Fuji 6x9 lighting setup

[time4d]

I was just wondering if any of you have had experience doing portrait photoshoots with the Fuji GW690?

I don't own any lighting equipment and I really do not know what would work best. I have seen people use wireless flash triggers and continuous lighting with the GW690 but I've no idea what the difference is and what would be most suited to my needs.

 

[John Koehrer]

The camera doesn't have anything to do with your lighting. Well, as long as it's got a sync connection for flash.
If you're using large format there are many concerns regarding power.
Either source will work for you. A couple of differences though:

Continuous lighting may be easier to start with because you can see how light shows shadow or glare as you move the light(s).

Monolights or pro flash will have modeling lights that can help but you won't see the true effect of the light until you have a negative in hand.
Continuous lights will be hot for your subject, Flash will not.

Continuous lights will have a color temperature of around 3200k. If you're looking to use color film you filter for it. The bulbs tend to be delicate while they're hot, you will need some spares.

Flash is approximately daylight and fine for color.

Light modifiers can be used with either one.

LED lighting is becoming more common but doesn't give the power of halogen/incandescent

 

[time4d]

Thanks! It sounds complicated to me at this point. Looks like there's a steep learning curve ahead of me!

 

[John Koehrer]

Some people suggest a strobist web site.
FWIW, it's easy with a monolight and umbrella or soft box.
It's funny what can be done with a soft box. If you have the sitter very close to the box the side away from it gets pretty dark and can be dramatic.

Nikon & Canon have some sophisticated shoe mount style flash systems.
Something inexpensive to experiment with would be Vivitar 283/285 flashes.
Lots of power & plenty of accessories.

 

[benjiboy]

I suggest you buy yourself a book on off camera from Amazon Dead Link Removed
it will tell you what equipment you need and how to use it.

 

[time4d]

Thanks for the advice!

I'll probably rent a studio or something and play around with the equipment and see what kind of look I prefer.