Hi,

Looking for advice on purchasing lighting, need softboxes, primarily shooting newborns & portraits, everytime I start to buy I get freaked out and give up. There seem to be alot that goes with it, is there a start up kit out there that someone can recommend?

Danielle

I have been debating that SAME question... so I will have to come back and check this post when you start getting some advice.

i would recommend that you check out the strobist and the one light workshop. zack is even coming out with a dvd you can try. you can start there and also search the archives of the forum for more information.

good luck!

White Lightning are really durable lights but if you are looking for portability go for Alien Bees. I would suggest buying quality lightstands that have some weight on them. It is soooo easy to turn over a light with a box or umbrella on a lightweight stand. B&H lists thier weight under the product discription.
As far as light modifiers Photek Softlighter umbrella is really good if you want to save some money. If you are willing to spend a little more go for Larson softboxes. The one I have is old and hard to put together but really good quality. I don't have the chance to shoot with my studio gear much but I LOVE doing it when I can.

Ditto Lindsey's advice on Strobist and Zack's One Light Workshop and DVD.

Learn about lighting first before plunking down a lot of cash on a lighting system that you won't like down the road. Another option is to go to a local pro photo shop and rent some gear to play with before buying a lighting kit. Or take a class at a local community college or photo education center.

very good info here. i would suggest learning the techniques that produce the lighting you like. each method of light yields a different style. so find what you like then go buy a kit.
you can buy a nice kit of Alien Bees for under $1,500 with two lights, softboxes, portable battery pack, etc. if you've got the cash and want to buy something worth the money, that's probably a good place to start. pm me if you're still thinking.

I teach photography at UCM in central Missouri and we have about 150 majoring in photography at any time. We have 5 Alien Bee two light kits that are checked out by students all the time. The Alien Bees have never stopped working.............. I can't say the same for any other system in our check out cage. The ABs look a little silly for and old man photographer but you can not argue with the reliability and the price. The AB softboxes, octaboxes, beauty lights are all very affordable and of decent quality. At the price you pay for light modifies you could get some various sizes and see what you like.

Remember that two things control the QUALITYof light and that is

1. Size of the light
2. Distance to subject

To get a great soft light on a baby you would want about a 3'x4' softbox in close..........Beautiful!!

Hey!! Check out my son's Blog and his new studio in KC!!

http://tomschmidtphoto.com/