Entry-level equipment for great portraits

[jasoninva]

Hello,

I'm going to be taking some maternity shots of my wife and am hoping for a quick primer on what essential equipment I'll need. I currently have a Rebel XT with 430 exII flash, 17-87 IS USM, and a 50mm 1.8. I'd like to improve my use of lighting and am hoping to capture some really warm photos. My budget is around $500, but I'm not stuck on that. Any help you can provide is appreciated.

Thanks,
Jason

[candleman]

i'd suggest cheap radio triggers, a light stand and a shoot through umbrella..
a reflector
and read www.strobist.com

that should give you some direction as to what i mean and why.

i hope this helps

[jasoninva]

Originally Posted by candleman

i'd suggest cheap radio triggers, a light stand and a shoot through umbrella..
a reflector
and read www.strobist.com

that should give you some direction as to what i mean and why.

i hope this helps

This is great stuff. Thanks.

I'm considering purchasing the 580ex to fire the offset 430ex II, since I'm considering purchasing another camera as well. I wonder if that will be an adequate alternative to buying radio triggers.