Studio Lighting Recommendations?

OK, I know this has been posted before and I waded through many earlier posts but didn't see (or find) quite the answer I was looking for. I'm looking for recommendations on a cheap but workable studio-lighting kit -- preferably somewhat portable and with continuous lighting.

I take head-shots for my firm website (at the office) and have finally convinced my wife to start modeling for me at home. I've been struggling along with a hot-shoe-mounted transmitter, 580ex, 430ex, brawley (silver lining), stand, backdrop frame and one neutral gray muslin backdrop. That and my camera gear is all I have for studio stuff. But I find I'm REALLY enjoying shooting people in a studio-like setting.

Any recommendations for a "starter kit" of sorts? Don't know if this is even possible, but I need to keep it under $500.

Alright, I'll bite. I can only speak from my own experience so I will recommend the Genisis 200 light kit. It is considered a starter kit and is everything I expected it to be when I bought it. If you want more info about these lights start here. It is a long read but if you read it all you should feel comfortable purchasing the kit.

Mike

get a pair of skyports or pocket wizards and use what you have. It will be infinitely better than continuous lights.


never underestimate the power of a flash head, and with only $500 USD. you are really limited, might grab a Vivitar or 2 with optical slaves as well since you have a good start so far...

Thanks to both of you! Was beginning to wonder if my question was so preposterous as to be un-deserving of a response.

If you don't mind me asking, why do you have a "No Excuses" Body and Lens Kit yet you allot such a relatively small portion to lighting, which once you get into it, can cost much more than 35mm bodies and lenses?

I'm guessing that your first dSRL was the 400d, then you ended up buying the 1Ds3. Do you want to go through the same progression with lighting where the accessories are not compatible across systems (for the most part)?

Starting on the entry level of a quality brand isn't a bad idea, but buying into something like Genesis or JTL (possibly even Alien Bees IMO) almost guarantees a switch to a better brand down the road.

I suggest you read a lighting book or two before to help you decide what sort of equipment you actually need, then research brands and their features before making a decision.

Gee someone should write an FAQ on the subject and put it in the sticky....

tim wrote in post #6200195
Gee someone should write an FAQ on the subject and put it in the sticky....

I was thinking the same thing