Mikes Photography

BNS7335 · Newbie Joined: 20 Sep 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Co. Durham

Hi folks,

I know that this is my first post but I am in desperate need of some help on basic studio advice.

To give you some basic info on what equipment I am currently using:
Camera: Nikon D50
Lenses: 18-55mm, 55-200mm, 170-500mm. naturally I know that I won't need the 170-500mm lens for studio work. lol
Flashgun: Nikon SB600.

What I am looking for is a basic studio starter kit (1 light, soft box) my main query is,

do I need to get an IR control unti for my camera?

If so how much do these cost and what is the specific model that my camera would use.

Thanks very much in advance

Neil

hil26 · Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 10:23 pm Post subject:

Neil

welcome

couple of questions, and I am sure Keith (Creators) will step in with some more and some great advise)

What type of studio shots are you after?

Reason being is that flash/strobes give different results - portrait shots being one where it show in the eyes.

IR control - again couple of options one inexpensive solution is about £50 - seculine is one make make but not sure about the d50 compatibilty.

Other option is a cable release.
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Always in search of that magic moment

BNS7335 · Newbie Joined: 20 Sep 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Co. Durham

Hi hil.

I am looking to do protrait shots from within my own home.

Obviously they wont be anything too flash but just good enough to give me a bit of experience.

I dont think that I am able to use a cable release with the D50, I know this as I had to buy a remote for when I go out and do landscape shots using a tripod.

I will look into the seculine

creators · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 5:21 pm Post subject:

Hi Neil,

As the D50 has a hot shoe you don't need IR control, mind you if you have the money it makes life a lot easier than trailing wires. I run my studio with a lead from the hot shoe to my main flash which fires all the others.

I would recommend the Falcon Eyes studio starter kit http://www.thedigitalcamerashop.co.uk/product_details.php?id=2362

Although I've since added other lights to my kit, this is still the basic kit I use and I find it superb.
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BNS7335 · Newbie Joined: 20 Sep 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Co. Durham

Thanks for that creators.

That certainly seems to fit the bill and i didn't realise that it could be so cheap as well. I was expecting to pay well over £250

creators · Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2008 6:19 pm Post subject:

Good luck, though it still might well get to the £250 mark if you are looking at backgrounds. Looking forward to seeing some shots when you're set up.

I don't know if you've done any studio work yet, but if you are totally baffled, as I was when I started, both Dave and I have been through the teething stage, so if you have any questions, shout.

I remember taking the damned things out of the box and thinking, 'Ok, now what the hell do I do with them, what position, how far from the subject, what camera settings...?' and on and on. It's a major learning curve.

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