Home Studio Lighting Kit - PLEASE ADVICE

[MindRaider]

Hi,

I am amateur photographer looking to set up a small home studio to train myself. I am interested in Child photography.

I have a Nikon D90 with a 55-200 mm lens.

I need your advice on the following gear:

1- Nikon SB-600 Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
2- Sto-Fen OMNI-BOUNCE OM-600 - Flash diffuser
3- Wireless Remote

As for the studio kit, I have seen a lot on amazon but I am not sure if they will do the job. Need your advice:

1- SP3500 Complete Portrait Studio Kit
Amazon.com: SP3500 Complete Portrait Studio Kit - 3 Studio Flash/Strobe, 2 softboxes, 3 backdrops, wireless: Electronics

CowboyStudio 2275 Watt Digital Video Continuous Softbox Lighting Kit
Amazon.com: CowboyStudio 2275 Watt Digital Video Continuous Softbox Lighting Kit BOOM Set with Carrying Case - 2 Light stands, 2 Softboxes, 1 Boom Kit: Camera & Photo

I really appreciate your advice.

Many Thanks
Houssam

[OsmosisStudios]

I prefer using multiple SB units: easier to set up, easier to carry around (i do a lot of location shooting). No wires, no issues. With the D90, you can trigger SB units wirelessly: just get another SB600 or two or three.

[amccoy]

As far as lighting kits, you have a couple of options.

If you are just getting started and looking for a great starter kit, the guys at Photo Basics by Westcott have some great kits! Depending on what type of lighting you are looking for they have a couple different ones:

Strobe: The Strobelite 3-Light Kit is a great starter kit!

http://www.photobasics.net/details.cfm?id=170

Constant Lights (lights are on and you can see immediatly where your lights are)

http://www.photobasics.net/details.cfm?id=183

This one is perfect if you are looking for some great education as well!

Also, perfect for photographing kids (if you are on a tight budget) Westcott has this great Rent Scenic Backgrounds - perfect for photographing kids or even High School Seniors.

www.rentscenicbackgrounds.com

If you want something a little higher end - Westcott has a pro line of equipment

www.fjwestcott.com

Also, they have some great customer service, and the one Tech Rep John is great! He will be able to help you on anything as well!

Hope this helps and happy shooting!!

[41(thirty)]

if you to mpex.com and look under the strobist section they have great kits that are well priced. thats if you wanna go the speedlight route. alienbees b400's are what i am using for a full sized strobe. i like em.