Questions for the photographers

[Arkitech]

Can anyone give me a few suggestions on the equipment I would need for shooting photos of home interiors?

I've tried to do a little research and I know that I'll need a good light, a strong flash and a wide angle lens. Can anyone give some specifics on how to choose the right type of lighting, how strong the flash should be or what to expect to spend on a wide angle lens?

The camera I'm using is a Canon Rebel 2000 - pic

My model is a couple of years old but I'm fairly certain that I should be able to use any of the new lenses and flashes with it.

 

[DCFife]

If you are planning on doing this as a regular job where money is exchanged for your services, you probably really want an external lighting setup (a few monoheads with umbrellas), a camera witha PC-sync output (for the flash), and, as you stated, a good wide angle lens.

As an alternative, since you are using Canon (that's what I use too), you may want to check out a few 550EX flashes with umbrellas/lightstands and the Canon ST-E2 slave unit for the top of the camera...B&H Photo sells a kit with 2 x 550EX flashes and the ST-E2 for $799. Umbrellas and lightstands vary in price but you can get decent ones for relatively cheap.

Dave

 

[FeathersMcGraw]

Originally posted by: Arkitech

I've tried to do a little research and I know that I'll need a good light, a strong flash and a wide angle lens. Can anyone give some specifics on how to choose the right type of lighting, how strong the flash should be or what to expect to spend on a wide angle lens?

If you expect to take a lot of pictures using existing indoor incandescent lighting, you should use tungsten-based film, which compensates for the (yellow?) color cast from interior incandescent light. I'm not sure if some of the modern white light bulbs (like GE Reveal) don't suffer this effect.

You'll also want to make sure that your lens is very "fast" (has a very wide maximum aperture setting) -- something in the sub-2 range.

 

[KC5AV]

The tungsten film is a good suggestion. You can also use some filtering. That may be easier to track down than tungsten film... not sure. Your best bet is to use as much natural light as possible. With the built-in flash you will find that there are a lot of shadows in most rooms. You should be pretty good with 2 umbrella flashes.

 

[Arkitech]

thanks guys sounds like I should probably invest in a good book

I'm basically shooting interior pictures for my real estate investing and also for fun.

DCFife - Should I expect to spend 800 for a good lens, I did'nt realize they were so expensive.

 

[todpod]

Unless you plan on selling your pictures I wouldn't. Look at other brands like Sigma or Tamaron, you should be able to get an 18-35mm for like $400. Or go to KEH.com and look at the used ones they have. The Lenses I have bought from them have been in better condition the they said. Get yourself a good tripod shoot a few shots and see if you like them, then look into lighting equipment if you need it.