jtpassat

if i wanted to setup a simple beginner studio lighting setup in my basement what would I need? bare minimum to get started but something that I can continue to add on to so I don't outgrow it

pointa-b-c

It really depends on what you are going to shoot. My setup consists of 2 light stands, umbrellas, diffusers, different rolls of paper and 3 hot shoe flashes, cords and couple homemade modifiers.

jtpassat

people shots.. portraits - full body

pointa-b-c

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4252...ella_Mount.html

http://www.amvona.com/?page=shop/fly...roduct_id=2288

This kit is affordable and great starter kit, you can add more stands and strobes later. Also, take a look at Alienbee's ringflashes, they are great for portrait work.

http://www.alienbees.com/abr800.html

jtpassat

so you'd use the ring flash with the umbrella?

pointa-b-c

No, I don't have that Alienbee ring flash, but it would be nice to have. I have seen great results from Alienbees and they are pretty affordable as well. For my current setup, I only shoot with 2-3 flashes, combining with umbrellas and diffusers. I will eventually purchase another softbox or an octobox depending on what jobs are coming in. So I think you can definitely build up your setup without outgrowing it. Also, you can take a look at these, if you don't have any flash already.

http://mpex.com/Strobist/StrobistKits.htm

jtpassat

good site! i like their package names "starving student"

Penforhire

Bare minimum? One strobe and a reflector. The trouble comes when you try to define the exact equipment.

If you want portability you can get quite a set-up going with Nikon's iTTL speedguns (standard camera flashes).

If I was setting up more of a permanent studio space, as a talented amateur I'd be most tempted by those Alien Bees monolights or their new pack-based system. Paul Buff seems like the kind of businessperson we should support. He is active on the DP Review forums.

What would I REALLY want to do people right? Three strobes with modeling lights and stands -- one key, one fill, one hairlight (with snoot and/or grid), big softbox (if I want soft I want really soft), two umbrellas (for key & fill), and a beauty dish (ringlight might be easier but also harsher). Then I'd want background stands and muslins (hand-painted seems easiest) or seamless paper plus posing props (stool, table, etc.).

pointa-b-c

and for detail elaboration.

I am learning this whole "studio lighting" and flash photography, learning curve is rather steep and requires much time and experiments.

Here you can find some good info if u look more into setups, kits, the whole 9.

http://www.studiolighting.net/

got rice?

what brand body? Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Sony, Olympus, etc.. ?