[Jaro]

Hello everyone,

O.K. That is the thing; I do photographs of kids of my friends, then friends of their friends and just recently couple of families actually inviting me to make their family portraits and willing to pay for my work-huhh. My very innocent photography hobby that started many years ago is regenerating into some more fun - work! However here I am and next week again I have to make one family portrait and couple kids. But I still don’t have decent lightning equipment.
Please, could somebody suggest me what would be the best lightning equipment (umbrellas, strobes, reflectors....) for situation as mine. Only thing that I have is one excellent Nikon SB800 speedlight, which often I'm using as a remote light together with my built inn flash on Nikon D200. Yeah it's good for kids, they move, but I am sure that later or even very soon I may need proper portrait lightning. Also maybe you know where is the best place to buy, online or onreal. I can see lots of photography equipment online, but in most cases it can not be delivered to Irelan.

Thank you,

[Steve]

I wouldn't be so brave as to recommend a lighting setup to you as my experiance in that area is not sufficient however for a supplier that has lots of stock and options in this area and will deliver (I think) to Ireland you could check out WarehouseExpress

[Dabhand16]

I remember a thread or two on this subject a long time ago. Might be worth searching for them.

Also if you Google 'studio light set up', I'm sure you will find some useful stuff.

[Glen]

I'm looking at buying one of 2 set ups,

1, Bowens 125/250 gemini esprit = £499 - £599
2, Elinchrom dlite 2 or 4 =£399 - £550 (leaning towards these as they have digital dials/readings, which may be more accurate)

I know there are numerous cheaper kits but I have been told be a few people now to go for the best you can afford, with either brand above they are very versitile when it comes to adding items, swopping items at a later date as you maybe progress and need more/better equipment. You also get a load of accessories with either brand.

Bothe the above kits come with stands/umbrellas/softboxes etc.......

[shipwack]

I'm in a similar situation myself... I'm about to do my first shoot that's not of a friend, and for money. Within the next couple of months I have two other definite shoots. I want to make a good impression and do a good job so I can keep the word of mouth spreading. I have three choices:

1) A jury-rigged setup of my floor lamp (with 3 adjustable lamps), a clip on lamp attached to my father's cymbal stand, and a external flash borrowed from a friend, and diffusers made from scrap plastic. The floor lamp does an adequate job of throwing light; it's what I used for my self portrait... or

2) Putting a little money on my Amazon credit card and get this Smith Victor 3 light set or maybe this 1250 Watt one instead (though that one is probably overkill, and some reviews say it is overpowering in a small room)

3) Support my local camera shop (always a good thing) and get one light, and have my floor lamp fill in from the other side, in addition to borrowing the flash... (for that matter, I could get a flash on credit too, but that way lies debt and madness)

[Gypsy200]

I've been faced with a similar issue, and have found this website to be very helpful Strobist. It gives loads of advice about using standard flashguns for pro lighting results. Even better you've already got one SB-800, which does away with the need for the expensive radio triggers mentioned on the site.

I'm going down the route of mutliple nikon CLS flashes with umbrellas & stands.

[silver]

if you want something portable then add to what you have, a reflector to bounce some light into the shadow areas might be all you need,. another sb800 or sb600 may be useful

you can use umbrellas - def check the strobist site above,. WHE does tiltheads to hold the flash + brolly Lastolite Limited, Provide Photgraphic Equipment and Accessories. Warehouse Express - Photographic Equipment, Digital Cameras, Lenses and Accessories

Sil