An enthusiast looking for light...

I'd like to get a mobile studio started, but I'm not sure where to begin. I know I need lights... well, that's about all I know. Someone please drop some knowledge on me...

Shultsjh, you didn't include any budget requirements or details on how you plan to use the lights.

If you are looking for a portable setup that can be used almost anywhere you should look at the Lumedyne product line. They put together some kits that may fit your need perfectly http://www.lumedyne.co​m/products2.asp?cat=ki​ts

Budget: $3000
Project: Experiment with Glamour/Models... Looking to explore this type of photography.

You have a very generous budget for lights. You ought to be able to get 4 truly professional quality lights, plus light modifiers and stands and booms with that, easily!
Monolights or powerpack+heads, and lots of power.

I'm not looking for anything stellar. I'd like something that I can pack in the back of my Caliber, if I needed to. I had something in mind when I posted this, but couldn't hit the correct keys. What I'd like is a studio that I can put up, do the work, take it down and move on... mobile... Would 3g's be enough for somthing like that?

More than enough. I note the UK location, otherwise I would strongly suggest Dynalite for power and portability at far under your price ceiling.

That'll change in about 9 days... moving to DC. Took a look at the Dyna-lite & liked what I saw. Now I just have to find the accessories... Thanks for the input!

If i only had 3g's to throw around for portable lighting....

-Jon

I don't yet... close...

Dynalite M53DT-PS 500 Watt/Second Deluxe Kit - Includes: M500XL - 500 W/S Power Pack, 3- 1015 Flash Heads, Grid Spot & Holder, Umbrella, Light Stands, Sync Cord, Case

Under $1560 thru B&H Photo

Dyna-Lite 1000 Watt/Second 2 Head Value Pack - Includes: M1000WI Power Pack with Built-In Radio Slave Receiver, 2-2040 Flash Heads, Sync Cord, Impact Case. (Pack can take other heads)

$1960 thru B&H

If moving to DC, then I recommend looking at Alien Bees and the Vagabond battery as an option.

Using umbrellas (or already together softboxes ) I can set up a studio, take a few pictures and take it back down again in less then 15 minutes. The only cheat was having the lights already attached to the stands. The only way I could see being more portable would be built-in battery Strobes (AKA Flashes)

The catch with ABs is if you are out of North America, support may be a problem.

Disclaimer: Yes I am a fan of ABs.

Shultsjh, You be the judge about whether or not your shooting circumstances will be suited by 100-150W modelling lights (AB), or if you need higher modelling light output (pro units). If you expect to always shoot in conditions where you can darken the room, 100-150W might meet your needs; if you expect to go on location, where you might not be able to dim the lights at all, you want professional output modelling lights.