Studio Lighting for a Newbie

I apologize if this question has been asked before, but my eyes started criss crossing from all the reading I was doing.

I am going to venture in to the portrait/boudoir realm, but have no studio lights at all. I have spent 99% of my time in front of a stage so I haven't given them much thought, until now.

So while reading and looking through eBay, it seems that I am finding a lot of lighting solutions. However, it seems like the lights I am finding are ones that you simply plug in and place around the room (prices range $200 - $500 depending on this and that).

What I am looking for is the same type set up but that actually plugs in to the camera and syncs with the settings - it would basically be like having external flashes around the room rather than just on top of your camera. BTW, I have an EOS 1DS Mark II that I am looking to set these up with.

And the million dollar question is - what exactly am I looking for? Let me know what you think regarding set ups and equipment (brand names and models would help).

Thanks for the help!

Given your choice of camera, spending money is not a significant issue. I would suggest steering clear of bargains on EBay, particularly given that you're unsure what you want to get.

For a modest investment, consider AlienBees (http://www.alienbees.com/). There are better units obviously, but for the money, this is a good starting place. If nothing else, read the information available on lighting on their website (http://www.alienbees.com/).

What I am looking for is the same type set up but that actually plugs in to the camera and syncs with the settings - it would basically be like having external flashes around the room rather than just on top of your camera. BTW, I have an EOS 1DS Mark II that I am looking to set these up with.

It sounds like you're looking to get studio flash units. There are many factors to consider when considering a studio flash system, such as maximum power, power adjustment range, modeling lights, recycling time, flash duration, availability of modifiers, just to name a few. Your needs should determine what features are most important to you. There are dozens of brands out there, and pretty much, like most of the photography equipment, you get what you pay for. First determine what your buget is for the system, then consider what brands are affordable in your price range. Studio lighting takes a great amount of time and practice to understand and feel comfortable with, so it will be wise to start with one or two heads(if you go with a pack and head system) or two monolights, then add on to your system.:lol:

All the best,

I have the aliens and love them, they also have a upgraded version, white lighting that are good. budget is the main thing, photoflex and bronica cost more but are good. almost any lighting setup will sync with your camera and you do just plug these in and place around the room, you either have a sync cord that plugs into your camera or buy a wireless remote that attaches to your hotshoe and makes them fire.
I have 4 lights and sometimes want 5. you will want some softboxes and some half softboxes. they are long and skinny. buy some light modifiers (grids, snoots, etc) and keep spending til you cant spend no more! atleast that is what it feels like.

I apologize if this question has been asked before, but my eyes started criss crossing from all the reading I was doing.

I am going to venture in to the portrait/boudoir realm, but have no studio lights at all. I have spent 99% of my time in front of a stage so I haven't given them much thought, until now.

So while reading and looking through eBay, it seems that I am finding a lot of lighting solutions. However, it seems like the lights I am finding are ones that you simply plug in and place around the room (prices range $200 - $500 depending on this and that).

What I am looking for is the same type set up but that actually plugs in to the camera and syncs with the settings - it would basically be like having external flashes around the room rather than just on top of your camera. BTW, I have an EOS 1DS Mark II that I am looking to set these up with.

And the million dollar question is - what exactly am I looking for? Let me know what you think regarding set ups and equipment (brand names and models would help).

Thanks for the help!

Alien bees is a good start, but i still think there exspensive. I went with the Interfit EXD200 kit. Owens originals shipped it out to me for less than 400 bucks, no shipping charge.

It's a two light kit with stands...umbrella and a soft box. I would suggest there IR sender...about 50 buck extra. Since you can get two lights and a soft box for about the price of one alien bees...and the quality is great...why not?

http://www.interfitphotographic.com/Lighitng/Lighting%20index.htm

I just bought a unit from fotodiox, i think they are a new company, so i thought i would try them out. Just got it the other day, so am still messing around with them. Put a softbox over it and am pleased so far.

steve kaeser i like it and i have just order it :)
http://www.skaeser.com/ (http://www.skaeser.com/)

steve kaeser i like it and i have just order it :)
http://www.skaeser.com/ (http://www.skaeser.com/)
I'm going to be buying from Steve Kaeser as well.

I'm going to be buying from Steve Kaeser as well.

yeah go for it , and if you have any problem they will send you another item
cause first the problem with the bulb everytime i open it it burns
then i talk to them to send me a new bulb , they told me that they will send me a new flash , and they send it
but i will send it to them back , cause the problem was from the electricity in kuwait is 250 volt and in usa 120 volt
thats why the bulb was burnt

I have been doing some reading and noted strobe lighting is the way to go portraits. I went to a local photography dealer and spoke with them about portable lighting also. They suggested that I get 2 Smith Victor FL 110 strobe lights. I got them for a pretty good price b/c I have been comparing to internet prices and I paid less without shipping cost. Does anyone know if these are good beginner portable lights and would I need something else to go with it. I will be taking photographs at other peoples homes as well in mine.
Thanks