Where To Start With Lighting???

[InaGlo]

I quite fancy getting into portraiture. I already dabble in products on a VERY crude level but I want/need some lighting.
At the moment I have 2 of those 500 watt security lights so not a hope in hell of getting near with any kind of diffusers. (Im sure I can smell my own hair burning from 3ft away).
I need to start somewhere, anywhere!
Ive looked at a few kits but dont really know what the spec means.
Should I start out with a cheap kit & try & upgrade later, or do I go for one 'good lamp' at a time?
What advice would you give to a newb like me ... apart from ditch the security lights, lol!

[GfK]

Im sure I can smell my own hair burning from 3ft awayHow can you be 3ft away from your own hair? You have toupee? ;)

Oh... and put 250W bulbs in the security lights instead of 500W's ;)

[InaGlo]

How can you be 3ft away from your own hair? You have toupee? ;)

Ha! ha! a toupee....what kind of women do you hang around with!:shock:

[GfK]

Ha! ha! a toupee....what kind of women do you hang around with!:shock:
Too damn many. None with fake hair, though. :)

[DJW]

Have a serach for PeteMc started thread recently, where some links were posted on Studio Lighting

[Matt]

I'd suggest going for one good flash at a time.

The last thing you want is to have to upgrade early because the ones you've bought are not powerful enough for the job.

One good flash and a softbox will set you on your way.

[Matt]

Inaglo

Have a look here (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/specials/basement/basement.html) for some good prices on factory returned/repaired bowens studio flash.

For a small studio/home setup the 250's are a good start.
Best bet is to go for 500's so you get a lot of controlable power.

The DX range gives you more control, with power adjustments in 1/10ths
over 1/3rds from the esprit range.

They come supplied with flash tube and photo flood modeling lamp,
power cable and sync cord (unless otherwise stated).

You will need to purchase a reflector, I recommend the wide angle umbrella reflector form calumet (http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/BW1885.html?ac.cat.CatTree.detail=y&type=PRDINDEX)
with the umbrella of your choice, and/or a softbox (have a look at the range Calumet supply).

Just got myself a Bowens 250DX.
http://www.calumetphoto.com/resources/images/products/31273-1.jpg

HTH

[Venomator]

Inaglo

Have a look here (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/specials/basement/basement.html) for some good prices on factory returned/repaired bowens studio flash.
HTH

Some real bargains there Matt ... on the face of it at least - and not just restricted to lighting ! A good place to start for many photographic (and other) items no ?

[InaGlo]

Thanx for sharing Matt, I have much to learn before I actually make a purchase :embarasse
The link you gave ... looks very appealing... have you actually bought from there yourself? (The bargain basement bit).

[Matt]

Yes, I've bought quite a bit of kit from them over the last few years (warehouse express).
Service is excellent.
I've made a few purchases form the bargain basement, and
so have a few of my freinds.
The flash head I purchased came from the bargain basement section
and it looks brand new, unused, came with cables and warranty card.

I made my first purchase from Calumet, to get the softbox and reflector.
They didn't have the size of softbox I requested so sold me the next
size up for the same price as the one I wanted.
Also staff were very helpful, and they made sure everthing fitted together
before I left their shop with it.

[Matt]

You'll also need a flash meter.

The sekonic L-308 S Flashmate will do everything you'll need.