Just recently I had the extreme pleasure of visiting FJ Love's studio and it was very, very inspirational to see what he has done and how effective his settings are in his home studio. I want to say a big Thank you to FJ Love (Martin) for taking the time and explaining how lightning works and where a beginner such as myself can start and giving me the tid bits of advice that will definitely go a long way.
I purchased 3 softboxes while I was at Martin's studio, he had the two chimera softboxes which he gave me a great deal and I also purchased a medium softbox with grids and few stands and an umbrella from him. Now what I need are strobes and I want to make sure I get the right ones but maybe start at a semi-pro level. I was looking at Elinchrom lights in particular, the D4-lites. Although I have to do a lot of research myself, I am hoping to receive some advice from fellow POTN members to direct me in the correct path as I really don't want to buy something and then sell it to get something else right away.
At the moment, I would like to purchase 2 Strobes and automatic triggers. I would love to get three strobes since I would like to utilize all three softboxes, but from articles I have read, the consensus is to start slow and go with one light at a time, otherwise it may become too overwhelming. For triggers I want to setup my 580EX II off camera so I am looking for something like pocket wizard or maybe a cheaper alternative but something that will last a while for sure.
I am in the midst of setting up my basement and converting into a small studio and I think by mid January I should have that setup. Going with autopoles and magic arms, pretty much the same setup I saw at Martin's and hopefully I can succeed it making it as close to what he has.
Thank you,
Karim.
