What is essential lighting for a portrait studio?
I’m just starting a studio and only have a small light with a softbox to start. I have my backdrops in mind but am unsure of the size I should get. What other lighting should I need, light meters, umbrellas etc.
If your budget allows for it, a 3-light setup would be ideal for most situations.
- 1 main light w/softbox
- 1 fill light w/softbox
- 1 extra light to act as a background light, or hairlight.
If you cannot purchase a fill light, a reflector may be a decent alternative.
The background light is needed to get rid of shadows cast by the subject onto your background. If you use a narrow DOF, you can probably get by without it.
Assuming the lights are optically triggered, you will only need one flash cable (usually comes included with your light) that runs from the camera to the main light.
Other things you may need:
- light stands
- a stand for your backdrop
- incidental light meter (I use Sekonic)
- a very sturdy tripod, maybe with lockable casters (wheels)
- an adjustable bench
I prefer softboxes over umbrellas, so I do not use umbrellas; however, I could be wrong on this, but umbrellas might have a wider coverage so it depends on your application. If you are doing mostly waist-up or facial portaits, the softboxes should be enough. If you are doing full body portraits, you will need large softboxes or umbrellas.
Now if you have a lot of cash, you can get a Pocketwizard setup to make everything wireless. You can even trigger the flash from your meter with some setups. (If you are always doing indoor studio work, I don’t think you will need to consider the Pocketwizards.)
Check out alienbees for some good kits, or try renting a kit from your local photography store. The alienbees have modelling lights included in addition to optical triggers.
Guide to Photography : Photography Lighting Umbrellas & Reflectors
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ALZO Digital Full Spectrum Light Bulb – ALZO 45W Photo CFL 5500K 91 CRI, Daylight balanced, pure white light, 2800 Lumens, Case of 4 $31.99 Case of 4 full spectrum light bulbs for daylight balanced lighting, energy star compliant, long-lasting at cir. 10,000 hours with 2800 Lumens output; low energy consumption, good for treating S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder), photo studio lights, or starting plant growth. These are Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs. Fits all medium-base E27/E26 sockets, but this is a large bulb that might … |
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Full Spectrum Light Bulb – ALZO 85 watt CFL 5500K – daylight balanced pure white light – 4250 Lumens $20.63 This full spectrum light bulb creates daylight balanced lighting, is energy star compliant, and has a long life of cir. 10,000 hours with 4250 Lumens output; low energy consumption, used in light therapy for treating S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder), for photo studio lights, or for starting plant growth. This is a Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulb. Fits all medium-base E27/E26 sockets. Dime… |
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GSI Super Quality Professional Studio Lamp Light Bulb – Tri-Color Ultra White, 105W Fluorescent Energy Saver – For High End Photography $14.99 Brand New Studio Light Bulb From GSI – Designed With Legendary Craftsmanship And State-Of-The-Art Engineering. Created To Provide Super Lighting Conditions In Studio. Easy, User Friendly And Affordable…. |
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Fancierstudio 160 Dimmable LED Camera Light Led Camcorder Light Led Light Panel By Fancier FN160 $54.99 This super lightweight 160 LED video light panel great for video and photography. Item can be used in video taking, either for lights setup or supplement. Fully dimmable light panel able to go from 0-max. One of the best value on the market. Comes with 3 filter to soften light and change color temperature. Also this led panel able to take up to 5 different kind of batteries. -Compatible with five … |
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27 Watts 5500K Color corrected Day Light Fluorescent Lamp Photo Bulb – 2 Pack $44.99 This is a fluorescent 27 watts energy saving daylight photo bulb (5500 Kelvin temp.). This Fluorescent lamp bulb emulates a soft daylight measured at full spectrum color of 90 CRI at 1800 lumens. Lifespan: 10,000 hours. Ideal for all Tungsten Continuous Lighting Kit. This photo bulb would cost you $21 each at your local retail store. Best price combo on the internet. **Limited Time Promo**… |
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CowboyStudio NPT-04, 4 Channel Wireless Hot Shoe Flash Trigger Receiver $15.00 This set is designed for photographic studio and on-location work to trigger various flash lights. The transmitter is attached on the hot shoe of the camera while the receiver is plugged into the studio flash. Each receiver works with one studio flash. Additional receivers are available to purchase . 4 channels to avoid interference The receiver has an on/off switch, and an LED to indicate trigge… |
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CowboyStudio Set of Two 7 ft Photography Light Stands with Cases $22.49 This light stand is perfect for the studio photographer. Made from strong aluminum alloy, it can be used with reflectors, boom stands, strobe flash lights, and backgrounds. Height is adjustable from 3ft 8in to 7 ft 5/8″ stem; 1/4″ screw tip on the stem; Uses quick release levers, allowing full and smooth height adjustments; Footprint is 3ft 9in to provide extra stability; Made from aluminum a… |
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CowboyStudio Photography/Video Studio Triple Lighting Kit with 10ft x 12ft Black, White and Green Muslins Backdrops and Background Support System with Case $121.99 Complete photo studio easy set up, includes continuous triple lighting set, 3 muslin backdrops, and the portable support system. Daylight balanced bulbs: Do Not Be Fooled By the cheap bulbs, our bulbs have been serving U.S for almost 7 years. It is UL, CE listed and Energy Star. These high-output daylight balanced compact fluorescent bulbs are ideally suited for digital photography. They also have… |
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LimoStudio 2 Photography Studio Reflector Umbrella Reflector Brand LimoStudio, AGG125 $19.20 This uses professional quality materials and provides excellent results. It will also integrate perfectly with any additional studio lighting or gels that you may want to use for portrait or product shooting…. |
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LimoStudio 40 Large Double Layer Black and Silver Photo Studio Light Reflector Umbrella Camera, AGG128 $22.30 This uses professional quality materials and provides excellent results. It will also integrate perfectly with any additional studio lighting or gels that you may want to use for portrait or product shooting…. |
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