Starting point for a studio

[Fulhair]

So I'm looking to do some simple studio photgraphy of my young children with the idea of starting out reasonably simple and as time, money and practice allows looking to try new things and get more confidence and equipment.

At the moment I ony have a canon 430ex speedlight but was looking to get a single decent 200w studio light with a large softbox, 1m by 1m. I'd also get a wireless trigger such as an rf603 and something like a large white bed sheet to act as a backdrop.

Question is will this be enough to get me started with room to advance or should I stretch to a second studio light with a brollie or a reflector on a stand?

How did everyone else start out with and what did you find helped?

 

[HoppyUK]

Sounds just the job to me Maybe a Lencarta Smartflash, decent softbox, a white/silver reflector. You can do a lot with that, and then build on it.

I'd go for a 6ft paper roll backdrop, or maybe one of those pop-up jobbies (Lastolite?). It's a long time since I used a bedsheet, but have no great wish to repeat the experience. Neither my first lighting rig, since you ask, which was my dad's Anglepoise desk lamp fitted with a 1000w photoflood bulb. It was never quite the same after that

 

[sunnyside_up]

Black velvet collapsible.... Soooo forgiving with light as it absorbs any over spill, and makes for some classy shots.. And easy to use with a single head (speedlight or studio head) and a soft box and reflector. Add in a grid, and you've got yourself a party! Lol!