateen are good options as well. Also, a fabric store is full of backgrounds by the yard… especially for head and shoulder portraits.
Hello Daniel. Weeks ago I spoke with a former student from the university where I taught, she was interested in starting with portrait photography with the intention of charging for it, so she asked me for advice on what to buy to start with and I told her with one or two godox flashes, a stand, an octabox and with that I had to start. Once they had clients, they could grow as a team but without losing the essence that much can be done with less. Greetings and thank you very much for sharing your knowledge, they are very valuable. Greetings from Mexico, Mexico.
Although I have spent more than the $500 targeted in this video, I did research and ended up going the GODOX route for a number of reasons. Once particularly good feature is that the camera transmitter can control studio strobes and their Speedlight line simultaneously . You can also get a receiver than allows one to use Canon speedlights with the GODOX units. Although not ideal, or as fancy as PROFOTO, for the price point they get the job done, in a smallish studio. And they seem to have a reasonable upgrade path, One can upgrade from their AC powered lights, to the battery powered lights, without having to get a new transmitter. Like all eqpt, one has to learn how to work with it, but given some determination, I believe it's a viable route for those of us on a limited budget.
IDK, I got two Godox TT685 flashes (about $110 each), an umbrella ($20), a smaller 24" softbox (square pop-up model, for maybe $30), and a 32" Godox/Glow Octabox (for about $70) and two light stands (not very heavy duty, maybe $35 each) and a flash trigger ($60) and it's been working great. Of course this was about 4 years ago and I have since added more equipment to this, but for $470 basically (not including tax) I had a decent 2-light setup. Of coourse the TT685 is not strong enough to overpower the sun and it's recycle time is slower (maybe 1-2 seconds), but I still use most of this kit today (I've since added their AD200 Pro and an AD400 Pro, and a few other light modifiers). Let's not forget I also bought a 5 -in-1 diffuer/reflector... maybe $25 if remember correctly, so yes, if you're willing to buy some basic stuff (perhaps not top of the line of course) you certainly can build a decent lighting kit (basic, at that) for $500 or less. (All the prices I listed were new at the time, by the way, and this was before COVID.) But for even less, you could build a single-light kit for maybe around $300, and you can do a lot with one light, one modifier (and maybe a reflector or diffuser as well). Plus, people forget you can use things like cheap foam core board that you buy at WalMart for a few dollars for cheap reflectors to bounce light back or absorb light so you don't have to buy the expensive stuff. I have a few white foam boards (and black ones) around that cost me maybe $20 total but they have been lifesavers at times, and they are cheap, so if they get destroyed, it's not a problem.
My studio is all godox & everything I have cost less than a grand , strobes, stands, softboxes etc
Ive had no issues with any of it & most photographers that come to the studio use godox also & have godox flash triggers . So yeah for 500 bucks & godox set up is easily done
Godox has the advantage that the wireless system, which the SKxxx uses, is cross compatible across almost all Godox flashes, speedlights and strobes. I sometimes use SK strobes along with ADxxx speedlights. You'l only need 1 remote. And Godox is great value all over.
Get the 485.00 Godox. They put out good equipment. Thanks Daniel.
The craziest thing is, I really dislike using STROBE lol. I prefer the lighting to be constant, and then I adjust what I want in camera. Don't know how or why I fell into shooting like that but, it is what it is lol. Your video was pretty cool.. I saw some things that had my interest lol. Never bought a lighting kit, always just had assistants that had em, might be time to get my own tho.
I would go opposite.
Flashpoint c stands are on sale for $100.
Flashpoint nano stands are $35 each.
Westcott 5x6 backgrounds are $55 each.
Let's round to $200. Leaves $300 for lights and modifiers. A Godox MS300 is $110. 3 foot octa with grid is $35. S bracket is $25.
Leaves $130 left for a controller of your choice and maybe an umbrella or two. Possibly a third nano stand.
I say buy good stands first. They last forever. swap out the one light for two TT600 speed lights if you wish. You can do a lot with one light and have a solid base to build on, so to speak.
I wish you had done this a few years ago . I spent almost that much on just one light with a shoot through umbrella.
Hi Daniel, after watching a lot of your Adorama live sessions, I bought two Godox TT685 flashes, trigger, Bowens mount brackets, a Phot-R octabox, an umbrella and two stands for roughly $500 (prices might have increased since then). While the flashes are not as powerful, I only have limited space to work and therefore never have to fire the flashes at 100%. The freedom of battery powered lights is such a benefit - I'm not sure I would decide otherwise.
