beginner lighting

[Maggi]

Hi, I have been hooked on photography for a few years now, took evening courses and everything so getting there, I am now onto lighting. Was thinking it is time I invested in some portable lighting as I am forever being asked by friends to do family portraits etc but indoor lighting is never ideal. My flashgun works great for close ups but distance can sometimes be a problem. I am based in Scotland, can anyone advise on a good portable system suitable for a lighting novice and not too expensive either?

Any help would be great

Cheers
Maggi

[.Ray]

If it's portable you want, I think it's worth looking into using using ordinary flashguns (speedlite / speedlights) off camera. It's amazing what you can achieve with small flashguns remotely triggered and you can't get any more portable than that.

[Jacko]

Hi Maggi,

I started off with a cheap portaflash system from Jessops and it wasn't half bad for the price I guess but you could never really trust the output to stay constant. After a while I upgraded this to a couple of Elincron DLite2's - now have 6 in total and they are great.

The kit comes is 2 bags, one for the lights one for the stands and the best bit is the power cords are so long I rarely need extension leads.

Each kit comes with a small and medium sized softbox, got mine from warehouseexpress.

Andrew

[chrishoggy]

I spent quite some time inspecting all the expensive lighting solutions at focus. I had no intention of buying, but quizzed the guys on how they were built etc. I now know that I can build my own for next to nawt, and get near enough the same effect :woot: Just making a nice set of soft boxes for my flashes, and the cost is about £20 in total, for 5 (8" to 32").

[Maggi]

Thanks guys, no only invaluable help but speedy too!!!! will cetainly look into all options

Great site!!
Glad I joined
Cheers
Maggi