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I wonder if there are any keen amateur photographers out there who may be able to advise me on some lighting and camera equipment?
My son has recently taken a very keen interest in photography, mainly brought on by the birth of his baby son last year and like most proud father's, he is constantly taking shots of his baby son and all the cute little things, that little babies do. He is really took up with his new hobby and has mentioned he would like some lights and a background backdrop for when he does portraits etc. Anyway, it's his birthday soon and I thought something like this, would make an ideal present for him. Unfortunately, I haven't got a clue where to start looking or what to look for and the websites I have looked at so far have left me more confused than when I started! I don't want to spend a fortune on expensive equipment but at the same time I don't want to buy a load of old rubbish either! Can anyone help by suggesting where to look or what to buy etc?
I would really appreciate your help in this matter as I love to give surprise presents but I really am totally ignorant when it comes to things like camera equipment!
A kit will have all the bits you need. It will be easier than trying to buy the items individually.
Afraid I can't advise any more as I have never used photo lights, hopefully someone who has will be along soon with more info.
Trevor
______________________________________________________________ Not all who wander are lost.
The choice is vast and I think that you could well end up buying the wrong thing. Your son will probably know just the kit he would really like and perhaps you should let him choose. I know it will spoil the surprise but rather that than something he might not prefer.
Perhaps the surprise could be taking him to a dealer, rather than trying to work out what to get.
If I were in your son's position, I would not be too confident about someone else choosing a studio lighting set-up for me. There are several issues to consider: here are just a few. Does he want a studio flash system, or continuous light (tungsten bulbs)? If flash, does his camera have the facility to trigger external flash units? A lot of recent SLRs don't have a flash-sync socket, only a 'hot-shoe' for a dedicated flashgun. This can often be overcome with an adapter, but that raises another question as to whether the flash units should be triggered by a cable, or a radio / IR / slave flash transmitter.
I am rather 'rusty' in this area and have not used studio flash since the days when I used film cameras. Today, I get by with standard flashguns. Your best source of guidance would probably be Artona. Why not drop him a PM.
I think maybe the suggestion of giving him a budget to spend on whatever equipment he decides would suit him best, may be the best solution and I love the idea suggested by JeanLuc of taking him to a camera dealers.
Thanks for your help folks - It is much appreciated.
I agree that photography kit is quite a personal purchase and rather than get the wrong thing better to either ask him or consider other photography related gift (a course or good book or even software if he does not already have it).
I use a Canon 400D and used to own studio lights but never had the room to really use them. It might be better to hire a studio for an hour or two once he improves. I use a well known light diffuser on a Sigma flash that is capable of some really soft lighting without the bulk of having studio lights.
Not sure what camera kit he has already but would advise he look at digital SLR if he's keen on photography. There are lots of makes that are all really capable but Canon and Nikon have the largest system of lenses and accessories which is worth considering if it's likely to become a lifelong hobby.
Your best source of guidance would probably be Artona. Why not drop him a PM.
Philip
Hi,
Just to let you both know I had already PM'd Artona to ask for his advice prior to putting this post on - but unfortunately, he prefers not to offer advice regarding photographic equipment. Anyway, thanks for suggesting I contact him and once again thank you for your help.
I agree that photography kit is quite a personal purchase and rather than get the wrong thing better to either ask him or consider other photography related gift (a course or good book or even software if he does not already have it).
I use a Canon 400D and used to own studio lights but never had the room to really use them. It might be better to hire a studio for an hour or two once he improves. I use a well known light diffuser on a Sigma flash that is capable of some really soft lighting without the bulk of having studio lights.
Not sure what camera kit he has already but would advise he look at digital SLR if he's keen on photography. There are lots of makes that are all really capable but Canon and Nikon have the largest system of lenses and accessories which is worth considering if it's likely to become a lifelong hobby.
I like the idea of a course or a book too - so thanks for that HikerG.
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