Novice needs advice please

[dixielandcandles]

Thank you in advance for your help here.... I'm a newbie, I just bought a Canon 10D, Canon 50mm 1.8 II, Tamron 28-75 XR DI 2.8, Metz 44EF flash, remote shutter and Lowepro backpack. About $2500 invested. I know, some of you here may say "that's nothing", but for the divorced man, father of 2, earning $20k/yr, and saved for 2 years to buy such a camera, it's a LOT! :)

I have 2 questions:

1) I want to do outdoor portraits. Is it ok to use my Metz 44 for fill flash outdoors or should I get a reflector with a stand? The local studio uses a full body reflector. If you recommend a reflector instead of fill flash, how much are they and could I get a link to go directly to see it? I don't wanna use foam core (big and clumsy to tranport around). Do they full size reflectors break down for easy transporting?

2) I am also insterested in buying a studio light kit. Again, I am totally green, I know NOTHING about studio equipment. I was told by the salesman that sold me my Metz flash, that he carries JTL light kits. He said he had one for about $400 that sells like crazy. Comes with 2 strobes and a 3rd something, not sure, a barn door or something. I'd like to know your thoughts on this. Is this JTL kit perfect for a starter?

Thank you for all your help!
Danny

[roanjohn]

I wish I could help you out, but I am just as clueless.

Suggestions:

Try using your ext flash for now to fill some shadows outdoors, and try bouncing it indoors. Bring examples of your work to the store and see if anybody can recommend anything to get you closer to your goal.

Also, another great forum is fred miranda. Under People Photography, they should be able to give you more techniques on indoor and outdoor portraiture.

And good luck on your purchases!! All good choices..........seems you have done your research.

Ro1

[mson]

1) You can make your own reflector out of thick poster board and tin foil. Do a search and you should find some suggestions on how to make one. You could also use one of those sun shades from your car. They are not as nice as a reflector, but they do work and they are cheap.

2) I have heard good things about http://alienbees.com/index2.htm (AlienBees) Flash units. Their cheapest can be had for around $200. I don't know how they compare with the JTL but they are worth a look.

Hope this helps!

[DaveG]

Thank you in advance for your help here.... I'm a newbie, I just bought a Canon 10D, Canon 50mm 1.8 II, Tamron 28-75 XR DI 2.8, Metz 44EF flash, remote shutter and Lowepro backpack. About $2500 invested. I know, some of you here may say "that's nothing", but for the divorced man, father of 2, earning $20k/yr, and saved for 2 years to buy such a camera, it's a LOT! :)

I have 2 questions:

1) I want to do outdoor portraits. Is it ok to use my Metz 44 for fill flash outdoors or should I get a reflector with a stand? The local studio uses a full body reflector. If you recommend a reflector instead of fill flash, how much are they and could I get a link to go directly to see it? I don't wanna use foam core (big and clumsy to tranport around). Do they full size reflectors break down for easy transporting?

2) I am also insterested in buying a studio light kit. Again, I am totally green, I know NOTHING about studio equipment. I was told by the salesman that sold me my Metz flash, that he carries JTL light kits. He said he had one for about $400 that sells like crazy. Comes with 2 strobes and a 3rd something, not sure, a barn door or something. I'd like to know your thoughts on this. Is this JTL kit perfect for a starter?

Thank you for all your help!
Danny

B&H and others sell 4 in 1 reflectors that fold up into a circle. There's the outside "jacket" that has four sides after you reverse it, black, white, silver and gold. You can get a mount to hold it onto a stand but in anything but the most calm conditions or if you drag a 20 kg weight with you, it's going to blow over. I usually have someone hold it for me and then it works great.

The Metz should be fine for fill flash outside. Just keep an eye on your review screen to make sure everything is OK.


I usually reccomend Alien Bees strobes. They are part of the White Lighting family and take all of the WL accessories so you won't have to pay through the nose for soft box collars and that kind of stuff. they are relatively small and not expensive. You will need at least two flashes as well as a flash meter in order to set up lighting ratios.

Email me at dgrandy@grandyphoto.com and if you want more information about this part of things I'll write to you directly, since it's kind of off subject for this forum. and you will also need a flash meter.