help with buying starter lighting kit.......

[jessicalynn]

I've been researching all day. and decided to get one shoot-thru umbrella and one softbox (I have a reflector) to get me started. I would like to keep it under 200 just till I get the hang of it all and decide what I like then I will go from there. I found a few and would like opinions or suggestions of other (cheap) sites to look on......... the only thing I REALLY dont like about the softbox set up is that I dont think you can dim it. it's just full power or nothing.

CowboyStudio Photography Lighting Equipment | Studio Accessories

CowboyStudio Photography Lighting Equipment | Studio Accessories

also soon hope to get background stand and some backdrops. then I think I will be set for practicing with family and friends kids. tomorrow I am going to do a 8 day old newborn shoot (my first ever newborn) and am very nervous. especially since I checked the weather and going to be cloudy and rainy and I was counting on natural light through a large window they have. going to have to do what I can with my speedlite and reflector........ till I get my light set up!

[jessicalynn]

well no suggestions or ideas??? anyways I have further researched and decided to just get to umbrella stands since I am doing a lot of baby shots and dont want the strobe to upset them. I"m getting this through amazon:

Amazon.com: CowboyStudio New Photo Studio Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit Set- 2 7ft Stands, 1 Mini Stand and Carry Case: Camera & Photo

[photomom2008]

Originally Posted by jessicalynn

well no suggestions or ideas??? anyways I have further researched and decided to just get to umbrella stands since I am doing a lot of baby shots and dont want the strobe to upset them. I"m getting this through amazon:

Amazon.com: CowboyStudio New Photo Studio Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit Set- 2 7ft Stands, 1 Mini Stand and Carry Case: Camera & Photo

Jessica,
Sorry nobody has replied. I have that trouble too! It's frustrating for us learning people! I see your from Illinois, so am I. I too just purchased a set of lights, I too wasn't sure what to go with so I found a set on ebay I receive 2 umbrella stands with umbrellas and continous bulbs (no strobes), a backdrop stand and 2 backdrops 1 white and 1 black 10'x10' I paid $119 shipping and all! You might want to check it out Photo-Studio-Portrat-Lighting-Kit-Backdrop-Muslin-LT32 on ebay. Mine should be here tomorrow according to UPS tracking number. I thought for the price why not give it a try. It has to be better than what I have now which is an on camera flash. I'll let you know what I think when I get them. Good luck!!
Heather

[sk66]

I would consider looking at going the STROBIST route. Portable flashes umbrellas etc.
You generally get better/ more versatile lighting for less than the cheap "studio" kits, and flashes have many other uses besides "studio".

[tycooder]

Jessica I started with SB600 thru a 43 white umbrella I found it gave softer light shooting thru rather than reflecting and when moved off camera you can get some real good results even using a piece of white cardboard to act as a fill. learn what you are doing with one light then move on.
I recently bought an Alien Bee 800 and am learning even more Have fun with whatever you chose and good luck....I agree with dont buy sk66 dont buy a cheep studio kit you can do more with the speed lite you already seem to have ..... Just click on tycooder next to my avitar and go to my home page on flickr to see what you can do with one light