I know there are lots of moms who dabble in photography, so I'm hoping some of them may be here & able to offer some advice. After I had my first child, I went to work at a national chain retail photography studio. It was supposed to be a temporary thing for the holidays, but I ended up falling in love with my work. After a year, I was a manager, and worked in the studio for a total of about 5 years. I've always had a passion for photography, so for mother's day, my husband bought me my first DSLR camera! I've already done a few outdoor shoots for family and friends, and I'm actually getting paid to shoot a wedding this fall (eeeek! :D ). I would love to buy some basic equipment and have a sort of mobile studio. I've seen photographers who bring everything needed to set up shop in someone's home & get studio quality/style shots right there in the comfort of the client's home. I also have enough room in my home, that if need be, I can set it up here and have someone come here if their home is not an option. I've done a few google searches and found some great stuff. I guess I'm just looking for some insight from anyone who has purchased photography equipment. What equipment is "decent" equipment to have and what is necessary versus optional?? I found one site that offered a complete studio set which includes the following:
2 Four Channel Wireless Trigger Receiver kits with built in umbrella mounts 1 33" Soft White Umbrella 1 33" Silver Black Umbrella 2 Seven foot Light Stands 1 Carry Bag 1 Background Stand with its own carry case 1 10'x20' White Muslin Backdrop 1 10'x20' Black Muslin Backdrop.
This kit is listed at $215. It seems to have everything I'm looking for to get started for a not-too-high prie. Any thoughts?
I guess I failed to mention that I do have a Nikon camera, along with a few different lenses, and I plan to get an external flash soon. I also have Adobe Photoshop Elements 8. I have the basics pretty much.
I would go with that. It's a good deal , make sure it isn't flimsy or breakable( especially the stands and mounts). You can always buy more of the expensive stuff later on if need be. A tripod is a must! Anything by Nikon is quality made and last a long time. Good luck!
wow that sounds like a steal I would like the web address for that myself.
I would suggest a few props - such as pillars or collums/ adjustable stools that will not be seen
good luck!
you'll also need good software to do your own processing (Adobe Photoshop, or even Aperture), the tripod, a good flash, extra batteries... those things are probably more important than the big studio set. You can put together a simple backdrop without all the bells and whistles if you need it, and the light set ups described in the set are pretty powerful, perhaps more than you need. You could probably do with one fill light, and some white boards to bounce available light where you need it.
Definitely a tripod! I would also suggest an external flash (especially for outdoors) and a lense filter for portrait work!
Always have a back up camera,, you just never know when you might need it. Batteries, charger, even if you can plug it in you need to be able to grab another battery when one fails.
