Starter Lighting Equip.

[JMS1980]

Hey everyone! Well I have been having the itch for some time too invest in some lighting equipment. I haven't wanted too, because I have been mainly focusing on using and working my camera and learning manual mode. Now that I know my camera like I would my best friend :-) I would really love to start working with lighting. I wanted to know what kinda of equipment everyone has, or if someone can point me in the right direction. I am not looking to purchase a whole studio's worth of equipment.....just some nice light so that I can start practicing portraits and baby shots.

[lputman]

A lot of individuals start their journey into lighting with an Alien Bee. I've not started yet, I'm mostly working with my Canon flash and will probably continue with that route for now.

[Murtasma]

I would start with a book on portrait lighting. You will probably just want to start off buy getting a flash unit for your camera, a light stand, umbrella and a PC sync cable to sync your flash to the camera or a wireless trigger if you want to spend more money but don't want cables to deal with.

[amymnc]

Probably a speed light or a one-light Alien Bee set-up would suit you well.
Here are two books on lighting that I really enjoyed. The second one is much more technical and a longer read. I find myself referring back to that one very often.

Amazon.com: Beginner's Guide to Photographic Lighting: Techniques for Success in the Studio or on Location (9781584281337): Don Marr: Books

Amazon.com: The Complete Guide to Light & Lighting in Digital Photography (A Lark Photography Book) (9781579908850): Michael Freeman: Books

[SusanH1970]

Those that have mentioned Alien Bee are right on. I recently purchased an Alien Bee 400 with a 32x40 softbox (which is great for nice soft light, especially if you're going to be photographing babies). With that and a reflector, I'm very happy for now. Eventually I'll invest in at least one more light, more likely two.