So heres what I'm thinking

[lusodoll]

SOOO. I want to do this right.

I'm trying to build an arsenal and start taking my photography a little more serious. Eventually, I hope to have a strong enough portfolio that I can start reaching out to pros as an assistant or second shooter (I don't think I'm quite ready yet). But I'd like to build a collection that shows that I am serious about this and not just goofing around. Problem is I have a very tight budget and am trying to do the best I can with what I got.

So the plan is to start doing as many portraits of my friends and family as I can while also going and shooting events like birthday parties, bridal showers and small community events that don't normally use a pro photographer...

I currently have the Canon Rebel XTi with the kit lens, not a great starting point but it's what I have. I figured start building around that for now and then, when the money is there, move up. Here is where I am as far as what I'm going to invest in to start. I hope that they are good enough to at least get me buy until I can afford something steadier:


Canon 15-85mm (a lot more then what I had wanted to pay but from what I've read and what I've been told this will be the best starting spot for events and portraits. But please correct me if I've been misled.)
Canon 50mm 1.8
430EX Speedlite
Slik Pro 700DX (not to sure about this Tripod)
xtra batteries and cards
5 in 1 reflector

Am I missing anything? Or do you see something that I should probably skip and replace with something else? Would love to hear your thoughts. Within the next year I'd also like to invest in a studio light kit but think I'm going to practice with rented and/or borrowed kits to figure out what I like.

[zona5101]

that's a nice list. if it is in order of acquisition, i'd bump the 50f1.8 to the top. Might move the flash up one as well. Consider the 580 instead of the 430, ya it's a lot more money but in the long run it will pay to get the better flash.

[lusodoll]

Originally Posted by zona5101

that's a nice list. if it is in order of acquisition, i'd bump the 50f1.8 to the top. Might move the flash up one as well. Consider the 580 instead of the 430, ya it's a lot more money but in the long run it will pay to get the better flash.

Ok. Cool. I was considering the 580 but when that other lens was recommended there was no way I can afford both (I'm considering getting all this in the next couple months) so then the 430 was brought up as an alternative for the next couple years until I can save enough for the 580.

Do you think it would make more sense to go with the 580 first and just have a kit lens and 50mm? Doing that I probably wouldn't be able to afford another lens for quite a while unless I could find one for under $300.

[sk66]

Not a Canon guy, but I would suggest the 28-70 f/2.8 usm (used) over the 15-85. Same price, faster, and will last thru body upgrades.
50mm on a crop body...good/bad. A little long for some uses, but it's cheap and fast. The 35 might be a better choice for your camera....neither will make the upgrade to FF body.
Skip the tripod. You are looking at photographing people, and not portraits (they'll be moving) add that to the flash upgrade.
Maybe skip the reflector and spend that on a flash modifier (mini softbox, flashbender,) instead....Are you going to have assistants to position/hold it etc?

[lusodoll]

Thanks, Good point about the assistant. I'll have to check out the flash modifier options. I think one thing I'm learning (even after talking to some friends) that I should skip the 430 and invest in the 580 if I can. Maybe hold off on some of the other items I was hoping for.

[lusodoll]

OK. So decided to start off with the 50MM and wait on the more expensive lens (I have a feeling I am going to be laid off so I want make see what happens in the next couple weeks before I drop $800.) But I also found a really great deal on a Manfrotto tripod, I can't remember the dets but new ones had FANTASTIC reviews and the deal was too good to pass up so I through my name in the hat for it and waiting to see what happens. I have a friend that has a 580 ex that will let me borrow that to practice with as well so I'm going to wait on purchasing one of those.

I'm actually thinking I might, if I still have a job, invest in a cheap light kit just to practice studio lighting with friends. That way if I do ever get a chance to assist a pro I at least can say I have a handle on the lighting and have an idea of what I am doing.

Any other suggestions?