Build Your First Lighting Kit (2019) any Budget

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Great Feedback guys, I love hearing about your current and starting kits! Also, shirts can be had here: teespring.com/stores/daniels-merch

[@callumbedford1208]

Before watching these videos I figured the likes of Fstoppers were the only photography sources online, finally I've found something of use to me. In terms of useful and entertaining content there's nobody comparable.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

😊😊😊 Thank You!

[@pattymattes7124]

I'm one of those who sent you a DM asking about lights, lol. I bought the Honeybadger Unleashed kit that came with two small soft boxes. I have 2 umbrellas about 45" in size. I have one Flashpoint speed light. I did buy a grid for that so I can control rim light. I have three light stands. One came with a kit that I bought a long time ago. It's not as heavy duty as the other two but works fine with speed light. When I go to the shelter to take photos of the animals I use the two umbrellas. It does throw light everywhere and that's what I need since animals don't like to sit or stand still in one place for very long. I have used the soft box and speed light for a rim when doing special stuff with my dog. I am able to make him sit still for a decent amount of time. I do like the results I get. There are other things I would like to do but I'm still learning. One thing I did learn is that regular light stands are a bit too tall for when I was trying to do rim light. I could have elevated the dog on a platform but decided to use an inexpensive small tripod to mount my speed light. It did the trick. Thanks for your suggestions. You've helped me a lot!!!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Great! Good idea with the small tripod

[@alexanderdunton2598]

You are a great Teacher Daniel. I am just beginning my journey with understanding lighting for video, and you are helping me with foundational learning. Really awesome advice. Thankyou!

[@Arrowliliphotography]

Thank you for your sage advice. I love that you keep it real!

[@kennethisaac4246]

I love your videos. My kit consists of 2 Flashpoint Rapid 600 II HSS, R2 Pro Trigger, 2 3 Ft Octoboxes with grids, 1 13"x63" Stripbox with grid (All Godox), 2 GVM C- Stands and a Brooklyn reflector. I also have the Sekonic L-478D-LDU along with Capture One 23 and Tether Tools cable.

[@back2lay]

The best light modifier I ever used was a shower curtain in a grotty Bangkok hotel. Hung the curtain in the doorway with two speedlite wedged in the towel rail in the bathroom. Also draped over a chair on top of the table to make it into a smallish sized softbox. I came so close to packing the thing in my suitcase when I left..😁

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Ha ha - you should have asked the room cleaning staff to hook you up

[@MarcoCastro]

Danie. Not sure how i stumbled on your channel but I have to tell you that I really appreciate the content you’re creating. It’s simple, knowledgeable and provides lots of value. My kit consists of profoto b2 (dual), b10 and a1x. Modifiers are profoto beauty dish, 2x3, 1x3, 2’ softbox and 36”. I find that I’ve been able to do a lot with the setup I have. Beauty, fashion, swim, product, everything.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Great! Thanks for watching!

[@AnthonyWilson247]

Good advice Daniel! Another sound advice video! I'm currently up to three lights. I can do just about anything i want at the moment. For now it is just a hobby but that might change later. I also buy my gear to have more than one purpose and to save space, money and to maximize my shooting options. The first modifiers i bought were a 5 in one reflector followed by an umbrella. My umbrella is shoot through or can be set up reflective. I now also have two Adorama glow softboxes. One deep round and one rectangular(bought the 2x3 some months ago based on your recommendation) . They are nice that you can have good soft light then take the diffusion material off for a more specular type of light. Or use the supplied disk and get a beauty dish quality of light from them. I have one Godox speed light and two Godox AD200 units. All lights use the Godox radio trigger that i can honestly say hasn't to date haven't given me a single misfire. I found i had to upgrade to these because the very cheap speedlights i had before were driving me crazy with varying colour(yes Canadian spelling) shifts and misfires. As you said use them until they can no longer do what you want them to do. The two AD200 are more than powerful and reliable enough for anything i do inside. I can't afford Profoto's. Even if i could it would be a waste as i'm not a full time working pro. When i go outside i can use a relatively cheap bracket and combine the AD200's to make a 400w strobe. This setup saves me from buying a dedicated powerful strobe for the relatively few times i use flash outside. Other times I can swap out the AD200 bulbs an use the AD200 speedlight head attachment and can gel them inside of a modifier with ease using the Magmod system(not so cheap but portable and space efficient). When not using an umbrella or softbox I also use Magmod to gel and grid the bare lights if i desire. I have lots of lighting options that i can pack up into into a small space when not in use(keeps the wife happy) While not the most expensive or top of the line gear i feel lucky to have the equipment i do. I'm having a blast using my stuff and i learn something new each time i go out and shoot. For now and the near future my "GAS"(Gear Acquisition Syndrome) is over! I'll be running with this setup for while.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Sounds like a good set up!

