giggles

Thanks Ellis & Shawn for the info - I thought it was battery powered so that makes my decision much easier. I was hoping it was like a shoe mount but with a better fill. It looks like I will be dragging my studio units with me and use the SB600 for more candid reception shots. Are there any ring flashes that are battery powered?

 

I got your email Ellis - thanks! I was hoping not to have that much equipment with me. The lighting in the example you sent was very appealing.

I have an outdoor wedding with indoor reception scheduled this summer and am

really curious about the new Alein Bee ring flash? Will it work better than my

SB600 or is the same? I love AB strobes so I was hoping that the ringflash will

be the next best thing. I like large catchlights with minimum shadowing. If any

of you use a ring flash could you post an example of the type of shot it

creates? Thanks!

I love my AB400 and plan to get another one soon!

Alien Bees are the way too go - I have one AB400 with their giant octanox and just love it. I will be ordering another after "tax season" is over. They have some great packages or you can put your own together.

I agree with Kari about the feminine font. I like #5 the best as it combines both elements. Good luck!

I purchased this exact set off of ebay about two years ago when I first started out. It worked good for learning on but I did upgrade to the Alien Bees just recently. Check out my portfolio and about 90% of the shots were taken with the lighting set-up that you are looking at. I do like my AB better and wish I would have started out with it. Hope this helps... Good luck.

Hi Michelle - I agree with Mike... those are way too many lights for what you'll need. Ninety percent of my work is young children and I mainly shoot with one AB400 and a large reflector. Once in awhile, I add another fill light. I use their giant octobox and love it. If I were you, I'd start with one AB800, one heavy duty stand, giant softbox or octobox and a reflector and go from there. Good luck!

You can find many great children photographers on www.ilovephotography.com - it is a site dedicated to children's photography. I visit it often for inspiration and to learn. Good luck.

Look into MPIX.com. I have been very pleased with their work and they do diecut their wallets.

I also know that many people use marine vinyl that you purchase from a fabric store. I use white seamless paper with a piece of plexiglass for my high key work.

I second the alien bees - I use an AB400 with a large octabox and hope to add another one soon...

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I just placed an order www.gotprint.com - I placed an order earlier for some stickers and was very pleased. There prices are very reasonable and shipping was fast. I am anxiously awaiting the business cards. Good luck.

Hi Chris -

I use the beanbag as mentioned above. I also have used a large basket with a fur blanket inside it. The babies love it and are very comfortable. I also have just used their portable carseats with a blanket over it. Take a look at my "Beautiful Babies" galllery for some more ideas. Best of luck...

Hi Corri - the only way to know the answer to your question, is to start advertising using your best pictures. If people see your work and want to come to you, you'll have paying customers. I would set up a website or at least a blog so you can direct people to your work and make up business cards with your links. I often direct my clients to my PN gallery for a sample of my work. A piece of advice, get your pricing down first and stick to it. Always give the parents of your favorite subject discounts/deals since they helped you get on your feet. Hope this helps...