I've got a calender shoot coming up in September that will require some lighting. Right now, I've got a simple SB600 for my Nikon D200 but I know I'm going to need more. I really don't have much experience with using anything other than available light for my photography so even figuring out where to start is a challenge.

Money isn't really a problem (I'm not paying for it) but I want to get something that works both consistently and well. It wouldn't hurt to be a good value for money though. Right now I'm thinking I'll need at least 3 flashes, some umbrellas, a few light stands, and 3 or 4 big studio lights to illuminate a large garage.

Does anyone have any suggestions on where to start looking or what I should look for? I'm tempted to pick up some Nikon SB800s and/or SB900s and an SU800 flash controller since I'm already familiar with Nikon's "Creative Lighting System" or CLS. Does anyone have experience with any other lighting systems like AlienBees or something along those lines that use a wireless transmitter for the flashes?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

Found yourself a handsome sugar daddy Alex?

 

Haha something like that.

 

I used to use Alienbees now I use Profoto. I trigger both with Pocketwizards.

.... Honestly, (and no offense) if you have no experience with lighting, I don't see why you're shooting this calendar. You shouldn't jump into something that's over your head

 

I appreciate your opinion but if I don't get some experience with big lighting rigs like this at some point, it's hard to move much further with my photography. I really enjoy learning new things and I'll have a couple of weeks to play around with the lights and learn how to use them before the shooting starts.

I was looking at renting a 2 light Profoto kit for the shoot. Would you care to share which Profoto gear you use?

 

i agree with that....but you shouldnt be getting your first lighting experience on someone elses time..... you should get some gear and experiment on your own untill you understand it. Flash Photography is not as easy as you may think it is.

As far as my gear, I use Profoto 7a Packs and Heads in the studio (or anywhere I can get AC power) and the battery powered 7b on location.