Lighting Equipment for Night Time Photoshoot

[lochiereiid]

Hi I am a beginner photographer, but at the same time pretty knowledgeable about cameras etc but i'm not so educated in the lighting side of things.
Although I know the basics, I need help with an upcoming situation.
So I am wanting to do a photoshoot at a harbour at night time, so there will be lights, boats etc in the background of the image.. I wanted my subject to be leaned up against a railing facing toward the camera with the harbour in the background. I was wondering how I could light this situation, what sort of lighting I would need to purchase, as currently I have none. I was thinking a ring light, as I like the effect it gives to the subjects eyes and the light it produces but then again I am not a professional when it comes to lighting. So what would you recommend I purchase and where I place the lighting and equipment to produce a well lit subject?

[ricktas]

Several issues here that also need to be considered. What lighting exists where this railing is? Various forms for street lighting etc come in colours that may not be what you want, ie, the orange tinted lights (to stop bugs gathering). Unless you are happy with the tint that exists at the location, then you need to over-power that light, otherwise your subject will be bathed in a mix of your lighting and the tinted lighting, which may not be flattering.

From what you say, a ring light, would need to be reasonably close to your model to be effective, and if you use other lighting, it might over-power the ring light effect anyway.

Next, are you wanted to do just headshots? or from what you have said, are you doing whole of body and some of the railing, boardwalk decking etc? Because you need to consider everything you need lit. No use just lighting your model your model's face and nothing else, if the lower half of her body ends up being darker, because it is on the fringe of your light. Also the railing is a great leading line, so are you considering having the railing lit as well?

Next, how are you powering all this? Are you wanting battery powered, battery pack powered, or electric (generator)?

Once we know more about what you want to light (how much of your model, and the surrounds) along with what power source(s) you want to use, then we can start suggesting some lighting options for you. ... And, do you want flash lighting or continuous (video) lighting - both can be used for still photography? Do not just think of this single shoot. Think to the future and buy something that you will use over and over, make it a good investment for the future.

This can be an expensive exercise, good lighting doesn't come cheap. Having said all that, a good sized beauty dish, gives a nice evenly spread light that will provide coverage for the entire body of your model.

Have a look at these Ausphotography site advertiser who specialise in lighting, as that might give you some ideas too: Fotogenic : Protog : Phottix :