If I had to start over, I'd buy one AD200 with trigger, bracket, soft box and two stands. One for the light and one to hold a Brooklyn reflector in place or build a V-Flat from foam board.
Good information on the bag. Definitely will keep that in mind. Thanks.
I had to do this recently with $300 , lol…and I couldn’t decided on what so I ended up getting Britex on eBay for $60 They are kinda weird and not very bright…lol…
I decided to wait to get something better . I guess I was waiting on you to make this video. What I was confused on at first was if I needed power packs or is that just for the older lights? This is pretty cool. Bags are expensive 😂. What I really wanted was something portable that I don’t need an outlet. For either products but mostly portraits.
I used 3 yn560lll’s and a 560 transmitter for years. In the bedroom space I use for portraits, it was plenty of power. $60 for stands leaves $170 for modifiers. I used the Godox 120cm umbrella softbox $52 for a key, $60 glow 1/4’ strip-box as a separation light, and no name speed lights grid for the background light. I know there’s a focus on larger studio strobes, but starting out, you can get a lot done with speed lights.
If I had to start with studio strobes, the Godox ms300 would be where I looked. But I really like the flexibility of battery power.
I bought a set of Xplor 300 pros this summer. With a Flashpoint trigger mounted to the yn560rt, I can still wirelessly manage the 560’s mixed in with the 300 pros.
Great video Daniel. I too was on a budget starting out in my endeavor to learn flash photography. Godox/Flashpoint are good quality low price strobes. That is the system I have adopted. Flashpoint strobes are Adorama branded Godox strobes. Both are interchangeable. I have a Godox AD200 strobe, Flashpoint hotshoe flash and a Flashpoint Xpro transmitter. The transmitter controls both flashes.
thank you, great video as always, same kit on my end was $399
After following many of the pros including you here in YT, I bought the xplor600 manual and 1 speed light as well, I've been doing all my photography gigs with those 2 lights, corporate event, boudoir, commercial photography, headshots and fashion, around a year ago I bought a second manual speedlight, and two weeks ago I bought my second xplor600 manual, now with 2 strobes and 2 manual speedlights I know I can be more creative, my advice will be start lower with manual lights but good ones, I went with the xplor600 over the Godox AD600 which is the same light because I know that adorama gives me more confidence as to better quality control, also the light at adorama comes with a 7inch reflector and a bag and that makes all the difference to me, since I'm not US based, so all has to be shipped and I can't afford defective gear because the shipping to my place is not that cheap.
I still have Pocket Wizards. I don't use them anymore after upgrading my lights but just in case I need them I got them.
Great share and concept, its important to new photographers who's budget is alway challenged.
One thing I have found using Neewer brand Speedlights which account for two out of the six I use, Canon for the other four as I built my kit used and over time, is that they don't hold the color temp of the flash long term if used out doors. In my experience, they tend to be come warmer in color after two year or so. However, they are incredibly rugged and affordable and get better battery efficiency than my Canon flashes do.
Thanks for the video Daniel, I like the series idea.
Additionally I’ll point out something about the sk400II that I found ‘frustrating’. I ordered one off of Amazon. The Amazon godox version DOES NOT come with the standard reflector. The flashpoint version DOES. If all the photographer is using is softboxes… no big deal. I like using umbrellas. So it was a bigger deal. It’d be one thing if it was easy to buy a $15 reflector separately. But it’s not. Most of the Bowen’s mount godox reflectors have the umbrella holes in the wrong place.
In short, I’d recommend the flashpoint version. Also… let’s not forget that Adorama is probably going to have big sales going soon.
I use the Godox AD200 and a godox v1 for my Vito lights. The work great for my small home studio I also have soft boxes and umbrellas
I shoot with Godox lights. I love them. You are correct in that you can get a better transmitter. I use the XPro F transmitter. In my opinion you can't go wrong with Godox.
this is a great video... very useful.
Great vid as allways and it led meto have a look round aswell rhe $500 =£420 wil.update after my search
Great video. I'd like to see maybe an on-location setup for shooting events and Photo Booth style portraits at the event. It must include some sort of lighting color correction for mixing with the ambient lights if shooting the event indoors or outdoors during the evening, and must be battery powered, and must include stands and reasonable modifiers. The budget would be $2000-$3000. I've already got a setup that I use that costs about that much, but I'd be curious to see what you come up with. This is a standard two camera setup, one camera at the photo booth, and one strapped on me, with a backup camera in the bag. Also, each light type must have 1 backup/standby because these are used at events where there are a lot of other people, usually drinking, and you know how that goes. Sometimes stuff gets broken by drunk event goers.
