Camera Lighting Equipment

What is a good camera/lighting to use when photographing a model?

For my photography class, I need to take a picture of a model. The model will be my second cousin , however I need a camera like they use when photographing high fashion magazines. I also need places to get lighting for shooting the model perfectly. And please remember, I am a student. It must be affordable. I don't think I can dish out anything over 1000

Public Comments

1. medium format Hassleblads are selling for $500 on ebay a
2. It's not the camera but the lighting. Avoid harsh lighting that will cast hard shadows. Try to position the model near a window and use some other lights or lamps to fill in the face. If you are indoors and are not worried about a little noise in the image shoot at 400 ISO and disable the flash. See how that works for you. Also take lots of shots at different settings. The high fashion photographers take hundreds of shots to get that one good one to make the cover.
3. 1. you will need an slr camera ( film or digital your choice) If you go with film you will need to use something fuji pro 160 Canon K2 is less than $200 at wal mart. Canon Rebel xt is going for about $400 right now. 2. You can get a set of 2studio lights (hot lights) with the stands for about $125. 3. You will need a background of some type either seamless paper, you can get that at most camera stores. Or on the cheap a bed sheet or bed spread, just be careful tey are not wrinkled. 4. You will also need a tripod. Wal-mart about $30 for a cheapie. 5. Set your camera on a tripod. Set up one of the hot lights at a 45 degree angle to the model about 4 feet away- this is your main light 6. set u[p your second light next to the camera- this is your fill light. 7. Adjust distance and height until you get the effect you want as far as shadows and modeling of the face goes. 8. Experiment with the setting on your camera. For a portrait I usually set aperture to f/4 or f/5.6. And if using digital set the iso to 100. 9. Focus on the models eyes. 10. try a 3/4 face pose, a profile pose, and a full face pose for head and shoulder shots. 11. Full body shot (include the feet) 12 3/4 body shot Knees up
4. If you are in a major metropolitan area you can rent a camera and tripod.Depending upon your skill level, you can shoot outside with a reflector(you can rent or buy fairly cheap) . So you can get a digital/film 35 mm with a long fast lens like a 300mm F2 that you can shoot with wide open to keep you model sharp and everything else out of focus. If you have some photos you can reference that you like, bring them with you when you shoot for inspiration. A portable flash might also come in handy.
5. Find a good camera shop in your area. They will probably rent equipment. Tell them what your requirements are and they will get you the equipment and show you how to use it. Another good option would be to find a rental studio. They will have everything you need all setup and ready to go. This will include lights, backdrop, reflectors and if your lucky even the camera. There are a couple in the Baltimore area that rent for about $100 an hour.