Senior/family portraits questions???

Hi All,

The past few months i have gotten more and more into portrait photography. I now have 2 senior portrait sessions booked and 2 family portrait sessions booked for this september/October. (all through word of mouth/friends, also have 2 weddings to do in 2011).

My question is this, I have 500-600 to invest in my gear and want to know which direction to go?

My gear is listed below... My 50mm f1.8 has been dropped so manual focus only, and the tamron 28-80 is worthless except for some long exposure landscape stuff.

I have one 430exii, stand and shoot throw umbrella so far(32").

I was thinking

option A. Get a new 50mm 1.8mk ii and 85mm 1.8, a vivitar 285H to double my strobes.($600 total shipped via amazon). Would I use the 85 with having the 100mm f2.8 so close in focal length?

Option B. Get a 50mm 1.8 mk ii, a 430 exii and extra stand/trigger umbrella? (500 shipped)

Option C. Get the canon 50mm 1.4 and a vivitar 285H (450 shipped)?


Option D. Sell my 450D and use 600 + what i get from my 450D to upgrade my camera body?

Let me know your thoughts/ideas?

Short term, I'd say look into the Tamron 17-55 2.8 (used?) and maybe the vivitar + stand + umbrella, though this might be stretching your budget.

Longer term, but before either of your 2011 weddings, make sure you get a secong body (used 40D?) and the hopefully add the 85 1.8. This will give you a backup body and allow you to have two lenses mounted, so you aren't switching out lenses as often. The 85 will still be used for more of the portrait shots, leaving the 100 for the ring and detail shots.

I would say whatever you do, buy used from POTN. You will save some money that way.