Portable studio kit recommendation please..

<p>Hi<br>

I am a freelance photographer from Ireland and I mainly specialise in Landscape photography.<br>

Recently I have had a few requests if I do portraiture primarily of kids/mums etc and I have started to look a little closer and it seems there are a few opportunities in this sector. <br>

We have three kids of our aged 5 being the eldest so this area of the market through families we know etc , possibly schools too<br>

I would love to hear what members would recommend for a location studio kit? The approximate budget would be max €3000 euro.<br>

Presently I have looked at the Elinchrom Quadra Ranger 2 head kit in the UK but also wonder would a 3rd head be of use for the market I am contemplating?<br>

<a href="http://www.theflashcentre.com/elinchrom-ranger-quadra-2-head-kit-i3385.html">http://www.theflashcentre.com/elinchrom-ranger-quadra-2-head-kit-i3385.html</a><br>

Any recommendations on portable background, good light meter, softbox or umbrella would really be appreciated.<br>

Thanks in advance<br>

Andy Goss</p>

<p>For portraiture I would recommend a kit that has three heads. This will give you more flexibility and a main, hair/rim, and background light possibility. If you use monolights they will be a little less money. If you use power packs and heads, then you should get a pack or make up a kit that has three heads and two powerpacks. Dynalite makes some nice, lightweight, portable kits. The 3 light, 2 head kits are in the $3000 USD range. I like the Prophoto monolights, the D1 air kits. They are a little more expensive, but they are very powerful and versatile. On light meters I like the Sekonic L-758 for it's versatility. It can be used as a reflected or incident/strobe meter. It also has a spot meter built in. Add a few softboxes, umbrellas, and a grid spot kit and you should be fine. Good luck.</p>

<p>Gary you are a gentleman and thanks so much for your time and this really helpful info.</p>

<p>Regards</p>

<p>Andy</p>

<p>Gary I looked at the sekonic L758 on bhphotovideo its close to $600.<br>

I am just wondering if a budget of 3000 euro is tight to to include stands backgrounds head etc.</p>

<p>I have a 580 ex11 which could be used too to keep costs down</p>

 

<p>You'll be fine with the Sekonic L358 - truly!</p>

<p>I agree with Matt's comments on the L-358; it's a solid meter, and will serve you well. The L-758 has some great additional features, but within your budget you would probably be better off spending the price difference on a more capable portable lighting solution, or light modifiers (you can probably use the price difference to purchase a soft box).<br>

We use the Ranger Quadra very frequently, and they are a standard part of our location equipment package. The light quality is excellent given the power and price range. The two head kit is a great start. Because the Quadra is a two head system, you'll need to add an additional pack if you want to add a third or fourth head. My recommendation: start with the two head kit; add an additional pack and head if needed later. <br>

You'll also need to purchase the Quadra reflector adapters, which provide compatability with nearly the full range of Elinchrom modifiers. I say "nearly the full range" because the Quadras are only recommended for use with modifiers up to 100cm. We use a 39" Elinchrom deep octa, and are very pleased. Because of the mounting, you can also use the VERY large Elinchrom 74" Octa, Recta and Quadra soft boxes. I've used both the 39" and 74" Octa on a Ranger Quadra, and the results are impressive.<br>

Additionally, the standard cables supplied with the Ranger Quadra kit are a bit on the small side. I would recommend at least one extension cable, and add an additional cable if your lighting configurations require it.<br>

Finally, the Elinchrom Ranger Quadra kit comes supplied with an Elinchrom Skyport transmitter, and the receiver is built in to the pack. Mount the transmitter on your camera, and you have instant wireless power control and triggering.<br>

For the portable background, Manfrotto makes a portable background pole (#2983), which mounts to standard light stands. You can also purchase it as a kit (#1314B) with the stands.</p>

<p>This kit shall meet most of your need:</p>

<ul>

<li>2 hot shoe flashes</li>

<li>1 white umbrella</li>

<li>1 white reflector</li>

<li>3 light stand</li>

<li>1 remote trigger system (another hot shoe flash as an alternative if you are in door) </li>

<li>1 light meter. </li>

</ul>

<p>This cheap and super portable lighting kit has been my on location portrait lighting tools for a few years. The following photo is done with this kit without using the reflector. <br>

<img src="http://vicina.info/images/misc/IMG_3317_logo.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="480" /></p>