Lens and flash for D3000

[KendraDavis]

Hi! I am new here and to photography I am planning on starting a studio very soon and I was wondering what would be the best lens and flash to have on hand for my D3000. Right now I just have a 18-55mm that I bought when my friend gave me the body. I don't know much about my camera since she didn't give me the manual but I play with it a lot and have been practicing constantly since I got it! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you

[OsmosisStudios]

Which lens and flash you need is based heavily on what you wanna do with your gear.

[KendraDavis]

I will be doing portraits. Mainly people but I have already been asked to photograph pets as well! I was also hired to do real estate photography for MLS listings so I bought a wide angle lens for that.

[OsmosisStudios]

Thats quite the list.

Portraits and pet portraits:
Likely looking at some off-camera flash equipment and modifiers. Take a look at The Strobist for information on that.

Real estate:
Generally you're looking at a very wide lens (wider than 18mm) and usually tilt-shift capabilities as well as some rather in-depth lighting as well. At least, you'd want some HDR processing software.

How serious are you about getting into something specifically?

[KendraDavis]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Thats quite the list.

Portraits and pet portraits:
Likely looking at some off-camera flash equipment and modifiers. Take a look at The Strobist for information on that.

Real estate:
Generally you're looking at a very wide lens (wider than 18mm) and usually tilt-shift capabilities as well as some rather in-depth lighting as well. At least, you'd want some HDR processing software.

How serious are you about getting into something specifically?

I have strobes ordered currently but thank you for the link to the strobist.com! I think that will be very helpful. I mainly want to focus on boutique style child photography. I just have a lot of support from family and friends and they seem to keep offering subjects (including animals and houses) lol

[OsmosisStudios]

If you've already ordered stuff, why did you ask for help?

[KendraDavis]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

If you've already ordered stuff, why did you ask for help?

I'm asking about an additional flash on top of my camera. Also a better lens. I have yet to order either of these.

[TheEagleSpirit]

Originally Posted by KendraDavis

I'm asking about an additional flash on top of my camera. Also a better lens. I have yet to order either of these.

I have a nikon D90 and D7000 I use. My lense collection are Tamron F2.8 17-50mm VR I use for architecture, portraits and landscapes, a fast lens that can be used in low light situations also. A Tamron F2.0 60 mm with macro for portraits and close ups. The most expensive is the F2.8 70-200 mm VR nikkor lens, a fantastic lens for low light concerts and most other uses. I am happy with this collection but thinking about the Nikon 700 or 900 flash for the cameras. As far as a guide to your camera it would be nice to check with Books A Million for a "mastering guide for your camera" also a "field guide. I have both for the D90 and they are much better than the guide that came with the camera. Also bought a text book on Crime Scene Photography listed in my signature that has 3 chapters on camera and flash settings that can be used for any situation there is.