When did you guys know it was time to get into lighting equipment?

[The Hedgehog]

I figure my question will be a good one for all people who are up and coming to learn.

Basically I've been doing a lot of photos of people's pets. (Some of these people are freaking CRAZY about their dogs and such.) Mostly outside during the day. A lot of dogs running around and playing, and things of that nature. However I've had a few people ask me if I do studio type work. Well obviously I hate to say no, but I don't know anything about how lighting is supposed to work and I know I could afford to get a few things to help me in this endevour.

So my question is, when did you know it was time? (I already feel I have quite a few people who'd be willing to get photos of their pets) Also where can I be pointed in the direction to learn what I need to know about lighting and the setups for "studio" type work?

There's a studio near my house that does family portraits and such. I would assume it wouldn't hurt to go and ask to sit in and "Intern" on some of their stuff. The worst they could say is "no" right?

Just looking for some help here. Especially with people asking more and more for my services.

[HoosierDaddy]

I knew it was time when I could afford it. lol.

[sfr002]

Start with 1 strobe and learn; understand how light works and can be modified and altered.

I started with a SB-600 and knew it was time to get a AB B1600 when it was mad cheap on CL lol.

[Jake2k]

Well it seems like your to a point where some lighting will help you landmore shoots so id say now is a good time, personally I bought my first lights cause btuner was selling a couple and I had the money so I figured why not haha.

One of the best places for information is the Strobist blog and even the Strobist flickr group since all the photos there have lighting information. Just google "Strobist" and it should be the first link.

[The Hedgehog]

Start with 1 strobe and learn; understand how light works and can be modified and altered.

I started with a SB-600 and knew it was time to get a AB B1600 when it was mad cheap on CL lol.

Yeah, I've learned the SB-400 pretty easily. How bounce, diffusion and that type of stuff works. I also noticed just how crazy expensive lighting can get as well.

Well it seems like your to a point where some lighting will help you landmore shoots so id say now is a good time, personally I bought my first lights cause btuner was selling a couple and I had the money so I figured why not haha.

One of the best places for information is the Strobist blog and even the Strobist flickr group since all the photos there have lighting information. Just google "Strobist" and it should be the first link.

Thanks! I'll look into it.

[8600RPM]

Light IS photography literally.

You're only taking the next step in making better pictures, learning light will make your photography better in all aspects. EDIT: I'm speaking about ANY light, natural or not.

[btuner]

I also noticed just how crazy expensive lighting can get as well.

this... It costs money to play... I would say get a sb600 or a 285hv and some cheap triggers and play around with those and see what you can come up with

[Enz01]

You don't need lights to step up another level...Being a good photographer is knowing how to use what you have.

Learn how to use natural lighting... It might not seem as professional as using lights but its all about using what you have...I've noticed in some photos on this forum just because you have it doesn't mean you need to use it.

I'd say when you get a job that asks for lights, if the budget is able to pay for the gear then go for it.

I've bought two 1.2K HMI's that way...

[The Hedgehog]

You don't need lights to step up another level...Being a good photographer is knowing how to use what you have.

Learn how to use natural lighting... It might not seem as professional as using lights but its all about using what you have...I've noticed in some photos on this forum just because you have it doesn't mean you need to use it.

I'd say when you get a job that asks for lights, if the budget is able to pay for the gear then go for it.

I've bought two 1.2K HMI's that way...

One of my small issues is that I have those crazy people who dress their dog up, and want them inside for those type of photos. A lot easier to control the environment I guess. Granted I only do the pet stuff on the weekend, but you get where I'm going to probably end up right?

And I still plan on going to that studio near me and seeing if I can sit in and learn some things.

[Enz01]

One of my small issues is that I have those crazy people who dress their dog up, and want them inside for those type of photos. A lot easier to control the environment I guess. Granted I only do the pet stuff on the weekend, but you get where I'm going to probably end up right?

And I still plan on going to that studio near me and seeing if I can sit in and learn some things.

I hear where your going, try to open a window, work with what you have. If they aren't paying you then you'll most likely only be doing this out of your own pocket.

However if you know you'll make X amount of money from the gig, and your lights cost X amount, buy them, shoot the gig & consider the lights as payment. Learn with what you have, because if you do happen to sell your equipment its going to take a hit on the price so just keep that in mind...

[8600RPM]

Be prepared to get shot down on sitting in, unless the photographer is really cool.

But it would still be worth a shot though.

[The Hedgehog]

Be prepared to get shot down on sitting in, unless the photographer is really cool.

But it would still be worth a shot though.

That's what I'm thinking. But "No" is the worst he can say right? Haha

And Enz, thanks for the advice!