I’ve been taking photos of my kids for years… what mom doesn’t?
I’ve often thought about how cool it
would be to have a studio in my home to take those photos – but the thought of
figuring out what I needed and not breaking the bank has always been the
obstacle I haven’t been able to overcome.
I recently learned of a new product from Westcott that
almost seemed too good to be true. A
Photo Basics Kit that promised to not only deliver the studio setup I wanted but
also the educational materials to help me use the equipment to capture the
images I had dreamed about. Prior to
this my “setup” consisted of black velvet and camera – the images were ok – but
I knew they could be better.
The minute my kit arrived I was pretty excited. For starters, who knew that you could package
a studio setup in a bag that is about the same size as a portable playpen? The DVD included info on everything from
using your camera to setting up the studio and beyond.
The neat thing about this kit is that the lights are
constant – that means that you can use this setup with just about any camera
you have (including a point and shoot! J). You don’t have to invest thousands of dollars
in a digital SLR with all the right lenses and flash equipment. This kit gives you the best of both worlds –
great shots of your kids at a reasonable investment.
The photo at the top of this post is my favorite. The photos were taken in the afternoon – so Joe’s
shirt is a big mess – but I just couldn’t wait to try this setup out. That is another good thing about having your
own setup – you know you can dress your kids up anytime and take a photo.
I set this filmstrip up to show you the results – the first
photo is with the lighting in the kit – the second is without. The third of J.T. and Emily is with the
lighting and the fourth is without – it is pretty obvious the lighting adds so
much more to the shots. I am definitely
impressed.
What about the educational part? The DVD is great with actual examples of
setting up, posing your subjects, etc. But
also included with the kit is a huge floor mat that shows you exactly where to
place each light and more equipment if you choose to add on later – you can’t
go wrong if you just follow the instructions.
I have researched more lighting options since I received
this kit and I have to say that I haven’t found another product out there with the
education component and user-friendly setup. I also couldn’t find a kit that included the lighting, backdrop, and
educational element for anything close to the price of the Photo Basics kit.
Last fall we did the first family portrait we had done in
years. The stresses in doing that
included – setting up an appt. months in advance, getting seven people ready
and hopefully in the mood at the appointed time, trying to keep the kids
smiling and happy as we took shot after shot – it felt like running a double
marathon! At the end of all that we had
one photo that everyone looked great in – and the cost to buy the rights to each
photo that we liked? Over $300. Just to get a decent photo package (and not
own the print) was around $250.
If you think about it – for less than the cost of two sittings
with a traditional photographer you could purchase your own PhotoBasics kit and
take the studio quality pictures when you want and how you want. Kids are spur of the moment. The best photos come in the moment when you
can catch them – not at the appointed day and time your photographer can fit
you into their schedule.
I have to say I am very impressed with this product. I think it is a great solution for just about
anyone who wants to take their own studio quality portraits. Where else can you get the equipment and
education all in one package and for under $500? Bottom line – this is a great product for
your novice to amateur photographer who wants to improve the quality of their
shots. Speaking of shots - I am signing off to go and play in my new photo
studio…
