strobes or background

[jutowa123]

I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT STROBES!!!!!!

this year i am able to get some photo gear for x-mas, i am going back and forth between background stands and paper (as i already have some constant on lights), or some cheap strobes. before any pros glare at the words "cheap strobes" i have NEVER shot with strobes, and actually dont like using flash, but i want/need to learn. so which is a better investment of a little extra money, strobes? or background kit?

i have found a couple of strobe kits that fit my budget and have slave cells built in--- will a ring flash fire these?

 

[IgsEMT]

strobes.
photography = drawing with light. learn lighting and you'll be a master of your skill.
strobist is first source. Digital ProTalk is another great site i enjoy reading.
good luck and again LIGHTING LIGHTING LIGHTING

 

[Derrel]

Shutterbug: Studio In A Small Space

This article discusses the Flashpoint monolights and setting up a small,simple studio in a small area, for a low budget. The strobes of choice? $99 Flashpoint 320 monolights. Hard to go wrong with a 150 watt-second strobe for under a hundred bucks.

Seamless paper is nice to work with, provided you have a good,solid hard floor on which to roll it out, like a garage floor, hardwood floor, or vinyl flooring. Don't overpay for background stands and a crossbar.

 

[jutowa123]

these are the kits i have been looking at on b&h

Savage | Background Port-A-Stand, Travel Case, Paper | 6203750

Impact | Two Monolight Kit - 200 Total | EX100A-2KII | B&H Photo

Morris | 2 AC Umbrella Flash Kit (120V) | | B&H Photo Video

Westcott | uLite 2-Light Digital Photo Lighting Kit | 401 | B&H

i have two smith victor constant ons with stands, 10 inch reflectors, and white umbrellas. they have done well but im looking to upgrade and learn new things. any of these kits seem ok?

 

[Derrel]

The Savage background kit is priced right. The Impact two-monolight kit is also priced right, and is one of the kits recommended by a photo dealer whom I know personally, and who is concerned with customer satisfaction--he stocks that same Impact kit. It's priced right too.

I know a lot of people in the Stobist movement suggest umbrella mounts and speedlights, but the lack of modeling lights is a real problem for many beginners. The Impact kit would be a good choice.

 

[IgsEMT]

but the lack of modeling lights is a real problem for many beginners

Is there a way to FRAME that statement and TELL IT TO EVERYONE who's buying an SLR and wants to become portrait/wedding photographer?

 

[jutowa123]

thank you for the help. i will go with the impact kit. are there any accessories i might need to get as well? i use a canon digital rebel so i have no pc connector. do i need to get some hot shoe pc connector type apparatus? any "cheap" or "entry level" radio/wireless options to recommend? im a kid of the new age, wires are lame

 

[KmH]

I can second the Savage background kit. I have had that kit for a couple of years now and have had no problems.