where to start with studio settup? please help

[tezz]

Hi guys,

I have a canon 40d with two lenses. I have always concentrated on sports photography but have had a lot of enquiries about portraite photography and want to set up a studio at home.

I dont know a lot about lighting ect for studio's and would like to know if this kit is any good. Its for sale on eBay and is brand new. Opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Item number: 110518126437

Kit description is :

"3 x Lamp Lighting set with bag.


Nice quality 3 lamp set with accessories bag.
This lighting set is ideal for many lighting setups from product shots to portraiture. It can be setup and conveniently and stowed in the carry case.

The 180w Flash light with modeling lamp. This lamp can be triggered by another flash, IR remote or sync chord which is included.
The power setting can be set as low as 1/8 up to full power and has a test button.
This flash can be used as your main fill light, back light or key light. Includes umbrella holder.

Power: 180w (More than enough for digital)
Variable power range 1/8 - full power
Continuous modeling light 50W (please do not leave on for extended period of time)
220v UK power.
Colour Temperature 5500K - 5600K Daylight
Angle of Illumination is 55 degrees
Recycle time 2 5 seconds at full power. 1 second at half power.
Guide number 48GN
Remote options include built in trigger sensor, socket for sync chord, built in test button or wireless remote optional extra.
CE Certified Product.


We sell all these parts separately so if you need and extra lamp, Barn door set we have them available. Please check our store.
Please note we sell both spare flash and modeling lamps at all time for existing customers although not listed separately.

This set includes
3 x GY-180 Lamps total 540w
3 x 190cm Light Stands (these have sprung dampeners)
2 x 50 x 70 Softbox.
1 x White shoot through Umbrellas
1 x Silver Umbrella
1 x Barn doors set with Gels and honeycomb
1 x 4Ch Trigger set
1 x carry case"


thanks for your help

 

[AliB]

There is a tutorial on choosing a lighting setup by Garry Edwards on here. Can I suggest you read that and also have a look for tutorials on You tube.

Once you know what you need you can make an informed buying decision.

It's too easy to dive in and end up buying the wrong thing and it ends up costing you more in the end.

 

[phototuition]

I think there's a little too much there for the money, I see the good feedback but feedback is normally left very soon after the purchase, often based on sevice and can't be modified.

If you're just testing the water re home portraits I know several relative beginners who've started with the basic twin head Interfit kit which includes a soft box and brolly, and stands I think, It's normally the most popular option at Warehouse Express.
Perhaps it's worth starting with something like this which can produce great results but it ain't rugged. Look after it and keep the box then ebay it once you really know what's happening. A Bowens 3 head kit or similar could follow if the orders roll in.

John