Need to pick your brains a bit ;)

[gymhk74]

Ok, I'm a newbie when it comes to photography, and I'm like a sponge trying to absorb everything I can :)
It's a bit of a novel, and I thank you in advance for taking the time to read ;)

I bought ToBy (my Canon D60) in order to complete a project in 2012.

I am a Face and Body Artist based in Queensland. I am very passionate about what I do, and I wanted to find a way to share my love of bodypainting and an important message with young women. This is in no way a sexual or provocative project, and there will be no nudity.

I would like to inspire women through my artwork to find their inner wings and remember that they have within themselves the strength, the confidence and the passion to follow their dreams and aim for the stars.
Because I believe that "Every Girl is Born to Fly" :)

There will be approximately 15 finished artworks, each one containing a different winged creature painted on a model and representing a different character trait. For example
The Eagle for Confidence, Courage and Determination
The Owl for Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding
Pegasus for Independence, Individuality and Freedom

Each of the artworks will also be representative of the model and their story. There will be an exhibition at a local art gallery to display and hopefully sell some of the pieces, with a portion of the proceeds going to Layne Beachley's im for the Stars Foundation.

The thing is, this project is my baby, and subsequently I would like to be the one to produce each image from the painting to the photography ;)

I have been having a browse, and trying to learn as much as I can :) However I am unsure whether I should purchase items like umbrellas, soft boxes, backdrops etc of if I really need them at all?? Most of the images will be shot indoors, and will need to be either in front of a plain backdrop of some sort or against a canvas that I have also painted. I don't have a massive budget, as I spent quite a bit on ToBy :)

Your thoughts would be much appreciated
Thanks again :)
Beth
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[Adrian Fischer]

In short...yes. Unless of course you have a very well lit indoor area. As you will only be shooting on model at a time a small set up would be all thats required. Maybe two softboxes/umbrellas and studio flashes. You could try strobes with softboxes/umbrellas but might not get enough ooomph from them. Are the models standing, sitting, laying??. It makes a difference on how you light them. Im northside brissy and have lights etc so if your interested in having a practice Im happy to help

[gymhk74]

Thanks Adrian :)
I found a studio lighting kit that includes
backdrop stand 2.8 x 3m
1 black and 1 white backdrop
5 x 32" umbrella
1 x 32" reflector umbrella
5 x light holders
3 x light bulbs
2 x flash lights
5 x lighting/umbrella stands
and carry bags for everything
Total $259

do I need all that, or is it a bit of overkill?
I really appreciate your input
Thanks

[fess67]

Agree with Adrian. Yes, you will need good light to get good results. It can be achieved with natural light but much easier to control it with studio lights. Budget counts though, do not be tempted with a 3 light set for $750, it is almost certain they will not have enough power.

Project sounds like fun, good luck.

[photomike666]

Agreed, for decent results you need some form of lighting rig & background. However, the cheap kits can be ok for simple lighting set ups.

Your $260 kit with 2 lights will NOT light a white background & a model. However, they will light a model & a black background needs no lights ;). Or you could use 1 direct light on the model and a centre spot on a colored background to good effect.

Honestly a soft box will be better than an umbrella, and a single soft light close to the camera is easier to control shadows until you know your way around multi lighting setups

[Adrian Fischer]

though a 3 light set and photoshop might do the trick but its not for the feint hearted.

[Adrian Fischer]

Even with that light setup...how you going to trigger the lights?