Models

[skipgue]

Hairstylists venture into editorial/fashion shoots. What camera/equipment would be a good starting place?

[Goshawk]

You better give more information if you want a decent reply from someone. What is your previous experience with cameras and photography in general.
Are you going to set up a studio with proper studio lights.
What equipment do you already have.

[Anke]

Apart from the very important details mentioned above, a budget would help too.

What sort of results are you expecting? Sales or just for your own salon?

Generally some nice filler detail is very handy :) Welcome to POTN too.

[mikekelley]

Hasselblads

[Tee Why]

I'm assuming that you have little to no experience with photography and that budget is a concern.

If so, most if not all, current dslr's will probably be fine. If you are going to do mostly headshots and half body type of shots, I'd say an entry level body like a Rebel XS/XSi/T1i or a Nikon D40/D60/D5000 and a 50mm f1.8 lens along with a kit lens that's included.

I'd also recommend a decent flash as well, a Canon 430EX II should be more than adequate if you are starting out. I think Nikon has a SB 600 that is similar to the Canon version.

Good luck.

[skipgue]

Thanks Guy's for jumping in to help me out ! Bingo on the no experience part. But that's where you come in. However, I have been in the hair fashion industry for 30 yrs. and can work the art direction part for the images ( editorial,headshots and full body). Obviously I do believe that I'ts best to let Professional's do what they do best, With that being said, I want to give it a shot anyways. The budget can be up to 1,500.00, shooting in studio and out. So your thought's on a good start up kit for equipment would be apreciated. Thanks, Skip

[Tee Why]

Hmm, I'd recommend the Nikon D5000 if you want to really max the budget. At amazon.com, the camera kit goes for $758, a 50mm f1.4 G that can AF with the body is about $460 though.
http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-50mm-1-4G-Digital-Cameras/dp/B001GCVA0U/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1247417111&sr=1-2
The SB 600 flash goes for $224. So the total would be just at $1500, but you'd have a great 12MP sensor body with a great 50mm lens and a good flash. It has pretty much the same image quality as the much more expensive D300 from what I hear.

If you want to go the cheapest route, I'd get a Canon XS kit with a 50mm f1.8 lens and a 430EX II flash for $509/110/239. So that's under $900. Getting a Rebel XSi instead of the XS will move the price to $1060 or so.

Canon also has a much nicer 50mm f1.4 lens that sells for $400 as well. But that would push the price up by $300 over if you got the 50mm f1.8 lens.

If money was a serious concern, I'd go with the Rebel XS with a 50mm f1.8 for about $900. If you can swing it, then the XS with the 50mm f1.4 instead for $1200 or so. The difference between XS and the XSi isn't that big if price is a concern.

Spend the most money you can on lenses as bodies don't make as much difference as lenses.

Good luck.

[DarksideTi]

Hmmmm, these challenges are always fun, here is what I would do with the $1500 (if just starting out):

Canon XSi (Full Kit at Adorama, includes basic bag, card etc): $760
Canon 430EX Used: $150-175
Sigma 24-70 2.8 Used: $400

Then spend the remainder on:
1 Light Stand (ebay $40)
1 Hot shoe umbrella holder (ebay $10)
1 Set PT-04 triggers with hot shoe trigger (ebay $50)
1 Shoot Thru/Bounce umbrella ( ebay $30)
1 Large 5-in-1 reflector (ebay $50)

There, lots of stuff to get started with for apx. $1500! For just starting out, this kit would allow you to shoot indoors, or outdoors. The kit would be portable and give you alot of different options for different situations, then as your budget and knowledge increase, you can add and replace items. In addition to all this "Stuff" I would read up as much as you can here on POTN, and also check out intructional vids on YouTube. For this set up, the Strobist website may also be helpful.

Enjoy!

[skipgue]

Thank"s Dude very helpful.Seem's like alot more gear all around. Now Decision time...

[Karl Johnston]

Hasselblads
100 thousand Hasselblads.