Photography Lighting with softbox, umbrella, speedlights and backdrops

[lunarman]

I'd like to get in to some basic studio lighting but not sure what to get.

Would you recommend a softbox or an umbrella? I'm leaning towards a softbox.

And is it better to use a speedlight off camera with a trigger or some sort of continuous lighting?

Last question. what color of backdrop is good for canna?

 

[lunarman]

Bump

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[lunarman]

Bump again.

And another question. Does clamshell lighting with two softboxes work well for photographing plants? Is that the best way to do studio lighting for plants because it reduces shadows and really shows off the plant details better than say just using an on camera flash?

 

[LittleMT]

I don't think there is a right or wrong answer here...I personally don't like flash or use it, as it tends to blowout the highlights, however if I were to use flash it would be off camera...
I prefer a soft white continuous led light. I think you should follow your ideas, develop a technique, your own style....and kick ass...


This image was shot in the grow tent under the Optic 2 in flower mode.

 

[lunarman]

I don't think there is a right or wrong answer here...I personally don't like flash or use it, as it tends to blowout the highlights, however if I were to use flash it would be off camera...
I prefer a soft white continuous led light. I think you should follow your ideas, develop a technique, your own style....and kick ass...


This image was shot in the grow tent under the Optic 2 in flower mode.
View attachment 1036096

Thank you for the advice on this. This is new territory for me. For an amateur there are a lot of reasonably priced tools I can use for lighting and backdrops that should be far more effective over shooting with a phone cam and flash in a tent. I already came to the conclusion that continuous lit softboxes are more affordable and would be all I would need. I see 2 box kits on amazon with a head for 4 bulbs for $50. A muslin backdrop even cheaper. and there is lots of free info on the internet for how to use this in a simple but effective way. After I get that gear in and setup, I could spend many hours over years learning how to kick ass with it. And to develop my own style.

Right now I have a purple bed sheet and a halogen shop light on a stand and some other lights for below. Been experimenting with that and it didn't take me long to realize the top light should be a lot higher than the subject to eliminate shadows. Basic 101 stuff, but I enjoy the practice of it.

If you were doing canna plant indoor shoots, what would be a good all purpose backdrop color?

 

[LittleMT]

Some of the better cannabis images I have seen have a black backdrop......

 

[LittleMT]

In another lifetime, I used to image coins for some rather wealthy individuals in a forum where till this day I am treated like royalty. My images have been used in catalogs, books, auctions. In this field I preferred a soft led light and a black backdrop....

 

[lunarman]

In another lifetime, I used to image coins for some rather wealthy individuals in a forum where till this day I am treated like royalty. My images have been used in catalogs, books, auctions. In this field I preferred a soft led light and a black backdrop....

View attachment 1036424

Excellent. Love your pictures. Can see the talent instantly. you shoot collectible cars too?

 

[lunarman]

I ordered a 2 pack continuous softbox kit and a black muslin drop from amazon. Prime delivery on Sunday. Can't wait to get things setup and begin to experiment with it.

 

[LittleMT]

Excellent. Love your pictures. Can see the talent instantly. you shoot collectible cars too?

I do tons of car photography.....