What kind of bulbs?

I'm thinking about trying to do some "studio" type photo shoots in my

home, primarily for practice, and i'm looking at ways to light the

scene.

I'm a beginner, and will only be using the flash unit (Speedlite

550ex) that I own, and don't have a lot of money to spend. Sometimes

it will be attached, and others i'll be holding it, or have it on a

little rig that i've seen (i'll be buying the Off Camera shoe for my

EOS 3).

I have 2 10" reflector type cans which I purchased at a local

hardware store. When they're not being used for seedlings (with

strong flourescent lighting), I want to use them to light my studio-

mock up.

What kind of bulbs should I look for, knowing that they'll be used in

conjunction with one flash? The reflectors don't create

a "spotlight" effect, so should I also consider using some kind of

reflector instead of pointing them directly at my subject?

Thanks!

If you're going to use colour, don't try mixing tungsten lighting and flash, the results will be interesting but probably in a way you don't intend.

A really cheap way to start out is to get a tripod (if you haven't got one, treat yourself, it's the best accessory you'll ever buy) and instead of putting the camera on it, put the flash on instead. Then try bouncing the flash off various surfaces - walls, ceiling, perhaps even floor if you don't have carpet - and see what sort of results you get.

Next step up, if you're handy with tools, is to get a piece of white foamcore about two feet square and attach it to the tripod with some form of clamp so that you can bounce the flash off it. That'll give you more light AND you'll be able to try different lighting angles. A second piece of foamcore and someone to hold it will allow you to fill in the shadows.

While multiple lights can be useful, some of the most interesting photos ever taken have used the big continuous light source in the sky and that costs nothing.<div></div>