Business in the making can you suggest a Starter Photography kit lights backdrops

[capturethemoment]

Hello All Im just starting my photography business have just taken photos mainly outside but need to invest in a inside photography studio type set up possibly a portable one, I will be taking still pictures and portrait type ones for individual and also for groups such as dance recital pictures. I have found several kits on amazon such as Ephoto and Cowboy studio any suggestions please would be great.
thanks
Crystal

 

[tirediron]

Do you have a business plan? How much money do you have to invest in equipment? Referring to Cowboy Studio gear as junk is to insult junk the world over. If you're doing this commercially, you need to invest in commerical grade gear that will deliver consistant results as well as being rugged enough to deal with being used on a daily basis, being rigged and struck down repeatedly, being dropped, banged, etc. Look to Elinchrom or a similar level of gear for professional work and plan to pay somewhere in the neighbourhood of $500/head (stands, modifiers, etc at additional cost).

 

[Tony S]

For decent and sturdy set of lights that will last you long into the future a good set up is available from Paul C Buff, Alien Bees. The Busy Bee Package... Paul C. Buff - The Busy Bee Package There are less expensive setups you can get, but for the $$ the quality is not the same. I've been abusing mine for over 5 years now with no failures.


here's a link to the packages, of course you can order individual things and piece together your own package too... http://www.paulcbuff.com/packages.php

 

[capturethemoment]

Well Im just starting out I want to start out with something on a limited budget but then upgrade as I get more of a business, I want durable and sturdy I know hard to find on a little budget but I dont want the back grounds see through either

 

[gsgary]

Well Im just starting out I want to start out with something on a limited budget but then upgrade as I get more of a business, I want durable and sturdy I know hard to find on a little budget but I dont want the back grounds see through either

False economy

 

[CCericola]

You are ready to start a photography business when you already know what equipment you need, You have worked under an established photographer or studio. Are able to take quality photos consistently and have enough capital to buy what you need. Then you need to set up everything on the business end or pay to have someone help you. This includes registering you business and all the paperwork that entails, tax paper work, Insurance, banking etc...just like any other business.

On an additional note on dance schools since I have done them for 10 years. You will need help. You need insurance (most schools will not touch you if you don't have insurance. That goes for most photography dealing with kids), You will need to pay for a background check for you and any assistants you hire and have it on file to show the school owner. You will need more than one set of lights and back-ups. You will also need quality, sturdy background. Do not let kids do any jumps or acrobatics on you background unless you have paper or vinyl that is secured safely to the floor to prevent injury. You can offer pre-paid packages or do proofs but you must be able to deliver pictures in a timely manner. You also have to be able to refund unhappy parents or reprint problem pictures.

Good luck. But I don't believe you are ready yet with the information you have given us.

 

[capturethemoment]

Ok well I guess I should had been a little bit more specific. I do not have an indoor studio I have been doing just primary outside photos, There are tons of companies out there selling lighting and backdrops and I guess I should had just asked the simple questions, What company do you recommend for lighting and what company do you recommend for backdrops, Im all set with my business make up as far as tax purposes and other necessry paperwork needed to start my business in the State. I do appreciate your imput. Thanks

 

[philsphoto]

Crystal,

I have been using my Alien Bees for years now, and they work very good. They are easy to use, setup, adjust, and understand.

 

[Ballistics]

lol, these threads make me feel really short with everyone on their soap box

 

[shootermcgavin]

capture just get a sheet and some things to hang it, it's not rocket science you don't need to spend a fortune on a back drop. The lighting is more important, I've seen awesome shots taken with no backdrop in the middle of a hotel room. You certainly don't need to have worked for a studio before or any other list of things to be successful in anything you do, they certainly help but everyone starts somewhere. Fortunately there is a thing called youtube which probably has a video of exactly what you are trying to accomplish, maybe not the cheapest way but atleast a guide. My local store told me to make my own backdrop or get one of Ebay when I was looking for one.

 

[capturethemoment]

Thank you shooter for your input I appreciate your honesty!

 

[ghache]

Buy a background stand + some rolls of papers, they are not expensive.
you can get a startup 3 light kit for cheap,

250-300watt strobe can definitely do the job in a home studio. Have a look at the visico softbox/stripbox/beauty dish on eBay, they are inexpensive and works really well,

if you think buying a background stand and the 3 basic rolls of paper (gray, white, black) is expensive, RUN

 

[ghache]

capture just get a sheet and some things to hang it, it's not rocket science you don't need to spend a fortune on a back drop. The lighting is more important, I've seen awesome shots taken with no backdrop in the middle of a hotel room. You certainly don't need to have worked for a studio before or any other list of things to be successful in anything you do, they certainly help but everyone starts somewhere. Fortunately there is a thing called youtube which probably has a video of exactly what you are trying to accomplish, maybe not the cheapest way but atleast a guide. My local store told me to make my own backdrop or get one of Ebay when I was looking for one.

you are one funny dude.

 

[gsgary]

This was cheap material off the market, if you know what you are doing you can use anything, wallpaper, bubble wrap you name it you can uas it

 

[MBasile]

My advice is to get quality components that you can then expand upon later on down the road, NOT get everything for cheap and then upgrade everything later on.

I've been satisfied with my Alien Bees (2 B800s, one B1600). I'd suggest grabbing two B800's, a large softbox (or two if you can swing it, otherwise a shoot-through/reversible umbrella), a set of honeycomb grids, and of course the necessary stands.

AVOID CHEAP LIGHTS!!! With cheap lights (eBay, etc) you'll most likely encounter inconsistent and weak light output and inconsistent color temperatures. Along with of course the poor build quality that comes from relatively cheap items

As for the background kit, I've been using a PhotoFlex backdrop stand kit, and besides the bag saying "My First Photo Kit" (or something ridiculous like that) I have no issues with it. It is sturdy and has fit my needs. Now, what color/type of backdrop to hang from that depends on your needs. You can get paper rolls for fairly cheap (meaning different colors as needed).

All in all, for what is listed above, I think you're looking at about $1000.

However, in the name of honesty, I must tell you that I have had one of my B800's crap out after about 8 months of light use. However, they have a pretty good warranty (2 years) and it is currently in for repair.