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View Full Version : I want to spend some money...

Mikester
24th of October 2005 (Mon), 17:50
I am looking to buy some lighting.
I am just newbie and starting out with the equipment. Should I spend $500 on 580EX flash first or should I buy some Alien Bees lights with the money first... My wife will only allow me to spend play budget money once and a while... :-)

I want to have the flexibility of a flash but mostly only taking portraits at this time (of my child of course)...

To flash or not to flash.. That is the question. Thanks!
EricKonieczny
24th of October 2005 (Mon), 18:00
Flash, because you will ne the fleaxability to move around.
SkipD
24th of October 2005 (Mon), 18:23
Mike, you can do some interesting things with a 580EX if you are creative.

I would suggest that you do get a portable flash such as the 580EX, but for studio work monolights such as the AlienBees are far more versatile. The 580EX should come first in my opinion.

When I started doing tabletop work, I had my Canon Powershot G2 and a 420EX flash - nothing more. I built some reflectors that were fully adjustable (see this thread for photos: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=107492 ) and bounced the light from the 420EX off two successive reflectors to get some fairly decent lighting of teddy bears and their toys on a tabletop setup.

You can make reflectors from foamcore - a paper-covered foam sold as poster board - and other ordinary materials found around the home. You can make your own backdrops, either from materials around the home or fabrics bought from a local fabric shop. You can adapt various kinds of light sources such as shop lights, etc.

The bottom line is that you don't need to spend a fortune to experiment and learn. I wouldn't take a lot of home-brew stuff on a paid photo shoot, but nobody needs to see how you work at home - just show them the great photos you make.
Mikester
24th of October 2005 (Mon), 18:35
Skip. Thanks... Good points.. I saw many posts for do it your self reflectors. You are for sure right. I only need this for around the house. So they don't have to look pretty or be that easy to store.

Where should I buy? I searched around the site and hard to find a competitive price in canada. I would like to buy in canada for warranty etc... But every time I go into Henrys they make me feel like .... well... not good.

Best price for 580EX in canada anyone?