Next step in gear collection?

[jenward74]

Hello all. This is my first post, although I have already gleaned TONS of great information from this site! A big "thank you" to all of you who share all this wisdom.

I am a total amateur who has recently started photographing people and getting more and more requests from friends and family. I recently received a gift certificate to Amazon for $100 to use towards photography gear and I need advice on what to buy next. Here's a rundown of what I'm using so far:

Canon XSi/450D

Lenses:
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Kit Lens
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto
Canon EF 50mm f1.4
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro (most of my portraiture is done with this)

Lighting:
Canon Speedlite 270EX
OLD Canon Speedlite 277T that came with my dad's old T-70. Would love to be able to use this off-camera somehow.
Neewer 110CM 43" 5-in-1 Collapsible Multi-Disc Light Reflector
Designers Edge E-245 Incandescent Clamp Lights (kinda DIY with paper diffuser)

Software:
Adobe PS CS2
Canon DPP
Photoscape

Other Stuff:
Manfrotto Pro 055XPROB Tripod with 322RC2 Grip Action Head
Canon RC-6 Wireless Remote Controller

I mostly take these photos in outdoor settings, my only power source being a 100 watt inverter plugged into a cigarette lighter. I am becoming very aware that I need more and better lighting options. Great price on the 430EX right now and have been very tempted to buy it, but have been scouring the internet trying to find info on using that old 277T off-camera before spending the $$$.

If any of you have any ideas as to where to go from here as far as "must have" equipment, I would love to hear suggestions.

PS here are a few examples to give you an idea of the style of portraiture I have been doing so far. Feel free to critique...

[OsmosisStudios]

Dont buy anymore gear. Take the time to increase your skills. If you dont mind a bit of constructive criticism: Your post-processing work is... either odd or lacking, particularly in #s 3 and 4

[inkista]

You might want to read the rules about size limits for posted images.

My recommendation would be to upgrade your license of Photoshop to CS5. When Adobe moves Photoshop to CS6, you'll no longer be eligible for an upgrade and will have to repurchase a full license. Adobe only supports up to three generations for upgrades. And the upgrade is considerably cheaper than the license.

[jenward74]

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my question.

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Dont buy anymore gear. Take the time to increase your skills. If you dont mind a bit of constructive criticism: Your post-processing work is... either odd or lacking, particularly in #s 3 and 4

Don't mind a bit, learning is what I am here for. Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by inkista

You might want to read the rules about size limits for posted images.

My recommendation would be to upgrade your license of Photoshop to CS5. When Adobe moves Photoshop to CS6, you'll no longer be eligible for an upgrade and will have to repurchase a full license. Adobe only supports up to three generations for upgrades. And the upgrade is considerably cheaper than the license.

Thanks for the suggestion on the PS upgrade, and the size limits, LOL, I'll check into them both.

[karen_s]

What Inkista said and maybe a reflector to bounce some light around.

Originally Posted by jenward74

Don't mind a bit, learning is what I am here for. Any suggestions?

Suggestions ... pick a photo and post it in the critique people section. (Of course, read the rules first. ) There are several people on these boards, especially in that section, that are very helpful and knowledgable. I think you have a good start but agree with Osmosis on the post processing. To me, the blacks are very heavy to the point you have lost quite a bit of detail and the vignetting, well, don't think you really need it. You seem to have a pretty good eye though.