Is thins a good studio lighting set?

Question

This is my first light set..do you think this is a good set, or do i need larger softboxes for the whole body shots.

http://www.adorama.com/SVK74.html?searchinfo=lighting kit&item_no=95

Answer 1

This is an excellent choice ... you will find using continuous lighting much easier to control because you can actually see what the light is doing to your subject.

Unless I have to use a studio, I use lights similar to those on the link.

While studio flash units have their uses, the 4 to 5 time the cost has to justify itself.

Those soft boxes seem to be large enough ... the key is to have enough light output ... your 1000 watt lamp will be plenty ... try using just one for dramatic style shots.

Answer 2

Yes it is good for what it is... continuous lighting, but why did you choose this style of lighting over strobes? Both strobes and continuous have their pros and cons, but in most cases, strobes win out for people photography, and continuous lighting is usually used only for "non living, non moving" objects.

Continuous lights are HOT on the client, and you can get blur unless they are VERY bright and you use a large aperture so you can use a fast shutter speed. Unless you can arrive at a fast enough shutter speed, you will have to have the camera on a tripod.

Strobes are an instant powerful flash with only a mild modeling light for setup purposes. They will "freeze" any subject movement and generally allow you to shoot without a tripod.

Unless it is too late, I suggest that you instead look into getting some strobe lighting from Alien Bees.

steve