Need some recommendations on a small studio setup

[SteveBrown]

Bear with my ignorance, but I would like to get something going where I can take some family photos in my home. I know I need a backdrop, and some lights. I have a flash that will allow it to be the master.

I see on Adorama they have some kits available from flashpoint, if I wanted to get the least expensive one that would suit my needs, what would you recommend? Anything else I should buy?

Any help would be great.

[bobbyz]

Which flash? I would start with just the flash you have. Put if off camera, use an umbrella and see what it can do.

[SteveBrown]

I have a sb-900. I did try that, did not turn out all that well. Was looking on ebay, and there are quite a few, just not so sure of wattage, and other items.

[SteveBrown]

anyone suggest a kit from adorama?

[alphonsis]

I don't know about kits per se, given that I like to buy my gear a la carte, but here's some stuff I kept in mind when buying my studio gear.

Anything that's going to hold a strobe/flash should be 1) air cushioned 2) reach at least 8'

You should probably decide what kind of background you're going to use. I chose to go with seamless paper. I started out with 5' rolls. Savage Super White, Savage Thunder Gray.

Background support stands don't need to be air cushioned, I chose a telescoping pole for the crossbar. Some people prefer the segmented ones.

Light sources. I started just using one speedlight, but depending on how you roll, you can go straight to studio strobes. The light source you choose will determine (for the most part) the specific modifiers you get.

General choices for modifiers are softbox, umbrella, and beauty dish. Personal preference as far as I'm concerned. I went with a multipurpose umbrella with a diffusion cover.

Reflectors. They help alot. You can use big pieces of foamboard from your local hardware supply store, or you can pick up fancy-multiple-reflector-types that collapse.

Oh, and sandbags.

[CMcKee]

This isn't from adorama, but have you looked at the Calumet Genesis kits? They currently have a sale on their 200 series, you can get a light, umbrella, and stand for $179.99 or one with a softbox for $242.99.

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/CF0502K/