I used to rent a fully equipped photo studio part time but had to give it up for a number of reasons.  Now I am trying to create a mini version of it in my garage.  I am thinking of mainly taking pictures of objects/still lifes (my wedding related still lifes sell quite well) but would also like to do the occasional people shoot later on.  I have a shooting table but no lights and was wondering what people recommend in terms of flexible strobe units and slave trigger units which could serve the two purposes and won't cost me an arm and a leg (I am going to worry about backgrounds for model photography etc a little later).  Another caveat:  I am not a techie and take no joy in fiddling with equipment.  Ideally I want to plug stuff in and never have to worry about it, so user-friendly is a definite plus.

Thanks for your input!

Tina

I have a hensel unit that i am happy with.  That is apparently also what Ron uses - although i think we are using different storbes (same brand)

Alien bees also seem really popular with quite a few people

Alien Bee link

From what I've heard and read,  Alien Bees are a good value. Considered reliable entry-level equipment. I've heard some good things about Bowen too.

Just my two cents.

-Steve

Just got my Alien Bees... now I'm abducted... I mean addicted.

Hi Tina,

One Alien Bee 800 and a 24"x36" softbox, a lighting stand and boom works great for small product type shots, I buy a 4' wide roll of white background paper...........The B800 is lots of power, you should be able to shoot f22 no problem.