[@johanmatto]

Putting together my first proper lighting kit and I've been scratching my head for two months trying to figure out what to get for starters that'll give me lots of options, given that I shoot lots of different things while figuring out my style/path going forward. This really helped a lot, great way to answer the question "What should I buy?", without knowing anything about my specific circumstances nor talking about specific products. Just the advice I didn't know I needed. Thanks, Daniel, really appreciate you sharing your experiences and approach.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome

[@gabbee1382]

Thanks heaps Daniel, you are so generous in sharing your years of experience. I so love the T Shirt!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thank You!

[@keithlaw95]

Thank you for the insight. I started with manual flash with separate triggers. I had umbrellas and fold up reflector. Clamshell was all the rage.. I then I added more flashes with cheep stands and at the time my favorite modifier was a 3x2 soft box that folds like an umbrella.I love that one. it is easy to transport. All you need is a stand, soft box and flash. I added flashes as prices came down ( I now have 7) After a while I found a good strobe with triggers.They are 300ws and cost less then 150 with trigger. (godox) I now have 5 of them. they provide plenty of light, recharge fast and are great for my small hobby studio. The thing I had trouble with in my mind was the space needed for a studio. I have learned from watching the videos done at Adorma and at Daniel's studio that a huge room with a 10 foot ceiling is not necessary. My studio is about 16 wide and I can get back 20 feet and shoot with my 70-200 if I want. I use a full size paper roll on stands. I have 6 c stands and several other stands. The modifiers I have are 3x2 3x4(2) 1x3 strip 2x5 strip and a beauty dish ( and others) I am pleased with my set up. I have learned so much watching the hours of videos Daniel has put out. Forgive the length of this comment. I wanted to show that I started with a flash and umbrella and grew from their. I found that I do not need to buy the most expensive equipment to get a great shoot.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

That sounds like a great kit and that you took time to build something that works for you. Good point you don’t need a huge space to shoot you just have to understand light.

[@portblock]

This is great. I just had these conversations all last week. I tried to explain to my students most people will say "buy this" because its what they use. Best to understand what does what and buy what you need, build as you need it and realized what you are missing... I am going to forward this video to all them. Let me know if you are ever in LA :)

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome! Thanks! I do occasionally make my way south 😊

[@MegaSoundscapes]

Thank you Daniel , great advice as usual ! ;-) .... Starting off with one light, a large silver umbrella with diffusion, a 2 x 3 softbox, a reflector with a grid and a beautydish with grid ... I will see how far I get with that setup .... I like your videos (as well the Adorama ones) because you don't talk pure tech stuff but as well the thought pattern behind things which is very helpfull for newbies !! .....

[@davidkyle5017]

Just starting out and looking for advice on light setups, so thanks very much this helped a lot.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome, let me know what you decide on

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Practical aa always, Daniel. Thanks! I don't make my living with photography, but I still care about getting the best results I can. So... I started with small versions of what you've described.. Portable sources are two flashes capable of TTL and HSS, (radio-controlled) and two others I can use as slaves or on manual. I then bought two of the (large) Rogue Flash benders, with grids, snoots, and gels. Next was a 5-way reflector (black, white, silver, gold, and diffusion) and a shoot-through umbrella, with adapter, and several lightweight stands. Naturally, I'd like to upgrade., but this has proven to be a versatile set of basics for a non-pro like me, and it's been "enough", for most things I need to do. And, (Thanks, Seth!) I have materials to make black, white, and silver "Brooklyn reflectors/flags", if I need more. Some equipment is multi-use... Those small feet that come with most flashes are better than nothing, and I also have an extra tripod, along with a Gorilla Pod, which can hold flashes, if needed. Worst-case scenario is "Hey, buddy, can you hold this (flash or reflector) for a few seconds?"

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Great! Sounds like a good kit and is doing the job

[@alantuttphotography]

Agree with everything you've said. The only thing I would add is when buying lights, get the best quality you can afford. That way, you won't have to replace them too soon. Lights are like lenses. They can be with you for the long haul, even after a few camera upgrades.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

For sure!

