Want New Studio Lights, Need Suggestions!

[Asylum Steve]

If it were me, I would do one of two things. Figure out your budget for a complete set of flash units, then take the money and either go with higher end hot lights, or take that amount and buy ONE really good monolight.

There will be a difference in your "path" and learning curve depending on your choice. With the hot lights, you can inexpensively learn more complex lighting setups, move things around and see the results. You can play with keys, fills, bg, hair lights, and especially ratios between the lights.

However, If you simply want to get good results fast with all the benefits of a studio flash, you don't need need more than one good monolight. At least to start...

I've posted many one-light shots here to try to keep emphasizing that sometimes less is better. Here's another one.

This is a one-light studio shot of a friend's daughter. Now there are several factors that make the shot work. One, I bounced the light into a large umbrella, giving me a wide, soft, flattering light source. Two, I used a medium gray bg (ditch the black), and placed my model close enough to it that the same light source would also light the bg. Three, I angled the light so the model's shadows wouldn't fall on the bg.

Yes, this is very directional light (harsh shadows) because I had no fill, but that was my choice. I could have easily used reflectors or light panels to open up the shadows and given the shot a much more even lighting.

My point is you really DON'T need to make a great deal of changes in your setup to start getting much better results. Remember, the MORE lights you get, the cheaper quality they'll be for the total amount of money you spend.

Hi,
I have posted lots here, complaining about my studio lights and how I can not get anything to produce a nice picture.
So I am now to the point of purchasing lights, good lights, not a crappy cheap package bought off ebay. The lights I have don't have a dial for different settings or even a brand name on them. I think I got screwed.
Anyhoo,
I have a Canon Digital Rebel. A large basement, with not much flourescent lighting.
The ceilings are about 8 feet high with rafters.

I am a beginner. Should I have continuous lighting or flash/strobes? I have heard people talking about too much voltage for digital, what is the solution to this.
I need affordable, affordable is the key word here. I've heard lots about aliens bees, is there any where that I can purchase used equipment??
I am at the point to give up studio and just do outside photos in the summer.
I have posted a pic of my most recent troubles with my current lights. UGH, it's gross.

SUGGESTIONS, welcome.