View Full Version : Advice needed for equipment for lighting interviews


Charles Penn
April 10th, 2010, 07:03 AM
Folks, I would greatly appreciate your weigh-in on what lighting fixtures/ types I should pursue to fill out what I already have. I'm concentrating on interviews -- generally one-on-one. I currently have one Tota light with umbrella and one Rifa 44 softbox. I'm considering buying a 42" reflector and a pro light with a snoot. The reflector can be used for fill, the pro light for back light. I'm short on fixtures, clamps and the like as well. So I'll be buying a boom stand, barn doors for the tota, as the tota (I believe 750) is very harsh and hot.

Should I start from scratch; should I go LED, fluorescent; is there an issue with mixing tungsten lights with LED or fluorescent? My budget is limited so I'd like to build on what I already have. I've already bought Vortex Video's How to Set up Light & Shoot Great Interviews. But frankly, my EX1r and accessories wiped me out! I don't have another $1500 to spend to replicate Doug Jensen's kit! I'd really appreciate your input. Again, all I intend to do is one-on-one interviews.

Jerry Porter
April 10th, 2010, 07:18 AM
Yes there will be issues mixing tungsten and florescent fixtures unless you color correct one of them. Buy the reflector, get one of the Impact | 5-in-1 Reflector Disc - 42" | R1142 | B&H Photo setup's and you will be amazed at how much you use it. The Lowell Pro lights are very handy and I use the two that I have all the time.

Boris Barel
April 10th, 2010, 03:40 PM
If you can, go with dedolights - very easy to use, very nice quality to the light, very sturdy.
IMHO the best lights to use for interviews.

Mark Wheeler
April 10th, 2010, 05:37 PM
Dedos are lovely but they're also pricey. Give serious consideration to a LTM Pepper 100. Accepts both 100 and 200 watt tungsten, 4-in-1 snoot and focal spot are available.