Studio Lights and more??

[MegR]

I am a novice photographer that has mainly used natural lighting for my work and I would love to get into some studio work. I know I need a lot of practice and I am ok with that. However, I do not live by a camera store with employees to help me make sure I am purchasing the correct equipment for my skill level and camera.

I have a Nikon D5000 and I would like to get a few simple pieces of studio equipment that I can use at my house, or take to a neighbor’s house (I have been practicing with friends and family for a while) so it must be reasonably portable.

If I get some lighting (a must have I know) what wireless sensory should I get so I do not have to connect the lighting directly to my camera?
Do you recommend Chroma key backgrounds over actual backgrounds or would you got both?

Any other suggestions any photographers may have for me?

Thanks
Megan =)

 

[Big Mike]

Have a look at these;
AlienBees: Illuminating the Galaxy with Professional Photographic Lighting Equipment
Digital cameras, all other cameras and everything photographic from Adorama Camera
Digital cameras, lenses and photo gear at calumetphoto.com

Any of those lights will likely come with a cable and you can buy an adapter that will sit on the hot shoe of your camera and attach to the cable. It is much nicer to have a wireless trigger though.
Here is a cheap radio trigger that would work well.
Gadget Infinity :: Digital Camera :: Flash Trigger :: Wireless Trigger :: Cactus Wireless Flash Trigger Set V4

 

[MegR]

So I was out and about today and i found a ritz camera store and tbey had a few basic lighting kits but I wasnt sure of the quality. I want something basic but something thay does good work. I want to learn a little bit before I get into the expensive stuff.

One of the kits was a continuos (sp) lighting kit and the other was a softbox type kit. What would you rather have (to learn lighting with)? What are some of the must have featured when it comes to lighting? Right now I am more worried about learning technique then having the best equipment. I will be shooting my own children and a few neighborhood babies. I may try my hand at my neighbor's family (2 adults and 2 kids).

M

 

[KmH]

Continuous lights get hot and heat up the things around and near them - not a good idea around children.

Plus with continuous lighting you loose one of the big advantages of using strobed lighting - being able to control the ambient light exposure separately from the strobed light exposure.