First bits of lighting kit to buy....?

shabba

shabba

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Hello all, sorry for such a dumb/newbie question - I've had a read of some threads but need some adviec still.

Ok I’m looking for advice on what kit I should be purchasing next in order to do more portfolio work, especially where light is a problem, i.e indoor locations.
I’m not a fan of corporate style shots, i.e white background,but I'd like to shoot in & around some intereting buildings but sometimes light is at a premium so I’d like to get more soft light to help my photos.

I have a Canon 40D (well 350D but the 40D is coming Friday), a 430EX flash, Sigma 17-70 2.8 and a Canon 50mm prime. I’m thinking I need to be looking at getting a flash external trigger, a reflector and a stand with either a softbox or umbrella on it, right?

Would it work with only 1 flash, I’m on a very tight budget indeed so that is not really a possibility – just thinking with only one the light is only coming from one side so may have big shadows?

Also I need it to be fully portable as I will be shooting in all sorts of locations, warehouses etc.

Any advice on the items I should be buying and in what order would be great.
 
Have a look at Flash in the Pan's thread in Classifieds, you already have one decent flashgun thet you can use on camera if you want to, Graham sells stands, softboxes etc for very reasonable rates, does fast shipping and he is good for answering beginner's questions. I just bought a couple of flashguns and accessories off him and I was very pleased with the service and the value for money, I think the trigger kit (TX & RX was about £27 plus shipping.
 
You are right with the kit....

Check out FITP Flash in the pans thread in the advertisers section for kit...

You will want as you have said starting at the bottom, Stand, ball type adaptor, radio triggers and softbox (more control than umbrella)...

You can flash from one side and use reflector to fill in the shadows...

Watch this series of videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqMI72jsXRQ

or here http://www.lastoliteschoolofphotography.com

:thumbs:
 
Thank you guys, really appreciate the pointers.
 
As above really - you can do a heck of a lot with one decent light (softbox) on a stand and a reflector. All from FITP.

Rather than a radio trigger, which will be strictly manual unless you pay big bucks, I would use one of FITP's long decicated sync cords. That way you'll retain full auto E-TTL.

E-TTL saves so much faffing about and if either you or your subject is moving around, it will improve your hit rate. Flash is very sensitive to distance and on manual you'll need to adjust it all the time.

Having said that, for the small extra cost of a radio trigger, you might as well get one of those too and have all options covered.
 
radio trigger as it makes it easier to learn imo

buy a stand, adapter, bounce brolly and pair of rf602 triggers then play with the 430 ex dick around and dick around until you understand it all then add light no. 2 or gels or new mod and learn again :D
 
Not sure if you have already picked up a book but this one should help

Mastering Canon EOS Flash Photography
 
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