Portable Studios? Photo Editing?

[Windy]

Anyone use a portable studio kit? Would you recomend it? Or would you just buy a la cart? Are there any quality ones that don't cost a fortune? Where do you shop for things like that? I have checked ebay but I want to make sure what I am getting is what I need.
As for editing do you prefer Photoshop? Right now I just have Nikon Picture Project & I know I need to upgrade.
Any other tips?
Right now I am just a 1st semester student at the SJRC & a full time stay at home mom so I know I don't need to go overboard, but I am very excited to learn, in hopes that one day I won't suck & will be a real photographer;)

[becky]

i shoot on location so i can't help you on that but brooke has a back drop so she can offer some suggestions :)

as for editing i use both Adobe lightroom and photoshop and love them both. they cost quite a bit of money but as a student you can get a nice discount. :D

[Brookepanda]

I have a tripod, back drop stand, and several back drops plus a 5 in 1 reflector and reflector stand...that's what *I* use

for photo editing I use photoshop CS3 and Light Room

[Windy]

Just want to say thanks againg. I just purchased my 1st Tripod. I am doing the free trail of Photoshop & Lightroom. Hoping to get some lighting and back drops after the holidays.
Where do you ladies like to go for photo equiptment?

I like Northbay Photo, & I have looked for stuff on Craigslist & ebay, are there other resources that I should know about?

Thanks again!
Wendy

[Brookepanda]

I get my things off of Amazon.com or b&h photo
also adorama

I typically touch and feel it at shutterbug first though :giggle

I did just buy my most recent lens at shutterbug on sr ave

[Shanta]

What is it you want to shoot? People, places, product? Sorta helps in what you need. Also it depends on your style.

Also lighting depends greatly if your going to have a studio or shoot on location.

post some pics of how you want it to come out.

[Kellie_MO5]

I did just buy my most recent lens at shutterbug on sr ave
really? what kind of lens did you get? :giggle

[Brookepanda]

really? what kind of lens did you get? :giggle

They are my little secret :D

[Windy]

I would like to shoot mostly children & families on location. Right now I am just a student. Still trying to figure all this fun stuff out. I am more than happy to hear any advice you all have!
Thank you so much!

[Shanta]

Well the one thing I used a lot on location to help with lighting was a reflector. I used gold/white. My style is a bit I warm romantic. If you like more of the sharp artistic then I think sliver /white works better for that.

[Brookepanda]

Well the one thing I used a lot on location to help with lighting was a reflector. I used gold/white. My style is a bit I warm romantic. If you like more of the sharp artistic then I think sliver /white works better for that.

I use a reflector too when the light calls for it...I have a 5 in 1 reflector I tend to keep it on the silver with gold side.

[becky]

Just want to say thanks againg. I just purchased my 1st Tripod. I am doing the free trail of Photoshop & Lightroom. Hoping to get some lighting and back drops after the holidays.
Where do you ladies like to go for photo equiptment?

I like Northbay Photo, & I have looked for stuff on Craigslist & ebay, are there other resources that I should know about?

Thanks again!
Wendyi have bought everything but my flash at BH Photo. the flash though I got at Shutterbug. They are great for checking stuff out before I buy :giggle and the service there is awesome.

[Shanta]

I have a tripod, back drop stand, and several back drops plus a 5 in 1 reflector and reflector stand...that's what *I* use

for photo editing I use photoshop CS3 and Light Room

If you had to pick between this which would you pick?

It's $699 to by both..

[becky]

it depends on what you plan on doing. I use them both together. One is good for one thing while the other is good for other things. For me they work as a pair and really help my over all PP work. I will generally start with LR, make further edits in PS and then finish off in LR again.

[Brookepanda]

If I had to pick I'd say CS3 with out a doubt

[becky]

If I had to pick I'd say CS3 with out a doubt:yeah for sure. if you had to pick one and only one that would be it. LR is great but there is nothing you couldn't do in PS that you could do in LR.