I feel so stupid.. please help!

[rubysue]

Every time I contemplate posting on DPS, I feel like a total idiot

My main interest is on-location portrait photography (I am a total newb). I have a Canon Rebel T1i. As of now I have just taken photos of family and friend's children for fun, but I have had some requests for paid jobs. I don't think I am anywhere ready for that, especially as I learn more and more about lighting. I look back at my photos and they just look like mediocre snapshots

Point is, I have NO IDEA where to start. Do I just get a speedlite and practice with that to get the hang of using external flash? Or do I skip the speedlite and get a couple monolights? Do I need both? And what about accessories i.e. softbox, umbrellas, etc.? I don't want to spend a fortune on equipment only to realize it's not useful for my purposes, but I will spend it if it's worth it for a beginner. I am just insanely overwhelmed with all of the info out there.. I have tried reading some of the suggested articles posted in this forum but I still feel overwhelmed.

Can someone please break it down for me? I will be FOREVER grateful!!

[LeeR]

The answer to your question depends a great deal on how and where you hope to work in the future, but let me give you a strategy that may prove useful. I believe it would be in your best interest to start with a speedlite. I may have chosen the monolight(s) if you had a dedicated space you could set aside for a studio but am assuming that one of the reasons for wanting to do portraits on location is because you do not have such space. Buying and practicing with a speedlite is a great idea as there is a considerable bit to learn. Soon thereafter you are going to want to add some things to improve the flexibility of your system: a softbox of some sort to diffuse the light and a remote triggering system. You are also going to want a second and third speedlite with appropriate stands in the not so distant future.
Now for using this system: The best way to use a single on-camera sppedlite is as a fill flash. Using it as a main light will leave harsh shadows. A diffuser will help soften the light and shadows for a more natural look, and a remote will allow you to place the light exactly where you want it. Adding more speedlites will give your protraits a far more professional look once you master their use. There is something to be said for doing things this way; for mastering one new tool before introducing a new one. It may take a while, but in the end you will be the better for it.

[rubysue]

Thanks for the helpful response, Lee.

I figured the speedlite might be the best starting point. Any suggestions on what kind to get? I was looking at the Canon 430EXII and 580EXII. I guess I don't know if the 580 would be a smart investment or overkill. From what I understand if I eventually got multiple units the 580 would be the way to go...

[Ginger Pixie]

Originally Posted by rubysue

Thanks for the helpful response, Lee.

I figured the speedlite might be the best starting point. Any suggestions on what kind to get? I was looking at the Canon 430EXII and 580EXII. I guess I don't know if the 580 would be a smart investment or overkill. From what I understand if I eventually got multiple units the 580 would be the way to go...

Have you been to Strobist.com? This will give you all the background you need on off camera flash and the flickr group of the same name is a good place to check out what other people are doing with their flash guns. In order to post their photos to the strobist pool, people have to explain their lighting set ups, so by finding a photo you like, you can see how they achieved it and try it yourself.

Personally, I went for 2 cheap flashguns, rather than 1 expensive one, and invested in some Cactus V4s which activate the off camera flash.Strobist.com is partnered with a supplier that offers strobist kits including umbrellas, light stands, coloured gels - I bought one and was happy with the products.

[alexsimpson]

If you are wanting to shoot on location portraits the best start is to learn about using avaliable light & reflectors.

This means you are not forking out for any extra equipment (ok maybe a decent reflector) and after you have mastered this you can look into adding extra gear (flashes etc...) if required

[rubysue]

Thanks again for the responses. I'm checking out strobist as we speak

As far as available light goes, I'm feeling pretty comfortable though I haven't used a reflector yet, so I'm going to give that a shot. I will probably still go ahead with a speedlite fairly soon just to start learning how to use it as well, just have to decide what to get!

[candleman]

strobist is good.

also check out planet neil

he's using ON CAMERA TTL fill flash.
also an invaluable resource.
but he does cover off camera stuff too.

Originally Posted by Ginger Pixie

Personally, I went for 2 cheap flashguns, rather than 1 expensive one, and invested in some Cactus V4s which activate the off camera flash.

+1
get a 580Ex and an old manual flash.. and you're set for anything really.
The Cactus V4's are excellent.. never failed me yet.
In the year and a half i've used them.. i've only changed the battery in the transmitter once.

[SusanH1970]

I shoot on location only and use an Alien Bee 400 with a large softbox and reflector. Less expensive than a speedlight + accessories, works beautifully, and is very portable. Also it's AC powered so I don't have to worry about charging batteries, and the recycle time is faster.

Just thought I'd throw in my two cents.

[inkista]

Here's how I'd break down what to go for, as a hobbyist shooter.

If you want to start cheap/toe-in-the-pool, then reflectors with available light is a great starting point.

If you want the option of shoe-mounting, and small, light, portable and battery-powered and you're ok with limited power, then speedlights. If you're going to always be working off-camera, near outlets, can haul more weight, and you want more power versatility (e.g., shoot large groups of people), then a monolight (e.g., Alienbee) is probably a more cost-effective choice.

If you want to do posed portraiture where you have a chance to chimp, adjust, and retake, then go to the Strobist (David Hobby) or onelight (Zack Arias) and use off-camera methods with cheap radio triggers and manual speedlights (e.g., LP160). Cheap start-up suggestion: just get an umbrella and an umbrella swivel and attach 'em and your flash to a monopod or tripod by means of the stud that comes with the swivel (the stud will have the same thread as the tripod mount screw on the monopod). If using a monopod, make a friend be your VALS (voice-activated lightstand). You'll eventually want a proper lightstand, but if you already have the monopod/tripod, this can do in a pinch.

If you want to do run'n'gun event-shooting, where you'll only get one shot at something, then go planetneil (Neil van Niekerk), and learn on-camera TTL and bounce techniques with a OEM flash (e.g., Canon 430EXII or 580EXII).

Whatever you do, when you start out, keep it relatively simple. Just like juggling a lot of lenses in a bag brings complexity, juggling a lot of lights right off the bat while you're learning can just make things more confusing. Starting out with a single light is probably going to help you learn things faster.

And, step 0: be sure that you're absolutely comfortable shooting in full Manual mode on the camera, and that you're thoroughly grounded in ambient exposure, first. Flash just adds more factors to consider for exposure. Hard to juggle five balls (iso, aperture, shutter speed, flash power, flash distance) on a highwire (balancing flash/ambient), if you can't even juggle three on the ground.

[private]

start with a reflector - works great if subject is still, most kids are not, but you can make mom hold the reflector that way she is not interferring with your session. But when you talk on-location, are you meaning inside and out? or just outside? If just outside you will need the speedlight or you can get the Ab that Susan suggested (LOVE mine, BTW) and get a battery pack for it, but again, if your subject moves alot...

So, I guess to best answer your question, I would need to know who your clients are...