I use Godox sb200 (2)
Godox V1 2 strip boxes with egg crates
2 square bboxez with egg crates 2 45” black octal 2 22” shoot three umbrellas 2 22” silver umbrellas
2 45”shoot though with back mom covet coding service. Plus other odds and enddb
I think godox makes a great studio kit with bag and umbrellas. I enjoyed this video. Its their plug in studio lights that come as 2 lights. Newer is a decent brand as well. I have used both brands but prefer the godox.
Awesome video. I have been watching Daniel's videos here and on Adorama for quite some time and his videos, hands down, are some of the most informative, professional, and accessible videos out there. Thank you.
awesome video thanks ❤🙌
At that (starting) budget I'd definitely lean towards Godox products and if they can hold off until the end of the month there might be some Black Friday deals to be had which could help out with the budget.
After watching your channels for the past year or so I'd be tempted to suggest a decent single light and a Brooklyn reflctor 😊
With that in mind I'd be tempted to suggest an AD200 with a Godox trigger (expandable with a second AD200 and AD-B2 head down the road), an S-bracket and a half decent lightstand to start and whatever money is left to spend on a softbox. Most of these will fit in a backpack and if the person hasn't got one then there may even be some money left over towards this, especially if aiming for some Black Friday deals (hopefully).
Hey perpahs stores like Adorama can put together a decent photography starter pack over the sales period for students or anyone looking to start out on their photography journey 🤞🏼🤞🏼
Awesome video Daniel, thank you! I also enjoyed your “Exploring Macro Photography” video on Adorama. I photograph products to sell on-line, namely eBay. I deal in coins, jewelry, collectibles, etc. I have always had a hard time photographing reflective or lustrous surfaces like Uncirculated Coins or Jewelry diamonds, etc. I am considering spending a few bucks to get the proper lighting including the 100mm Macro lens for my Canon 5D Mark III. I also have some equipment that I purchased from a customer a few years back that I have never used, a Broncolor Scoro 1600s power pack with 1 Broncolor pulso G light. My question is, do you recommend spending 500-1000 dollars on the type of lighting you showcased here or do I spend al title extra and get additional Broncolor lights? On the one hand, the Broncolor equipment might be overkill for what I’m doing and may not even be appropriate or recommended, and on the other hand If I explore putting together a proper studio for photography the Broncolor equipment may be a better investment or can I use what I have in conjunction with the lights you depict here. Any insight or recommendations are much appreciated.
Before even completing this video I'm pumped. This is exactly something I need to hear. I want to get started doing portraits. I've been doing only natural light stuff, but I think in order to do a great job and get paying clients I will need to have some lighting, even if it's used outside as fill. I have a Fuji XT-3. I've had the AD200 suggested by other Fuji photographers. Would you suggest B & H if we're in the general area of NYC? Thank-you!!!
I have a couple of the Flashpoint SK400II. They are. . . ok. However I just got a Godox AD200 and a AD300Pro. Very happy with those.
Daniel, you mentioned when you used to do OnSet at the Adorama store. Will you ever be moving back their? Either way, I love your videos. They have helped me.
3 tt600 speedlights 60 a piece = 180 plus 2 c stands = 200 plus 2 s type brackets = 40 plus 1 standard reflector = 10 plus 1 2x3 glow popup softbox = 60
Total = 490 not including tax or shipping
Use the third tt600 as a trigger on camera to fire the other two lights and also acts as an on axis fill light
I keep having stuff stolen after I use it once. So I decided to go flashpoint/ godox for replaceability. Also I shop used a lot. I do fashion/ boudoir photography
Amazon is not generic,but budget friendly
I’m a bit confused on needs. Perhaps one need may be a headshot on a background and another need is a head chef at his stove. Aren’t you talking about quite a difference?
I've had some of my students buy the $99 background stuff and in 6 months it's broken.
Nice video but ....
You did not pay any attention to the size of the softboxes !
You also did not pay any attention to grids FOR THE SOFTBOXES.
That would be important for me !
What was your first lighting kit? 😎👍🇨🇦
I started using Flashpoint after seeing @Gavinhoey using it. It's pretty great stuff when you can't afford more expensive stuff like pro-photo