[@ottienabors7275]

Love your videos. I especially like these advice sessions. My one contribution to the topic of building a lighting kit is to consider acquiring second hand gear. I love estate sales and have acquired 3 speed lights, a number of light stands with hot lights and 2 back drop stands all at estate sales. Not mention other camera gear. Just be cautious when buying the electronics. I always take a set of batteries and a simple radio trigger with me to test a speed light before buying it.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Nice! Yes, you can find so fun and good stuff that way, just have to know how to do basic checks on it.

[@robertelphingstone1507]

You are putting together a gear menu and I wish I could have heard you say that two years ago .

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Better late than never

[@MrVangassen]

Them God damned lights.. BTW went out on the sunny day with a flash gun and a "cool" figurine just to have fun. Its amazing how much you can do with the sun and a flash. Used a bit of polistyren I found on the ground as a reflector and a Chinese on flash round difuser. Gels made with coloured plastic bags ( just wrap them around the light and shove into the difuser and be amazed haha) Plenty of fun quite cool pics. This is to whom not yet planning on buying studio lights. Thanks Dan for another good one!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome

[@manilamartin1001]

Great talk. Just a note. Ed Philipps of Matthews Equipment just passed and if you ever need lighting flags I recommend his equipment.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

That’s sad to hear, yes, Matthews flags are great

[@jensschmidt]

My first lighting set were three YongNuo speedlights with small 2x2ft softboxes. I now upgraded to two Bowens 400 studio lights, one Godox studio light, two 3x4ft softboxes and a couple of grids. Oh, and a portable background. So far, I never needed anything else. I usually shoot single or couple portraits.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Great!

[@rhondamoore9842]

That shirt is awesome, and I have a similar art piece as yours to your left - mine has an ostrich egg on top. I have become a light stand collector. Best accessory I’ve added is one of those clamps that holds a reflector!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Nice! Yes having a bunch of stands is very useful!

[@rhonaldjr]

Excellent video, I am going to bookmark this and go through as I build my kit. At the moment mine is Godox AD200 x 2, Octagons x 2, Reflectors (White, Black, Silver), Continuous LED lights (480w) x 2. Checking out Godox V1 for Fuji now, maybe I will go for it at some point.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Cool!

[@darylnd]

I just ordered a used Chimera 24" x 32" from Adorama.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Nice

[@Sportserjeff]

One of the things I got first was a 5 in 1 umbrella. It was silver or I could change it to white. Or put a cover over the silver and it became a soft box. Great piece I used at first.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Cool!

[@mrghost3209]

Great idea for a video! So many people struggle with this subject and how to build their light rig vs budget vs mods etc. Really relatable, easy to work with information - great video.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks!

[@GermanViking]

That T-shirt rocks!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thank You!

[@SalmanAkhtar1]

I had a photographer at Hit-the-lodge conference once show me how to use a single light and a broom closet to take amazing pictures. Confined space allows the light to bounce around the model and act as if you have 3-4 lights.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Using the space is a good skill for sure

[@BikeVisionScotland]

Very helpful information and at the right time for me. Going to tweak my shopping list, to add a few items that I had not considered...

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Great!

[@Stego86]

I love the Tshirt!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thank You!

[@markseaman3262]

Thank you. Now I have an idea what I need to get to start with.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Great!

[@kkaramath7104]

Thanks again Daniel, I've been waiting on this one.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Cool!

[@atrbear]

Again, helpful and practical information that many can apply to their work. Thanks Dan!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thank You!

[@Noealz]

always appreciate your knowledge daniel

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thank You!

[@madphotographer762]

Thanks amigo. _Great Video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge._ ❤️

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks for watching

[@stevebikes995]

Good stuff, Daniel!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks!

[@JimResnikoff]

Great information, glad to hear I’m on the right path.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Cool!!

[@rumporridge1]

Always learning from you Daniel. Great video!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome

[@david71166]

Thanks for the insight. I really enjoy these videos.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome, thanks for watching!

[@teleking58]

Dozens of DMs a day? Wow. I'm surprised people would hit you up so much when you do such a great job of explaining everything in your videos. I guess as you do cover a lot of ground in your videos and demos and it's easy enough to miss things and get lost. Have you ever considered producing an e-book? Guys like you know so much that an e-book might be a good way to cover the definitive basics and introduction to lighting.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Typically they are more specific questions.. I have been asked to do an ebook but it’s on a long list of things lol

[@hazardstorms226]

Hi there! Could you please explain the difference between a 3 ft ocobox and a 3 ft deeper parabolic like the Glow 38 deep parabolic? Will the parabolic be more versatile? Thanks for all the great info!!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Deep Parabolic boxes are a more focused and specular source - Both are good, if I had to decide based on versatility I’d still go octa softbox

[@tylerHphoto]

is there a "magic ratio" of size for modifier to size of subject? A person compared to a car would be a good reference for size.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

If you want soft light, the source needs to be larger than your subject and kept relatively close.

