Best Studio set up for 2K

[birchtree]

Let's say you have the opportunity to set up an indoor studio, starting from scratch. Your budget is around $2,000.

What do you purchase? Ideally, the set should be "complete," usable for portrait sessions primarily (lights, strobes, reflectors, backdrops--but not props).

I'm not asking this just for fun, I really am trying to set up a studio. And yes, I have perused the stickies in this forum and have found some good advice. I'd just like to get some more specific opinions.

[[godfather]]

I'd start with two Lights. A big Modifier (depends on the place you are shooting in) then will have some practice with them. As soon as I feel I am limited with what I have, I will buy some other modifiers/lights or as per you style of work. Every photog has his/her own style of shooting so they buy the items as per the requirement. There is not hard and fast rule to buy everything at once :)

[abdul10000]

if shooting in location and not having to light the background I find three lights to be sufficient
If shooting in studio and having to light the background I find four lights to be sufficient.

Of course this is for most work, some work (studio for example) requires 6 or 7 lights.

[birchtree]

Thanks for the recommendations...those are some helpful thoughts.

But I'd really like some specifics--exact brands and models...

[abdul10000]

I won't go into too many specifics, but I will recommend you look at the Elinchrom BXRI line and Alien Bees new Einstein line.

[jillybean]

2 or 3 alien bee 400- with stands ( if getting 3 then get a "back light" stand for one of them)
either the large brolley box or a couple of umbrellas

backgrounds- that is tricky and expensive- search the net/ebay for ideas. Going with savage paper is a safe and less expensive bet.
background stand- savage- get one that expands at least 10' wide, and if you can afford it one that holds mulitple backgrounds would be sweet. ( I wish I would have done that)

This is a really hard decision you are facing, one that took me months to do. I have the alien bees, they are ok for the money but if I could swing it Elinchromes would be my choice for durabiltiy and consistent light.

[[godfather]]

Elinchrom :D

[birchtree]

These are great suggestions...keep 'em coming!

[Damian75]

+ 1 Elinchrom
Through this little list together background stands may be overkill depends on your needs
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=wishlisting&A=wishlistDetail&Q=&li=2DEBF33B92

[iqbal624]

I'm redoing my lighting setup. I have about the same situation. For 2kish,
ab800x2
ab400
2 heavy duty stands (13')
1 back light stand
1 large softbox
1 med plm
1 22" bd
1 gel pack (20)
1 barndoor
1 cyber commander
2 recievers
1 vagabond2

toddhata sells backdrops/stands for $150. Buy that also.

Goodluck. I will probably buy this week

[edgar-Junior]

Buy Alienbees you will love it !!!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2592/4132149752_34b8e9e31d_o.jpg