potrait/bodyscape lens & lighting

[Bluedogs]

Hi there,

I am new to this photography world & interested in doing portraits & bodyscapes. Black & Whites are really cool with shadowing & highlighting.

I am interested in knowing what is a good (or semi-decent) for a non-professional set up ($1000 budget). Have been looking at the Elinchrom D-Lites as an entry level set up.

Also interested in best lens for this. I have a Canon 50mm 1.4, but have read some info about maybe a 70mm is better. Is there any advice on good lenses for this type of lens?

I would prefer to cut lighting budget for the lens, or have I got the wrong end of the stick & should concentrate on lighting?

[tonylong]

For high-quality portraiture, lighting is extremely important. You would do well to check in the Flahs and Lighting section for lighting ideas:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=35

And I'd also check in the People section and the related Discussion section to pick up ideas:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=26

And then, the Glamor and Nude section (not safe viewing at work, of course):

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=36