Crazy Blue wrote:
Okay, so I've finally decided to get myself a set of studio lighting equipment, but I'm not too sure of what to get.

I haven't previously owned any studio lighting before and the only experience I've had with them was in highschool - which is why I need help of those who know more in this topic than I do (just about everyone lol).

I'll be using the lights to do mostly potraits shots and my budget... well I hope $1000 is good? I'm not looking to go all out but if something is really worth it, then I'm willing to push the budget up a bit.

All your help is appreciated. Thanks!

If you're learning.. Hotlights are probably cheaper and a better way to get a feel.. The mono's you're going to get in that price range (assuming at least 3 lights) aren't going to have modeling lights that really show you what you're going to get when you pull the trigger..

W.G. Rowland wrote:

If you're learning.. Hotlights are probably cheaper and a better way to get a feel.. The mono's you're going to get in that price range (assuming at least 3 lights) aren't going to have modeling lights that really show you what you're going to get when you pull the trigger..

I agree. Start with the hotlights, fairly inexpensive and great while you learn. Even when you later move on to some a strobe light set, the hotlights can be used as background lights or even hair lights. To me though, like every aspect of photography, it's different for each photographer so find what works best for you.
Best of luck to you.

Huynh Photography wrote:
With a thousand dollars, you can get about 3 Alien Bees head for that price. They are a good set to start with. You also want to get a wireless transmitter / receiver unit. I hate sync cords.

I agree. You can't beat the Bees.

http://www.alienbees.com/

Whiplash Studios wrote:
I agree. Start with the hotlights, fairly inexpensive and great while you learn. Even when you later move on to some a strobe light set, the hotlights can be used as background lights or even hair lights. To me though, like every aspect of photography, it's different for each photographer so find what works best for you.
Best of luck to you.

Just an opinion, start with lights you plan on being able to use for a decade or so. Good ones will easily last that long. It would be my preference for strobes. The Alien Bees suggested, XSeries, or the older, nearly indestructible Ultras(if you can find them), all by Paul Buff White Lightning. Modeling lights are adjustable for get what you see.
I've had 7 of them from the 600s to the 3200s and all still work perfectly if not a little battle worn in the 15 or so years I've used most of them. Been all over the country on hundreds of flights. Lightweight, powerful, with lots of accessories available. Customer service at Paul Buff is second to none and always very reasonable.

Crazy Blue wrote:
If anyone still has any other inputs, please do add.

Check out the Lighting, Flash, Ring, & Battery Strobe Reference thread on MM. It links to many earlier threads on this topic, as well as some other articles which might be helpful.