Backdrop questions, lighting etc

[Chrissyh225]

I am very new to "professional" style photography. I've loved taken pictures my whole life, but the past two years I've actually had people interested in me doing there photo shoots and senior pictures etc. So far, I only do outdoor photography because I have no indoor equipment. I am very poor when it comes to money to spend on equipment. What are the basics that I need? Should I get a green screen to make adding digital backdrops easier? Or should I get a basic white backdrop and stand? What type of basic lighting should I get? Whats the difference between buying a white backdrop online and taking a white sheet and making a stand? I'm really interested in the digital backdrops I've seen people have and I'm thinking that the best idea would be to get a very simple backdrop and lighting and then just cut and paste into different backdrops. Is this the right mind track or? Thanks to anyone who answers!

Chrissy

[LeeOtsubo]

Your question is so broad and basic that it's difficult to answer with any precision. For starters, you should read everything at The Strobist (http://strobist.blogspot.com/) site.

You don't need a lot of gear to shoot indoor portraits (I do it all the time with 2 or 3 strobes) but you need experience and lighting skills. At the minimum, you need a set of light stands, umbrellas, modifiers, remote triggers, scrims, reflectors, etc.

Why are you planning to green screen the images, why not just shoot outdoors? Are you planning to put people in BGs from Rome, Paris and London? Using a green screen adds an unnecessary layer of complexity. What are you selling, your portrait skills or your PS skills?

The simplest, easest way to change BGs is to place a gelled strobe behind the subject to change the color of the white wall/backdrop. Since you're on a shoestring budget, I wouldn't try to get fancy.

Are you planning to shoot in a studio or on location? In your own studio, you have lots more control. On site, you need to either be very good or have lots of gear to cover different contingencies.

Perhaps you should work as an assistant for a local portrait photographer before jumping into this. Have you taken any lighting classes? Even a basic class will help you understand what you need. HTH.

[Chrissyh225]

Thank you for that link. My question is so broad because I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing. I've only done outdoor photography because thats what I love. But, on days when its rainy, and now that the weather is getting colder, I need to learn how to do some studio shots as well. Nothing fancy. I just need to know how to get decent lighting, and the easiest background so that if I can do just simple white backdrop, or cut the people out and paste them onto a digital backdrop. I just thought the green screen would be easiest for this process etc. I don't have a studio, i do everything on location. I think people would rather have a portrait in front of their own fireplace versus in some random studio. Since indoor lighting can really suck at times, I thought if I had some sort of portable lighting I could learn to position it etc. And the background would be great in case they didn't have anything interesting to set in front of, or they wanted that studio look.
So what do you suggest, going from here?
Also I work full time, I go to college full time, and I'm a mom. So being an assistant is not an option. Plus I don't want a career out of this, I just want to learn how to embrace my hobby on a more professional level.

Thanks!!

[LeeOtsubo]

First, I would read everything on the Strobist site especially the Lighting 101 and 102 archives. In fact, I would read those articles 2 or 3 times.

Next, I would buy 1 strobe (flash), 1 light stand and 1 umbrella. A good, inexpensive flash is the Strobist recommended LumoPro LP120 (http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,12311.html) because you can use it as a remote right out of the box. With other flashes, you'll need remote triggers that add to the expense. If you can afford it, 2 flashes would be ideal for your purposes, 1 to light the subject and a second to gel the BG. Skip a backdrop since 98% of homes in the US have at least one wall painted Navajo White. :D If you're determined to use a backdrop, buy a paper roll from B&H or Calumet and hang it with blue painter's tape.

Next, rather than practice on paying customers, I'd round up friends and family and practice until they cry "Uncle". Nothing dashes a client's expectations faster than a photographer fumbling around with their gear. Even setting up an umbrella on a light stand can be screwed up if you don't practice.

If you're near San Diego, I'm offering a lighting workshop at Deer Park Winery next spring. The good thing is, if you don't like your photos, you won't care after sampling a few glasses of wine.:D

[Chesney]

Wish I was near the area Lee, nothing like learning lighting and making them look even better w/ wine LOL I think you will have a full class! :)

[Not4wood]

I am very new to "professional" style photography. I've loved taken pictures my whole life, but the past two years I've actually had people interested in me doing there photo shoots and senior pictures etc. So far, I only do outdoor photography because I have no indoor equipment. I am very poor when it comes to money to spend on equipment. What are the basics that I need? Should I get a green screen to make adding digital backdrops easier? Or should I get a basic white backdrop and stand? What type of basic lighting should I get? Whats the difference between buying a white backdrop online and taking a white sheet and making a stand? I'm really interested in the digital backdrops I've seen people have and I'm thinking that the best idea would be to get a very simple backdrop and lighting and then just cut and paste into different backdrops. Is this the right mind track or? Thanks to anyone who answers!

Chrissy

Chrissy,
Lee has given you the biggest advice anyone can. Do check out Strobist and you will be able to find out what equipment and techniques you will need. Now, that out of the way just jumping in without a lot of experience working Professionally could only get you into trouble. You say you've been walking around with a camera for a long time but you didn't say if you earned any monies doing this. I would say to see if you have any Photo Studios in your area and see if they can use an Apprentice, thats how I started all those years ago. The best education I can ever recommend.

Also, check out the Camel they have very good experienced people and its a free Forum Group just like the Village. There very organized and look for Portriats. Go here: http://photocamel.com/forum/