Last week I talked a little about buying a new camera, including some stuff that everyone should be aware when doing it. As I was reading my own blog I realized that the requirements from the school when it pertains to the equipment needed might have changed in the last few years. True enough, there have been some changes since I started, so this blog is going to be like a continuation from last week.
Having a camera with video capabilities is now a requirement that starts with your first photography class! So, if you haven't done so yet, plan ahead and know that down the line there is a class called Time-Based Media where you will not be able to complete the class without meeting that requirement.
Done. Good! But what is down the road in your studies, you might be wondering.
PH 136 (Lighting) - You will need a tungsten light kit with at least two lights with a minimum of 500 watts each. Sounds like a lot, and it is, they are very bright. Shop around and get a good set, you will be using it several times throughout the rest of your studies! Now that you have the lights, you will also need a light meter, and again there are several models to choose from, just be sure that it measures ambient light as well as flash lighting and can be set for reflective readings. If you buy one that is not ready for recording and measuring flash or strobe lighting, you will need to get one for the Studio Photography class! Prices vary, but these two items will run about $600 for both of them, again depending what you go with, and as always...research!
PH 212 (Studio Photography) - This was the class that I considered being the one that I spent the most time and money. You will need at least (yes, I said at least) a 2-light strobe kit capable of 320ws - 500ws for each monolight. I said at least because after the class, you might find out that you need more than two, I currently have 6! BE AWARE, when shopping for the sets, go to reputable source such as B & H Photography. You might find sets out there on other sites that would announce a 3-light set 600ws for a specific price. If you do not research, you could be in trouble because for some sites that means 3 lights at 200ws each for a total of 600ws, remember the requirement is 320-500 EACH! Of course, now that you have the lights, you will also need some light modifiers, background, background support system, a table and other requirements. All in all expect to budget over 1K for the equipment. Don't be cheap, get the equipment that you need now that will help you and stay with you later on.
PH 226 (Printing) - This is another class that has some explicit requirements for equipment. You are going to need a ColorMunki (a what?), a printer with 6+ inkwells and used for photos as well as 20-25 Photo Paper, hopefully from the same company as the printer. You are going to use the ColorMunki to calibrate your monitor as well as using it to create profiles for the paper you use. The requirement states the amount of sheets, but let me tell you, I used almost three times that amount during the class! If you like printing your images, you will love this class, if you do not like printing your images, you will still love this class!
Epson Stylus Photo 1400
ColorMunki with case
Want to see what's out there? You can start with this link to B&H Photo:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
Want to check out some strobes? Check the Alien Bees:
http://www.paulcbuff.com/alienbees.php
That will be all for now, if you have any other type of equipment that you didn't realize you needed for any of your classes and found out when the class started, drop me a line, it could save some headaches to someone down the line!
Until later then, this is your Tuesday Ambassador wishing you a great day!
Great post on equipment requirements. Just an added note on the Epson 1400...
ReplyDeleteThe EPSON cannot handle all types of photo paper. And by that I mean specialty papers (like the ones that are required for this class) tend to be much thicker than standard photo paper. For example I bought Hahnemuhle Monet Canvas for my fine art paper (You need both regular photo paper and a fine art paper) The MOnet is 410 gsm which is VERY THICK. So thick that it did not fit into my EPSON 1400. I had ordered a Canon Pro9000 MkII which has a rear feed capable of accepting a thicker media like the Monet Shortly thereafter I got an EPSON R3000 which can handle the thick paper as well.
Long story short, (or not so short), is if I had not intended to order a new printer anyway I would have been stuck with paper that I couldn't use and really stuck for class. I never considered looking at the paper thickness before I ordered. I didn't realize it was important. So before you order paper make sure you know what your printer can handle.