photography studio equipment

[Mel]

I have been using my SLRs for about 5 years now. I love to take pictures and I would like to go to the next level. I'm interested in opening a small studio for mainly portraits. I've been reading and finding things out about what to get. I am getting the book "Master lighting guide". I know I need to have my walls 18% grey. I know I can just go and buy fabric for back drops. Now......... all that said and done... where do I go next. I have the B&H newest catalog. i'm looking in there for studio equipment and I'm not really sure where to start. I have what you all call "the toy camera" Nikon D40. I believe it takes great pictures.... maybe it's the person behind the camera . technically I have only one lens for it, it is the one that came with the camera 18mm-55mm. Now I know and have heard that a 50mm lens is the way to go for studio portraits? true? what other ones? also what lamps... what is the best kit to get for a first time studio, but later on can add to it? Or should I not go for a kit? should i get everything separate? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Mel]

ok so is this a stupid question? no one has anything to say on this?? Just wondering.

 

[itsanaddiction]

i was just about to write the same posts! with a few more questions

 

[smcaskil]

Here are a few links to previous posts about similar questions. They might help answer some of your questions.

LINK

Lighting

New Studio Tips

Backgrounds

Equipment

Studio Lighting

 

[elsaspet]

It's a hard question to answer. I've seen great quality photos come out of bare old warehouses using natural light.
I know a Kodak Master who loves doing portraits in the DOORWAY of his studio.
And I've been to friends' studios that make my slober with envy:Several full sets, wall mounted sliding studio lights, rotating walls.....

I guess what I'm saying is that there are about a million ways to do it.
What direction SPECIFICALLY are you trying to go?
BTW-welcome to the forum

 

[Fliphishermon]

Go talk to some professional portrait photographers in your area. Bet you get some Googling ideas. And it's fun to actually "see" some of the equipment.

I work in an A/V lab. I wouldn't even think of a studio because I can't afford the equipment. I just have my nudes sit on the kitchen stool and shoot them there.

It's funny watching them run out the back door when the wife gets home.

 

[JerryPH]

It's funny watching them run out the back door when the wife gets home.

You are obviously not a pro... or if you are, not for a very long time.

We all know that when pro 'Tog's wife comes home to her hubby while on the job, she walks by the model, makes a comment about their small breasts, yawns and goes makes you a sandwich.

 

[Bev_K]

I have Alien Bees lighting and have really been enjoying them. Happy with the products, prices, service, etc.

I suppose there are probably differing opinions on this, but I'm thinking you'd want longer focal lengths for portrait work?

Bev