SOOOO overwhelmed!!!

[sabrina860]

I'm a newb in dlsr photography. I just want to be able to take some professional looking at home studio shots. Plain and simple. There is SOOO much information on this site which is helpful, but so overwheming with all I need to learn. I just would like some information on what I need as for lighting. It should be really simple, but all the info on strobes, speedlights, flash, reflectors etc is just information overload. I feel like an idiot.
Heres a list of what I have for lighting:
3 umbrellas 2 white, 1 black silver lined
3 30w studio bulbs 5400k
2 foamcore white reflectors 2ftX3ft

What else do I need? Im not trying to spend alot of money, because I am a beginner and I would like to see to see where this takes me before I invest in expensive equipment.

[scootermcq]

Welcome to the forum!!!

Yes, this can all be overwhelming and there is so much information out there. There is also a ton of contradicting information, because it is art and subjective.

I guess a great place to start is here:

Strobist: Lighting 101

the first sentence is "Intimidated by the idea of off-camera lighting?"

the second is "don't be"

Strobist can give you a ton of information on off camera lighting and is a good place to start. From there... play, learn and post your images in critique,put on your asbestos underwear because sometimes it hurts, but take the feedback and grow.

[Murtasma]

Sorry that lighting you got is pretty much garbage. A total of 90 watts is hardly more then your standard 60 watt light bulb. I would have probably spent more time researching and saving my money to purchase something that would fit your needs. If you want to work with hot lights you're really going to need more light output then that. I suggest starting with some 500 watt or 1000 watt bulbs if your light stands can handle that kind of wattage.

Technically you don't really need anything to make great portraits with nothing more then your camera, natural light, proper exposure, good background selection and a natural pose. What experience do you have with photography? Do you know the exposure triangle like the back of your hand? What camera and len(s) do you have?

I would stick to natural light and the use of diffusers and reflectors. Do this until you get comfortable with posing people and understanding what type of light works well in a certain situation. Money you spend on lighting gear now will be wasted because your unsure of what you need and most importantly (WHY YOU NEED IT). You need to focus on the basics first. You must crawl before you can walk and then you must walk before you can run.

[LeeR]

No wonder you feel like you are overwhelmed, you have chosen to jump in at the deep end. Like swimming, that's not entirely a bad thing, many people feel like they learn best that way. However, I can't overemphasize the importance of just having fun and playing with your gear. Not only is it a lot of fun, but it's one of the best ways to learn the way things work. Years ago when I was first learning Photoshop I stumbled on a technique that I still use today. It has a way of giving certain images an inner glow; a bit like the Orton effect, if you know what that is, only (IMHO) easier and more effective. I have not seen anyone else talk about this technique so I have to assume that either I am the first to discover it, or, more likely, the others who have discovered it are keeping it as tight a secret as I am. Who knows what new discoveries you may make if you just play around a bit?

[Jim Bryant]

What do you need? Learn how to take pictures and learn what your equipment can and will not do for you. Practice, practice and practice. What you don't need to do is start trying to take professional pictures when you don't know anything. The best thing in this business is your name and your ability to deliver professional results. IF you can't...well you've lost and nobody will hire you. As for your lighting.....it's at the bottom of the barrel and pretty much won't provide the result you seek. But, I have to agree with what LeeR said as well. Learn and have fun.

[tuxcomputers]

Originally Posted by LeeR

I have not seen anyone else talk about this technique so I have to assume that either I am the first to discover it, or, more likely, the others who have discovered it are keeping it as tight a secret as I am.

You feel you need to keep this a secret to give you your "edge"? That's pretty sad.

[bearly]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

I guess a great place to start is here:

Strobist: Lighting 101

oh man Strobist gives a wealth of phenomenal information. its awesome, i love it... and eventually i'll be able to use it, once i have money to buy a flash

[sabrina860]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

What do you need? Learn how to take pictures and learn what your equipment can and will not do for you. Practice, practice and practice. What you don't need to do is start trying to take professional pictures when you don't know anything. The best thing in this business is your name and your ability to deliver professional results. IF you can't...well you've lost and nobody will hire you. As for your lighting.....it's at the bottom of the barrel and pretty much won't provide the result you seek. But, I have to agree with what LeeR said as well. Learn and have fun.

Why do you assume I don't know how to take pictures? I know my camera like the back of my hand and Ive been taking pictures ever since I can remember. It's pretty arrogant and rude of you to also assume I dont know anything. I know all about how natural lighting is the best lighting, but what is the harm in wanting to take some "studio like" shots of my son? Obviously I know what I have is not enough which is why I came here to get some tips and advice on lighting...

Anyways... thanks to those who've helped me out a little.

[AnonymousKiwi1]

Originally Posted by sabrina860

I'm a newb in dlsr photography.
What else do I need?.... I am a beginner and I would like to see to see where this takes me before I invest in expensive equipment.

This kinda suggested that you don't know much. Perhaps you do know your camera like the back of your hand, but don't know what the words 'newb' and 'beginner' mean ??

[milosh]

Originally Posted by sabrina860

What else do I need? Im not trying to spend alot of money, because I am a beginner and I would like to see to see where this takes me before I invest in expensive equipment.

Some patience and a few months of practice maybe..?

Originally Posted by AnonymousKiwi1

This kinda suggested that you don't know much. Perhaps you do know your camera like the back of your hand, but don't know what the words 'newb' and 'beginner' mean ??

Exactly.