2 Hot lights and black background

Hello. I am just starting out with a simple studio in my basement, 2 hot lights from

home depot and a large black background and an Elan 7e. I've done some tests so far

but I am having trouble getting sharp images with a limited depth of field because the

subjects have been lit on only one side and I am hand holding the camera. I'm looking

to get nice, darker, moody images and I am wondering if someone could give me

advice on positioning of the lights, where to take my meter readings, is it still

possible to hand hold the camera (I am photographing younger children that are

active), can I use a flash, etc. Someone give me ideas on the best way to get nice

simple moody images with my limited equipment. I appreciate your time.

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<i>...2 hot lights from home depot</i><p>

In the past whenever people mentioned using these things I went along with it. I never used them for anything until a few weeks ago when I came across them on a job site being used for their intended purpose. If you are talking about the two halogen floodlight fixtures on a stand, the first thing I remarked to myself was "how can anybody use these things for photographic lighting?" I have never seen anything so hot and glaring. I couldn't stand being in front of them for more than a few seconds. Plus, they really do not provide alot of light. They barely illuminated a 20x20 room, instead throwing a couple of high temperature hot spots where they were aimed. I pulled the plug real quick and opted for the lighting that was there and a flash light to see what I was doing. <p>

With that in mind I can't think of a way to make these lights useable for what you want to do unless you are shooting fries at McDonalds. Maybe lots of diffusion, but then you will wind up with even less light and that is going to increase the shutter speed further leading to more blur if you handhold. The heat is going to make anything living want to beat it in short order anyway, especially kids.<p>

I know you are on a budget but I would save my money for a couple of cheap strobes instead of wasting your time. Those things are really counter productive.

Yes, I know, I know. they are hard to handle. I did build a little diffuser with some

found translucient paper which works pretty well.