What equipment do I need?

[RedTX]

What kind of equipment do I need to produce something of this quality? I have a Nikon D50 with a Sigma 28-70 lens. Any help would be appreciated.

http://birdmanstudios.com/data/images1/17908455.jpg


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[Tom]

Need a lot more experience and expertise than equipment.

[contributor_M]

Originally Posted by Tom

Need a lot more experience and expertise than equipment.

What Tom said. Largely the reason why I still have the gear I have.

Building up skills is key.

[RedTX]

Originally Posted by Tom

Need a lot more experience and expertise than equipment.

Totally understand that but I need a starting point for my lighting. I dont have any idea what I need. I have been using natural light and the best I can do is this.

[crazeazn]

for a start, iron your background.

[RedTX]

Originally Posted by crazeazn

for a start, iron your background.

Ok the backdrop is ironed. It was treated when it was wrinkled to give that look and yes I know its not that good. My skills are not great either before someone rags on them

What I was hoping for was just some suggestions on what I needed as far as lighting went. I dont know where to start and yes I know equipment doesnt compensate for skill but if im going to take pics indoors I need a light setup?

[auddii]

I don't know much about lighting yet myself. However, Abel posted a link about a good and inexpensive off camera flash set up. I'm sure you will need some kind of OCF to get a look similar to the original photo.

Complete Off Camera Flash Kit for $140

[groovyone]

You may want to try moving your subject further from the background. I had the habit of placing them right on it similar to what you did, but if you can put a few feet between the subject and the background it will help make the backdrop more of an accent to the photo than an obvious thing.

[crazeazn]

the first image you posted, is heavily heavily post processed.

[Nikonfan]

Originally Posted by groovyone

you may want to try moving your subject further from the background. I had the habit of placing them right on it similar to what you did, but if you can put a few feet between the subject and the background it will help make the backdrop more of an accent to the photo than an obvious thing.

+1

[Furinox]

Originally Posted by crazeazn

the first image you posted, is heavily heavily post processed.

Yep. Looks like they may have just green screened or cut out the subject and put in a digital background.

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by Furinox

Yep. Looks like they may have just green screened or cut out the subject and put in a digital background.

That is what I was thinking too from looking at it at first. Hard to tell for sure, but it looks like there is a texture to the backdrop cloth that leads me to think it was an actual backdrop.

[Redneck]

+1, the first image seems to be photoshopped (isolated the bird and placed on a background).

Your second image has already proved that your hardware is able to produce a good image.

Now either change your set up (move the motif away from the background) and use a wider aperture to blur out background details OR get Photoshop (or PSP) and place your motif on a different background.

[ggeen]

I would start with the strobist web site. Go through the 101 and 102 sessions. There is a lot of good information there. I'm going back through them again as I start working on my off-camera lighting skills. Something I neglected for too long.

Right now I am experimenting with two strobes and a reflector. I'm not getting the results I want, yet, and think that maybe a third strobe my be my answer.

[picman]

Email the guy and ask him how he shoots his birds. He might be very will to share. Tell him about this place, maybe he'll sign up.

BTW check out his web site, he has some nice photography there and not just the birds.