I have skill, but those dang lights

[David Hardt]

Ok, here I am looking like a great photographer, I have people coming to me all the time for photos- heres the problem I am a vergin to studio lights CAN SOMEONE JUST SAY - HEREs WHAT WORKS - I have some money to invest in some professional gear, so lead me the way

I have
Canon telephoto lens EF 70-200m f/2.6L IS USM ZOOM LENS

Canon ef 24-105mm f/4l is usm auto focus
Canon EOS 40D w/EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Digital SLR10.1-megapixel Digital SLR Kit

Canon speedlight 580EX II FLASH

That what I have and I need some help with getting my studio and on the move studio going. I am reader so I read alot about lights, but still.......................also,,,what do you all use for port ? Lets just put it this way.........................you set me up with what I need and I AM ON THE WAY TO DO IT,....thank you
getting the mark soon,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,yeaaaaaaaaaaaaa 7,999 dollers dont matter if you dont know lights yeaaaaa.
www.hardtfeltphoto.ifp3.com (http://www.hardtfeltphoto.ifp3.com)

coachdave25@msn.com

[MattMoore]

I'm not sure if this is a joke or a legitimate request for help.

I would use the search feature, good luck......yeaaaaaaa!!!!! boyeeeee?!?!?

But there are so many factors, so lighting changes in almost every situation.

[TMR Design]

Unfortunately David, we need much more information to really be able to help you or make a recommendation.

Tell us about your style, what you want to shoot, the space you use or if it needs to be a portable kit, etc.

[evolved]

since my 1st response was removed.. I'll reply again. :rolleyes: Strobes are not something to just jumped into. You need to really understand the basics before you move into studio lighting. If you struggle with the basics, your expensive lights are just going to make your bad pictures look like bad pictures with artificial light

also, what will you be using the lights for? you have a wide array of things on your site, certain set ups would be good for some but not others.

[trials2k]

my first post was also removed :eek: oh well..

what i think you should do is, get your 580EXII and buy a tripod for it, and an umbrella, this kind of reflected light will give your subject good light coverage, shouldnt be too harsh (according to how u set it up however.)

and its also alot cheaper than going out and buying alot of studio lighting

[bsaber]

Get a cheap light stand and umbrella for your 580. I say use with what you have at your disposal and when you start to feel that it's limiting you then go out and get some Alien Bees.

[shutterfiend]

since my 1st response was removed..

my first post was also removed :eek: oh well..

Late to the party as usual. What am I missing?

[TMR Design]

I was here for it and I missed it. I never saw anything inappropriate but I guess there must have been something.

I think it's hard to get a feel for the OP's level of skill and intent. Blindly recommending Bees or any strobes doesn't make sense without understanding needs, budget, etc.

[PacAce]

Late to the party as usual. What am I missing?

You're not missing anything.

[Strayz]

Well first thing I would say is get a book or 4, start with "light and magic" and any other 2-3 that make you sit down and read them. Inviest the money you have right now to spend on things for a few months. Gear comes and goes, cash takes hard work to make more.

Then move on to the community college and take a class on photography and studio lighting. This will get you closer to using different things and hopefully an idea on what you will need.

Next asses your style and think long and hard about what you need, not what people can tell you. We could sit here and type out 1000000's of products but if you don't know where you want to be, we can't help your way to it.

Remember that you can't know everything all at one time. Like many art forms Photography is not about instant greatness, it will take time to learn. Take your time.