[@1741951]

Thank you, Daniel, I will keep this Video as a Reference for a Lighting Kit instead of going into a Photography Store & just asking for a 3 Light setup ( Potluck ) (:-))

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

It’s good to try to plan ahead, though that’s not always possible

[@keithk7926]

Right now, just a single light, a Godox speed light. I'm looking at an AD200 as my next purchase.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Nice!

[@asainareasome]

Would you recommend portable led lights?

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

With LED lights, you need to be careful because you really get what you pay for

[@definedphotography]

Nice shirt! As always, appreciate the tips and infomation.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thank You!

[@hoseahiggins3055]

Great advice. Wish I had seen this before. Would've bought gear with more focus.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Live and learn 😊

[@andrewchisholm3665]

Great video again. I have speedlights and two sofboxes including a new strip box that I am going to use on Sunday

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome

[@KeemoRicablanca]

I just started my 3 point lighting system - 2 Godox TT350C and an AD200. Also learning different softbox and modifier angles and placements for my home studio. Your Adorama live feed has been my go-to place recently. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and tips on everything photography. I'm sipping my cup of coffee while watching this video on a rainy Monday morning. Cheers from Manila!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome, sounds like you are building a great kit

[@wullieg7269]

My flash from 1882 still works, Hannimex hammerhead,two stop auto check. It's funny cos it's......

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

That’s very old 🙃

[@pennsylvaniaphotographer7774]

Here is my general rule. If the piece of equipment can make me money, then I will purchase. It is also a fine line between if it makes my life easier, I will also consider making the purchase, as time is money. I made a lot of purchases in the past that I wanted and not what I needed. I have since decided to make money and not spend it:) LOL

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Yes, good point time is money, sometimes a piece of gear that saves you time is well worth it

[@gewglesux]

Thanks Daniel.. I use Speedlights- handful of SB800's. Eventually i'll move over to another system. I like the Profoto system -kind of expensive but i love the results.. I mean this will be a tad down the road as my 800's stop working.. some I've had repaired a few times already.. it's only time until it's not cost effective to keep sending them in for repair... Although Greedbay has always been a pretty good source of used strobes.. Thanks for this information.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Cool! Yeah, SB 800s are great work horses

[@Ashleyapples]

I don't know why, but I thought this video was about the iphone apply lighting cable

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

I have no idea what that means

[@SimplyRashid]

First

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

⭐️

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

This is a good subject but also opens up to another question and that is what are you going to be shooting? Or what sort of clients do you think you will be shooting for? That could be how to build your lighting equipment list. You did a nice job on helping the guys out there, Daniel!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Of course, depending on your subject matter things would vary this is based on kind of an average kit for most people

[@KAR120C69]

Good advice. And it's true about not buying more than what you NEED to get a job done. Sometimes renting what you need to complete a job is better than buying if you'll only need it maybe once. Off topic question Seth told me to ask you since I asked him - What film lab do you use? My guy is retiring soon & looking for lab that is reliable AND consistent in how they process film. (I did years ago but do not want to process anything again myself) Only use 35mm color & bw for portraits when requested only a handful times a year so not doing anything that would qualify for bulk rate but that doesn't matter. He mentioned a lab you use sometimes will include notes about photos - exposure/how much they pushed/etc? Be nice if they included notes but not necessary. Consistent & reliable is my main concern with price much further down list. And that shirt... you selling them? 😁

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Lab:thefindlab.com/ T-shirt: teespring.com/stores/daniels-merch

[@mjcz5853]

Another great video Daniel, really digging your channel. Ok, so where do I get that awesome shirt your wearing?

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Should be a link under the video 😊 thanks!

[@tw9535]

Great video, Daniel... as always Addition to Basic kit available from Adorama: [-] Westcott Illuminator Arm For Reflectors Yes, your friends will offer to hold a reflector for you. No, they will not hold it consistently in the right spot. If ever.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

I hardly ever use such a device Though I do use C stands to hold reflector cards in the studio, so probably a decent investment assuming that you’re not outside where the reflector will blow over

[@bobrob8839]

You need to be petting a dog in these videos.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Ha ha, yeah. 😊