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I usually use natural window lighting for portraits but have taken some images recently that although I'm happy with the expressions and the poses, the lighting was pants! Can't rely on the sun anymore when creativity descends upon me(!!!!) so thought about investing in some lighting. Would anyone be able to offer advice on a basic set up, something that I wouldnt need another mortgage to pay for!?
i got a cheap centon universal flash from jessops secondhand for about 20 quid - and although i have a full studio set up now, sometimes i still use that flash for fill in stuff when my other stuff isnt at hand.
- or jessops do a cheap studio flash for 70 quid, if you get a reflector too you could have a basic studio set up for about 100 quid.
Morning, thanks Paul and Steve, appreciate your time. K.
As little as possible Keith! lol To be honest I'm not really sure, I dont have the space for an elaborate set up but just one to go that stage further with portraits, I'm getting frustrated!
Oh blimey yes! Can I achieve a better effect without spending a fortune?
I'd listen to Keith because he knows what he is talking about!
But...... I'll lend my 'wisdom' anyhoo!
Jessops do a couple of portaflash kits which are quite good for the price. Very basic but they do their job well enough. I think the cheapest Kit is 279.90, and you'll need to buy a flashmeter, 50(always wondered why it's not included in the 'Starter Kit', it's pretty essential!), and some leads, 7(ithink). If you buy them all together, practice being a narky so and so and ask for a deal. YOu should at least get the leads for free! Whooopeeee! (Sarcasm intended! Thats Jessops idea of a 'deal!)
Hope this hels, although, like I said, Mr Keith will probably have better ideas!
I generally use security flodlamps (5 each) but theyre useless for portraits unless you want sweaty models!
mmm sweaty models, now there's a thought! lol Thanks for the advice, did pop into Jessops today cos they wouldnt answer their phone. They told me that they regularly get secondhand kit in so to keep an eye on their web site. They recommended their portaflash kits and said they regularly go for 50 each and I could probably get a basic set up for 100. Guess I could always sell the furniture! Hope you've calmed down now Gary 
Cheers guys. K.
The Portaflash is probably going to be your best bet...but god it's cheap and nasty.
Another option would be to go for something like one Prolinca head. The 125watt is about 169 and the 250 about 179. Add to that a stand, a brolly for another 60 and maybe one reflector say another 30 and you're around the same figure and only one lamp, but at least it's good starter unit.
If you go down the continous lighting route then the Elinchrome (very good make) Minilite kit is about 219. For that you get 2 heads, 2 reflectors, 2 100watt lamps, 2 250 Halolux lamps, stands, 2 translucent brollys and one silver brolly. All together in a natty shoulder holdall. The people to talk to can be found here
The Flash Centre
They will be able to talk to you about options and they know their stuff.
Oh...and don't worry about a light meter - I don't; part of the beauty of digital.
and the Flash Centre do second hand too.
Thanks Keith, I appreciate your time and advice. Not sure I have the confidence in myself yet to get the full kit to justify the expense but will follow up your advice re: flash centre. 'eck I've got so many ideas rattlin' round my head but technical skills and equipment still to acquire. Thanks again.
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