Commercial Product & Speed, Special Photography Help Needed

[theantiquetiger]

I first thought you were a spambot posting crap (it happens all the time here late at night), but I see you are still logged on, so I am guessing you are legit.

As for a set up, $5000 will get you minimum equipment for what you are talking about. A mid-class, upper camera will run you $1500-2000 (Canon 7D). For what you are wanting to do, this would be the minimum camera you would want.

I have a lower class camera than that and three lenses, and I have over $4000 in equipment, with filters, flashes, tripods, etc., and I don't have near the equipment you are wanting for this task.

You also have to consider computer software, Photoshop $1800, etc.

[haunted4life]

I first thought you were a spambot posting crap (it happens all the time here late at night), but I see you are still logged on, so I am guessing you are legit.

As for a set up, $5000 will get you minimum equipment for what you are talking about. A mid-class, upper camera will run you $1500-2000 (Canon 7D). For what you are wanting to do, this would be the minimum camera you would want.

I have a lower class camera than that and three lenses, and I have over $4000 in equipment, with filters, flashes, tripods, etc., and I don't have near the equipment you are wanting for this task.

You also have to consider computer software, Photoshop $1800, etc.

Haha, Thankfully you didnt consider to ignore it

The thing is we are 5 of us with different experiences. Who each has a kit plan of their own. so I wanted to leave an empty board on here and have experienced people like you throw in some ideas and we could work some thing up. About the Budget yes 5000 Might be a little too harsh, but we dont want to splurge on buying the best of everything unless needed. Though if needed we surely can increase the budget. The computer and Software costs have not been added to this 5000. Those are things we are willing to additionally spend for.

From what I personally know and have heard, Product Photography is usually much cheaper cause Most of the Kit such as Lights, Backgrounds, Domes and so on are much smaller. We are only going to shoot a max of 1.5 Mtr of Objects and our Final Shots after processing is to be shown on Brochures, Catalogs and so on. No Posters or Life Sized Cut outs and such.

or am I totally wrong here ?

[theantiquetiger]

I am just a novice photographer and have zero knowledge of the business you are pursuing, all I can tell you about is cost of equipment. Below is my set up for lighting, that basic set up ran me nearly $400 (not inuding the tripod, got it at a garage sale). That was $300 for the flash, $30 for the umbrella, $35 for the adaptor for the flash to the tripod. This is a basic flash (great flash for novices).

Your biggest cost will most likely be lenses. Sounds like a lot of macro work (or semi-macro work).


the assistant by Theantiquetiger, on Flickr

[Marko]

Welcome to the forum!

I can't give you a detailed response yet (I'll have more time to write later tonite)...but it's coming.

Do you and your friends know the basics of photography - exposure, composition?

[haunted4life]

@Theantiquetiger

Thanks for that. The shot looks great btw

@Marko

Looking forward to your reply tonight
And yes we do. One among us has even done his Masters in Photography.

[Marko]

Then buy the best gear you can afford. - 5000 will not be enough though. You are looking at 6000-7500 for seriously good gear.

(You can probably spend half this or a quarter of this and get similar results - but your shooting experience will be less friendly)

1 - Camera - I can't recommend any brand - they are all fab. Go to an actual store and feel how the camera feels in your hand. (this is so crucial!!!)
If you have older lenses in good shape that will work with digital- buy that brand if the camera feels good in your hands. Nikon d800 is 36 megapixels and would be one example of a fab camera for your needs if it fits your hands well. 2500.

2 - lenses - you neglected to mention the size of your studio but anything fast (a lens having a large aperture) around 70mm-210 might be a good starting point. 2200. for a nikon version
Fast lenses are HUGE in product photography as you can play with selective focus AND SEE WHAT YOU ARE DOING in the viewfinder. Slower lenses are hard to focus indoors because it's darker in viewfinder.

3 - Tripod - Go to a store and put your camera on the tripod and think about the head you will use with the tripod. Extend 1 or two sets of legs - if the camera is at or very near eye level - that's the tripod for you.
The weight isn't crucial for a studio tripod, so get a solid heavy one and save money there. 350-500.

4 - Filters you won't need them except for a polarizing filter if natural light will enter studio.

5 - Flash - get the top of the line or next below for the camera that u get. 400.

6 - Lights - Alienbees has some affordable good lights. get at least 3 of them. 700-1000.

7 - Supports - 2 light stands, 2 superclamps and a rod of some kind for the background supports. A roll of paper grey paper will be good to start. Reflectors - get one of those multi coloured ones. (black/white/silver/gold) 300

Markos very rough total = $6500

Hope that may help - I'll answer more if u have additional questions.