newbie on this thread, but...

Will be frequent visitor now. Have first real portraiture job in late April. only have 580ex flash (which I saw in one of the stickies on here doesn't have computer slots) Checked it out and it doesnt'~ but really don't know how to work with it anyway.
Starting to learn lighting and flash...got some books from the library and sifting through this thread daily. Will probably sign up for a class or find someone to assist, sure it's a better way to learn than going this solo. So hope you will be patient with my questions as I try to grasp this lighting enigma...
First one, and probably not the best, but someone on one of the threads said Alienbee ringflash sucked, but I saw some really cool shots on here with one. I am trying to figure out very basic things I needto learn make good shots. ... looks like umbrella, strobes are basics...trying to also get money together for Mark III and don't want to sinc a penny more into light setup than I have to until I have that in hand...

So...help!

Photodawg1 wrote in post #2922388
trying to also get money together for Mark III and don't want to sinc a penny more into light setup than I have to until I have that in hand...

I'm not sure why you have your sights set on that camera body, but make sure your priorities are straight.

For studio work, lighting is everything (almost) and an expensive camera body won't necessarily yield better images than a cheap one. I would rather use an entry-level camera and lens with the right lighting equipment than the best body and glass money can buy with the wrong lighting equipment. Studio work doesn't require much from a camera. You can shoot at ISO 100, stop down the lens to its sweet spot, and high frame rates are of no value (you need a little time for the strobes to recycle).

The 1DMkIII is a sportsshooter's dream, but I think it's overkill for studio use.

Curtis N wrote in post #2922679
I'm not sure why you have your sights set on that camera body, but make sure your priorities are straight.

For studio work, lighting is everything (almost) and an expensive camera body won't necessarily yield better images than a cheap one. I would rather use an entry-level camera and lens with the right lighting equipment than the best body and glass money can buy with the wrong lighting equipment. Studio work doesn't require much from a camera. You can shoot at ISO 100, stop down the lens to its sweet spot, and high frame rates are of no value (you need a little time for the strobes to recycle).

The 1DMkIII is a sportsshooter's dream, but I think it's overkill for studio use.

Thanks very much for replying Curtis,
Yes. I understand that...I am a sports photog first/at least right now. I only have a 20d since fall of 2005 and have really really shoot it into the ground, I am fearful of it dying during a shoot. I need two bodies. I guess I am focusing on 2 different animals right now. I would like to at least start a basic set up to learn and take good "casual" portraits with the 20d and some minimal lighting and this would be more in the field (probably literally!). Have to take 10 year anniverary pics of a couple in late April probably most outside shots if weather cooperates and if not then inside.... so gear that travels will. Reading the strobist...and thinking of getting a vivatar 285HV for starters....I am like a rabid child in a candy shop now...so anything to point me in right direction/minamize the damage greatly appreciated.

The strobist type gear will do a lot of things for not a lot of cash. It's also very portable. If/when you decide to get more serious about studio type work, you can then make the investment in more powerful studio strobe equipment, and have the income to justify it.

Curtis N wrote in post #2924011
The strobist type gear will do a lot of things for not a lot of cash. It's also very portable. If/when you decide to get more serious about studio type work, you can then make the investment in more powerful studio strobe equipment, and have the income to justify it.

Yes. I got excited when I read it because it helped stop my head spinning with all the equipment options and made feel like it was within my grasp. Plowing through these books too. Would really like to get at least one light and an umbrella/softbox to start playing and experimenting. Looking at Ebay and Adorama's used department. Thanks for replying and hope to start practicing soon and getting more experience and feedback...