I finally took the plunge and started ordering

[dengar]

Ok after reading and reading and reading some more I finally took the plunge and started buying my portrait equipment. Here's whats on order:

Port-a-Stand Background Stand
Savage Seamless Background Paper, 53" wide x 12 yards, Thunder Gray
Rosco CINIGEL/ROSCOLUX SWATCHBOOK
Photoflex UMBRELLA SHOE MOUNT MULTI CLAMP
Bowens 42" REFLECTOR DISC - GOLD SILVER
Impact MULTI BOOM LIGHTSTAND & REFLECTOR HLDR
CTR-301P flash trigger
Phottix C8 Remote

This goes with a Wescott 42" Umbrella w/stand and Opteka Flash I already have. Anything else Im missing? I'm just going 1 flash and 1 reflector to get started. Im on the lookout for a SB-26 or 540EZ so I can use the gels to color the background, but thats it for now. I just want to keep it simple until I get the hang of it.

[mufutau55]

You are ready to start shooting. I hope you also have a Tripod, if not, it will surely help?

Mufutau

[dengar]

Oh yeah, I forgot the tripod. I have a Slik Pro 700DX so Im set there :)

[Mike R]

I use a light meter. (The use of one and if they are needed is debated here a lot)
My feeling is that it does away with trial & error, along with guess work. I want to appear professional to the people I shoot. I feel that IF you can afford one, you should consider it.
I use a Sekonic which has a module inside of it that is compatible with my PW units to trip the flash to obtain the reading, you can also use cables.

[mufutau55]

That's a very nice tripod and I have always recommended it.

Mufutau

Oh yeah, I forgot the tripod. I have a Slik Pro 700DX so Im set there :)