Architectural / interior lighting

[alistair_kerr2]

I'm hoping to get some work doing interiors for upmarket estate agents sales

brochures and am looking at purchasing some flash units. I can't spend a

fortune on these but I am prepared to spend a sensible amount to future-proof

the investment rather than being short-sighted about it.

I'd appreciate some help on selecting the type of equipment as I've had

conflicting advice from different sources: my first query is, monolights or

packs? The second is, numbers of heads and required power for these? A few

points to throw in to help direct responses...

 

- I don't live near a rental centre so need to purchase, ie I need to get it

right first time! (UK based);

- lights also need to be suitable for portraiture and studio work;

- I work with 35mm and MF equipment at present but realise that large format

is probably going to be essential in this area, so lights need to be powerful

enough to cope;

- I may also do work for local architects (of which I am one myself) - these

may include progress shots on construction sites where there will be 110v

available so I presumably need bi-voltage units for this reason alone though

not necessarily for trips abroad!!

- I had previously understood that I'd be fine with a couple of heads of

around 600 - 750w/s each. However looking at some other threads it looks like

this is really under-estimating the required power and numbers (I don't really

want to be having to use multiple pops of flash all the time to get the

required levels);

- I'd appreciate a good range of adjustment eg 6-stops so that I can modify

the output without too much messing around with fittings;

- I had thought that monolights would be fine as I'll have access to power in

most locations but some other threads seem to refer to use of packs quite a

bit;

- I'm really looking for general recommendations rather than manufacturer-

specific recommendations (although I have a slight bias towards Elinchrom

units based on their reputation).

Many thanks for your help!

[garry edwards]

Alistair,

 

Personally I would go for Elinchrom - here in the UK you basically have a choice of Elinchrom or Bowens - there is nothing else I would consider. Elinchrom have a wider range and better accessories but there isn't much in it.

 

And if your budget will stand it, generator units (Pack & Head in the U.S.) will give you the power you need, very easy adjustment (because the units are on the floor) and lightweight heads. My 2,400J generators can adjust down to 75J with one head - half that with 2 fitted, one can be dead-headed if required. Forget about anything sub-1000 if you're likely to use them with LF.

[jacull]

I trained in architectural photography before moving to people. Most guys use tungsten lighting. Arri's or Dedo lights are good options in that arena, but if your style will best be produced with strobes then I suggest using a pak over a monolight.

 

For architecture, it's nice to be able to sneak a light in small space in order to get it where you need it to be. Monolights can be bigger and heavier because they contain everything in one unit: harder to throw up in a corner or tight space. That's just one aspect to consider that I think of straight away.

 

 

JC