Backdrops and light equipment

[sugarcourt]

Hi everyone
Just wondering if anyone has any advice for start up of a studio. I have been looking around and found a few places. eBay has some fairly cheap packages but not sure if its worth getting them as I don't know what the quality will be like. Should I be laying out more money to get a decent set up or just get a cheap kit that may or may not last but will be enough at least to begin with.
Your thoughts would be great. I am thinking of getting a couple of backdrops to start with and a basis lighting step up. Not sure what I really need though. It will be for taking pet photos as well as babies and families.
Thanks Court

[Redback200]

Hi Court,

I haven't bought anything nor do I have any experience with these kinds of setups. But I was looking into getting some cheap studio stuff a while ago. What I found out was.
Cheap backdrop tear and crease easily. It's worth while spending a bit more on them.
The backdrop stands can be fairly cheap (be careful about the cross bar as that may bend if it's too cheap)
Continuous lighting setups are probably the way to go but you want to get reasonable quality ones as the light from cheap ebay ones tends to be a bit erratic. (unless you want to do more strobist stuff)
Defusers and umbrellas can be cheaper but personally I would go $20 ones instead of $2 or $5 ones.

As far as lighting goes people often suggested
Bowen Gemini or the Elinchrom BXRi
Hope that helps.

[Rattus79]

There is thread running at the moment that has alot of information about wether to get grey/cheap lighting gear or branded running on this very site right now:

http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?116548-Minimum-requirements-for-home-studio

I suggest having a good read through it.