Photo Umbrella For Beginner

[roseytoys]

I have a Nikon D80. I take tons of pics of my kids. This year I want to take their Christmas pic using either a Chroma Key background or a mottled beige background. I have tried the Chroma Key and I am not happy with the lighting from my Nikon Speedlight SB-600.

I would like to buy two Photo Umbrellas, but I don't want to spend $1000 on them - as I only do photography as a hobby, not a profession.

I saw a pair of Square Perfect SP2700 photo umbrellas on Ebay for about $50 (although the auction has not ended yet).

I usually buy all of my equipment from B&H, so I am unsure of this purchase.

The real question is, what to buy?? Any suggestions on one or two photo umbrellas that are inexpensive but not "cheap" in quality?

Again, I don't want to break the bank on this one, just get some cute shots of the kiddies.

Any/all suggestions greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[ScottS]

I have been looking at this one for a while. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/42512-REG/Photoflex_UMRUT60_Convertible_Umbrella_60_.html
The main reason I want it is because you can diffuse and reflect with it, and its cheap.

 

[Dubie]

Good question. I been looking at these too ans soft boxes too.

 

[JIP]

Let me suggest going here http://strobist.blogspot.com/ it si a great instructional site on affordable off-camera lighting they also have links to kits set up to use his techniques I foud one http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm?viewfrom=1&catid=185&step=2 it does not have he kits that I remember seeing but the site will tell you the kind of things to use.

 

[jols]

i work part time in a shop and they use one metre graphics boards which advertise their product on one side and is pure white on the other side.

i asked them if i could have two old ones and they where more than happy to get rid of them.

and they bounce the light great.

have a look in large stores for these graphics