Need help setting up a low-cost portrait studio

If anyone can give advice to a new portrait photographer just

starting out I would appretiate it. Need tips on any low-cost not

nessesarily low end equipment. I have a Nikon N80 that I would like

to start with and eventually get a medium format camera. Help on

setting up a studio in my home is needed. Thank you

Do not buy a cheap tripod. I did and what a mistake. How many times

I came very close to knocking my camera on the floor. Better a

used high quality one than a cheap new one. I like Manfrotto or

Bogen, same thing. It is great peace of mind to know that my

camera is now sitting on a solid tripod.

For low cost with pretty good reliability, I would either look at the Alien Bees/Photogenic monolights or buy a used Novatron/Norman/Profoto system that uses a power pack and heads. You will also need some umbrellas or softboxes. Expect to spend a few hundred dollars to get going.

e-mail if you want more specific recommendations.

I second the motion on the Alien Bees lights. As soon as I can I

will buy a B800. Then as I save more money I will get another and

maybe the 3rd. Again I bought cheap lights when I started, now

I am kicking myself you know where.

I'm in the process of building a studio myself. I agree with Gus that you should buy a quality tripod. As far as lighting goes, I've had the Speedotron Brownline 1604 series for about 15 years. My setup consist of the power supply and 4 lamps. The Speedotron equipment is higher priced than some of the others but you can start off with a power supply and 1 or 2 lamps and eventually add on to it. If you do the add on route, you'll get the quality equipment you need and stay within your budget. I'm in the process of purchasing a Muslin backdrop and stands at the moment, so that I can get into the studio photography more, and I plan on purchasing this equipment online for about $300.00 total. Good luck to you.

Gregg