susan_k.

<p>And a thank you for the wishes in my recovery too. It's been slow-going, I'm going on 1 year of being off my feet and several surgeries. It was a pretty bad injury. I should be walking again by February, slowly to start. Dr. says it will be another year before I'm 100%. I'm very adventurous and looking forward to getting outdoors again with my camera! </p>

<p>You've posted some very good suggestions on alternative speedlights. I'll look into several as far as pricing and compatibility. At a quick glance, the <strong>Yongnuo </strong><strong>YN-568EX Speedlite for Nikon Cameras</strong> looks great and so does the price at $100. Maybe a step up from the YN560? Seems the 560 works in Manual Mode only, the 568 works in TTL and Manual and not a huge price difference. I'll look into off-camera flash too and do some test shots, naturally. With some experimentation, I'll think I can do what I'd like to achieve with my photos. </p>

<p>Thanks for your suggestions William. You do have a valid point in that hand held is quicker than using a tripod. My goal is to correct my lighting problem and take better photos of my items. Ultimately, with new lighting in place, whether it's from a one dedicated speed light, bounce card or soft box combo, I don't know if I'll get the best shots with Auto or Manual Mode without doing some test shots. Manual Mode I believe disengages my camera's Vibration Assist, therefore using a tripod may be needed IF I'm in Manual Mode. Also, a tripod may be helpful to me since I'm unable to walk for a couple more months. I have a rolling knee scooter but can't raise the camera high and it's more difficult to keep from shaking if it's not eye level. <br> I wouldn't be taking direct overhead shots. Having a board with my garments laying flat and angling the board at 40 degrees while angling the camera down slightly I feel would be a good solution. I could still hand hold the camera, just more difficult for me now. <br> Speedlight is first on my list. Tripod I could probably hold off on. Like I said, a good speedlight may give me enough light, although I may have to address shadow issues later.<br> Thanks!</p>

<p>Sorry, the diagram I tried to post of the different compatible Nikon Speedlights and their features did not upload, it was a screen capture or png. file. I got it from the manual.</p>

<p>Thank you for all the great advice! Tyrone, that's an excellent idea to angle a board for flat shots! I'll need to keep my 4'x4' table as is, I need it for other uses too. My plan is to make a large board from distressed wood or shiplap for my surface. That way I can lay it angled on the floor and set up against a wall when not in use. It would come in handy if I want to hang items too against a wall.<br> My first purchase I feel should be a speed light. I've wanted one for other outdoor photo endeavors as well. Here's what I've been looking at:<br> <strong>Nikon Coolpix p7700</strong> camera (replaced this year by the p7800) with a <strong>Nikon SB-700 flash</strong>. I like that the flash has tilt and swivel functions and has a remote function and will sync with my camera. Costs $330. It should work fine for my product shots in Manual Mode. Although, as you see from the diagram I'm posting, I'm not sure if it will work in Auto Mode. I often like to use Auto Mode when I'm using my camera traveling and such. Do I need the SB-910 flash to work in Auto Mode? Some of the listed flashes are discontinued. The 910 jumps to the $500 range. I definitely would like to buy a radio trigger too. My camera also has a tilt viewfinder.<br> I'll get an external flash. That may be enough light on its own, not sure. Both flashes mentioned come with a flash head Diffusion Dome, Bounce Card (small pull-out internal and apprx. 12"x12" card), Amber & Fluorescent Filters.<br> Should I get two soft boxes (light directed from both sides)? If my product/subject board is on the floor can the soft boxes be angled down that much? <br> Recommendations for a good tripod that's priced reasonably? <br> Yes, I realize I'll be going above my $300 budget, but it will be an investment that will pay for itself shortly. </p>

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<p>Here are two images that show what I'm trying to achieve. My concern with using mannequins is I'd require several, male & female for tops and legs for bottoms. I personally like the look of the item laying flat.</p> <p> </p> <img src="file://localhost/Users/nammeks/Desktop/s-l225-1.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file://localhost/Users/nammeks/Desktop/s-l225-1.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file://localhost/Users/nammeks/Desktop/s-l225-1.jpg" alt="" /><div></div>

<p>Also, I've currently been using a couple flood lights, each with one bulb, and a ceiling light but it's still not creating enough light. Shooting outdoors is not an option because of weather. I'd like to create a "natural light" space in my basement. </p>

<p>I'm still here, actually I'm recovering from ankle surgery so not on my computer much. More info:<br> Yes, my Nikon P7700 has a a dedicated hot flash mount and I could splurge for a decent speed light/hot flash. It also has a White Balance setting. Gerry - my thoughts exactly, "What looks good sells". I've been hanging clothing (shirts, coats, pants, etc) and taking frontal shots against a white wall. I don't like hangers in my photos and the garments sag, looking sloppy. I do color correction on all photos, but if I can get the original photo looking good, I won't have to spend as much time correcting. My ceiling is low, I'd say 8 feet. I like the look of overhead shots for clothing laying flat. Examples I like are seen in the Abercrombie & Fitch and Patagonia websites. It might be harder that way, I can't get a true overhead even standing on a step stool so was looking for a solution. Another option I was considering is using 3/4 mannequins placed on a table with a backdrop in the background. Would a speed light, bounce card and a couple soft boxes suffice? Question - do the hot flashes "recycle" quickly if that's the correct wording so I can take photos quickly?</p>

<p>I've done some research on lighting for a home studio but there's so much information out there that it's overwhelming me on what to buy. Seeking advice here. I want to put a small studio in my basement that has no natural light. Room is about 10' x 10", photo table is 4' x4'. I'm taking product shots (clothing) laying flat on the table and wanting to shoot "overhead" photos. I think I'll need a sidearm for this? Photos will be for the web only. I take about 300 shots at a time with little time for photo correction. I'm looking to take good photos that will allow me to upload to web without a lot of correction. Basement is just too dark now to get a good image and I'm getting hard shadows which I don't want. I will also need to raise and lower camera frequently for full image and close-ups. I'm wanting a basic, easy setup without spending a lot of money, hopefully under $300 if possible. Could I get advice on equipment, brands, for a basement studio? <br> I have a Nikon Coolpix p7700. Nothing else, starting from scratch.</p>