New Stuff

Many people may not think it, but photography is a very expensive hobby.

You've got the camera, the lenses, the lens filters, the tripod, the bag to carry it all in, the computer software, all things I've already purchased. However, I'm about to take the plunge on another expensive subset of photography- off camera lighting.

So what, that's a flash right? Well yes, which flashes are more expensive then I initially figured them to be. I'm picking up a SB600, which is a 3rd gen Nikon flash, for about $200. But that's not all!

With a flash you need: light stand, light stand adapter, umbrella, flash gels, and a way to trigger the flashes remotely. You can buy cords and adapters to trigger the flash (for about $20), but then you are tethered by the thing and that's no fun. No, now we live in a wireless age, so I need wireless triggers! There's a company called AlienBees that sells pretty nice transmitters/receivers for about $60 a piece, meaning an initial cost of $120, then $60 every time you add another flash.

I'm going to start out with just one flash to keep things simple, but for the love of god I hope I never get more than 3. Hopefully I can get some revenue from senior portraits come summer that will help pay for all this stuff!