where to get started with flash / strobes

[alisue]

I would really like to start using flash / strobe lighting for some studio type photos at home but I really, really haven't got a clue. I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction of where to get the right information.

I have a Sony a200 but I really don't know what I'd need to get started, I need it to be cheap as I'm only experimenting but I need it really simply broken down as to what I need to get.

I want to do some simple portrait shots at home and I feel I am ready to start having a go using flash / strobe lights

any advice greatly appreciated

 

[Cistron]

That's a good place to start. http://strobist.blogspot.co.uk/2006/03/lighting-101.html

The absolute budget basement might be a bit difficult to reach, since you're an Alpha user with the Sony hotshoe.

 

[Andy_S]

A flash:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Electronic-...XO/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1346616228&sr=8-13
Wireless trigger:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wireless-...ories_CameraFlashUnits_JN&hash=item5d34dd2ae4
and a light stand (optional)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Photography...63NS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1346616481&sr=8-3

That would be the basics, the website Mike linked to should cover everything you need.
I just did a quick search on Sony fit kit so they should work for you but double check.