Gear for Portraits.

[theeph]

Hello, I am a new photographer and I am trying to push into portrait photography. I would like to list the items I currently own and ensure it is all I will really need.

I am, and have been, on an incredibly tight budget. I've been blessed with family that acknowledge and support my passion and have been lucky enough to get the following:

Canon Rebel T3i kit, including 18-55mm Lens : $755.00
Canon 50mm f/1.8 II Lens : $114.96
White Lightning X2400 : (Ebay) $289.00
Vivitar 285HV : (Ebay) $43.00
(Flashpoint Pro 9.5ft Air Cushioned Lightstand, Black L3004A) : $49.95
(Westcott 60 inch Optical White Satin Umbrella, Cover 2021): $39.90
(Adorama Universal Swivel Holder - Umbrella Bracket 781404) : $15.25

I intend on using only one light. I would like any general feedback as well as any additions that are absolutely must have.

Thank you.

 

[WhiskeyTango]

Hello, I am a new photographer and I am trying to push into portrait photography. I would like to list the items I currently own and ensure it is all I will really need.

I am, and have been, on an incredibly tight budget. I've been blessed with family that acknowledge and support my passion and have been lucky enough to get the following:

Canon Rebel T3i kit, including 18-55mm Lens : $755.00
Canon 50mm f/1.8 II Lens : $114.96
White Lightning X2400 : (Ebay) $289.00
Vivitar 285HV : (Ebay) $43.00
(Flashpoint Pro 9.5ft Air Cushioned Lightstand, Black L3004A) : $49.95
(Westcott 60 inch Optical White Satin Umbrella, Cover 2021): $39.90
(Adorama Universal Swivel Holder - Umbrella Bracket 781404) : $15.25

I intend on using only one light. I would like any general feedback as well as any additions that are absolutely must have.

Thank you.

Welcome to TPF!

You can take great shots with what you have. Add to that plenty of DIY reflectors, flags, backdrops, etc., and you've got a perfectly passable start.

The only "must" have is a camera. You've got that covered. If I were going to put one item at the top of the desired list, it'd be a tripod, but it's not a must. You're doing just fine.

 

[theeph]

Thanks for the welcome! I also have a tripod. It's a super basic and cheap one but it has done the job well.

 

[jamesbjenkins]

You have more than I did when I started. You need to learn all the basic fundamentals of photography (exposure, white balance, etc.) and practice like crazy until you understand your camera completely, and can make it do what you want... Good luck!

 

[MReid]

Put the 50 on, set it at 2.8 and go shoot natural light portraits. When you get the hang of that start learning the flash, which will take much longer.
I guess I am assuming you will be working outside.....in which case you may never need the flashes.
I get along fine with no flashes or reflectors.
Learn to see and use the light that is available and shoot at the right time of day.
It isn't about equipment it is about skill.

 

[DiskoJoe]

A reflector could come in handy for doing fill lighting.

 

[theeph]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I have been shooting with natural light for a while, with the 50mm, as Mreid suggested. However, I am trying to move into makeshift studios; The house next to me is abandoned and gorgeous inside, there is a parking deck being built about three miles from my house, and of course a small corner in my house. places like that.
Anyway, thanks a lot for the help.

 

[LuckySe7en]

The majority of my portraits are shot with a T2i, 50 1.8 and a reflector. I'm happy with my results so far.

 

[TheInformer]

You should be able to get some excellent results with what you have!

Only suggestion is for natural light portraits I would pick up a reflector which is fairly inexpensive: Neewer 110CM 43" 5-in-1 Collapsible Multi-Disc Light Reflector