Beginner Strobist Equipment Advice

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jamielebeau
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p.1 #1 · Beginner Strobist Equipment Advice

Hi everyone,
this is my first time here. I'm a bewbie at studio lighting equipment so I was wondering if you all could give me some advice. I need to buy a monolight set that will best help me photograph the following:

- wedding parties at the altar (I'm thinking average count of 16 people)
- and anywhere from a single portrait (full-length) to a family shoot (average 5 people, at their homes, both indoors and outdoors)

I'm thinking about the following Elinchrom 600RX monolight kit to build upon:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/557086-REG/Elinchrom_EL_20728_2_Digital_Style_Combo_600RX.html

Can someone please advise me on which light modifiers / misc equipment I would need to photograph these subjects? I've only got about $3000 for this equipment investment for now. I currently have a 5DII, 2 580EX II strobes, 3 PocketWizards, and a Bruce Dorn 18x42 strip bank setup I've been using for brides.

Thanks in advance for the help!

Oct 25, 2009 at 05:29 PM

kylegehmlich
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p.1 #2 · Beginner Strobist Equipment Advice

I'd say you're off to a pretty good start with those 600RXs, but I'm sure you'll get quite a few different suggestions for your budget.

For larger groups a couple white umbrellas would probably be best (for the spread they can provide - you'll need umbrella reflectors for the strobes), and for portraits I'm sure you'll want the control and evenness of a couple softboxes. Thow in a grid set with appropriate reflectors and a large reflector panel or two and you'll have quite a few options.

What you're looking to achieve can definitely be done with your budget.

Oct 25, 2009 at 05:48 PM


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