questions about photography equipment

[greeneggsnsam]

I am wondering what photography equipment is a 'must have' when starting your own photo. business?
I would like to start my business but slowly and without a ton of money to have to initially invest.

[SusanH1970]

Hi and welcome to DPS!

Not to sound harsh, but IMHO, perhaps you should put a hold on starting a business until you are familiar with equipment, how it works, and what your needs are? Every photographer has a different style and different equipment needs.

What do you have so far?

[greeneggsnsam]

I have 2 cameras and lenses and a tri-pod. I just have taken most of my pics outdoors with natural lighting -- so I was wondering about a few more bits (lights -- umbrella vs soft boxes, remote, etc)
I need to purchase some before I can play with them so I was just wondering what would be the smartest purchases to make.

[fotoworx]

Greeneggs,
I think that one of the most important items to have {after your camera} is a good quality tripod. I'm not sure what kind of photography your interested in but a tripod is a must have for low light and night photography, and is good insurance for good sharp pictures in regular light. For more information check out www.photography--tips.net.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by greeneggsnsam

I have 2 cameras and lenses and a tri-pod. I just have taken most of my pics outdoors with natural lighting -- so I was wondering about a few more bits (lights -- umbrella vs soft boxes, remote, etc)
I need to purchase some before I can play with them so I was just wondering what would be the smartest purchases to make.

If you're going to be doing studio work, a one-light setup + reflector is an excellent way to start. I use an AB400 with a large softbox and a 40x60" 5-in-one reflector. No need to buy multiple lights when you're just starting out. The AB comes with a sync cord so you don't need to use wireless triggers right away unless you've got the $$ to spend. Alternatively, you could go with a speedlight that you can use either on-camera bounced, or off-camera with a modifier such as a softbox (which I prefer) or an umbrella. Speedlights tend to be more expensive than the AB setup, though, but are a bit more portable. AB's are AC powered so if using them outdoors you'd also need a battery pack. Also the recycle time on an AB is faster than a speedlight, and you don't have to worry about batteries dying mid-shoot.

You've already got two camera bodies - which ones? What lenses do you have?

[greeneggsnsam]

I have a Canon xt and an xti. My lenses are a kit one -- EFS 18-55mm and a 55-200mm. Nothing overly fancy but they get my jobs done

[SusanH1970]

What kind of photography are you planning on doing?

[greeneggsnsam]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

What kind of photography are you planning on doing?

Mostly family, kids, maternity, etc but I have had a few friends that I have done boudoir shots for and it was hard since I have no lighting equip. Really made me have to stretch my imagination to make them work...

[SusanH1970]

The first things I would advise you to get are the 50mm f/1.8 lens (only about $100 and a great little portrait lens - it's on my camera 95% of the time) and a reflector. That lens is great for indoor/low-light shots - I do a lot of indoor natural light portrait photography and that plus a reflector is great. You can also pick up a backdrop stand and some backdrops - I prefer seamless paper, but there are zillions of options. See how that works out for you and then move onto lighting if you want. Don't go buying tons of stuff you may not need.

[greeneggsnsam]

Thank you so much Susan! I had a few ideas of things to get and was really hoping that I was on the right track and it seems I was -- whew!
I will look into the lens too -- I had a friend tell me the same thing about it! Thank you again!!!!
(btw-- joined your FB page -- beautiful pictures!)