Lighting Question

AroundDWorld

Seasoned Amateur, studying hard and working on portfolio.

Canon with 430ex, would like to invest in a lighting system......trying to keep in around $500 or so.

Lots to learn so hoping for some advice.

I shoot mostly people, portraits, candids, weddings, 75% indoors approximately.

I was looking at an AlienBees800 and a softbox........then wondered if perhaps maybe I should get the 580 flash instead with an umbrella....this way I would have a master flash plus a back up flash for weddings, ect..........

I realize for the AB I would need power source........I am not knowledgeable enough to even know how to compare the lighting pros and cons of either.......

Also, I know I would need a sync remote to trigger the flash (sorry....I know I have a LOT to turn, so excuse my lack of correct terminology)

Any suggestions, ideas, or links to help me understand what might be best for me.

Also what confuses me is I often read that many times you purchase a system and then you still need to order little gadgets needed in order to put everything together........so that info would be helpful also...

Anyone care to share what they use.......within my approx. budget!

Thanks you guys..........

Oh, and I do go to Strobist.......awesome site!!

Oh, also I was wondering if there is a dedicated thread for lighting here.....thanks!

ziggy53

Eventually, you will probably need and want both speedlights and some sort of studio strobes, either monolights or pack lights.

I would start with the speedlights, but instead of the one Canon 580EX II I suggest you look at 2 of the Sigma EF 530 DG Super flashes in a Canon mount. The power of the Sigma units is a little less than the Canon flagship flash, but the feature set is very similar. The Sigma flashes are also very reasonable in cost and, most importantly, they allow both master and slave capabilities.

Since you can get 2 of the Sigma flashes for just about the same price as one Canon 580EX, the capabilities of the 2 units will offer far more benefits than any single flash.

You should also get a pair of light stands and umbrellas and umbrella brackets, as well as make some light modifiers. A flash bracket and off-camera cord is also pretty indispensable. For both studio work and for wedding formals some radio transmitter/slaves are indicated.

A budget of $600-$800USD is probably more reasonable to set this up in total, but you should be able to get closer to the $600 mark if you shop carefully.

So, if you get 2 flashes:

http://sigma4less.com/pd-productid-2289-k-sigma_169101_sigma_ef_530_dg_super_e_ttl_shoe_mount_flash_for_canon_eos_with_e_ttl_ii_operation.htm

... add 2 - 10-12 foot stands and 45"-60" convertible umbrellas (white with removable black covers) and umbrella brackets, ... (just go to Adorama or B&H and search for these items)

... add a flash bracket and off-camera cord ... (again, use Adorama or B&H or a flash bracket of your choice)

... add some RF radio/slaves ... (I use some cheap EBay 16 channel units for this purpose)

... and finally some flash modifiers:

You can create your own light modifiers (DIY). A couple that I can recommend are:

http://www.fototime.com/inv/908195739C4C0D3

http://abetterbouncecard.com/

Joe Demb also makes an interesting device for sale (reasonable):

http://www.dembflashproducts.com/flipit/

I own a FlipIt product and it works well and is very well made.

A site showing various modifiers in use:

http://www.the-meissners.org/2006-small-albums/2006-flashmod/index.

AroundDWorld

WoW! Thank you so much Ziggy.......that is very thorough.....thank you so much for taking the time.

I will spend some time digesting this information and check out everything you have suggested,

Can't thank you enough!!!!!