New to lighting--need advice...

[jmal]

$ are the reason for hot lights. I need to keep it cheap.

[JBrunner]

Originally Posted by jmal

$ are the reason for hot lights. I need to keep it cheap.

If that is the case, I would go with Claire's suggestion, or your first idea, and make your own modifiers.

[vdonovan]

Another option are the new color-adjusted flourescents. They are continuous lights but are quite cool (room-temperature wise) and inexpensive. I like using them because I'm used to natural light and too lazy to learn strobes.

learn about them here:
http://www.studiolighting.net/contin...-pro-5000-kit/

The only downside is that they are good for soft boxes and fill but not for any pin-point lighting.

[vdonovan]

Here are some nice flouro kits:

http://www.briteklighting.com/cool-f...nt-lights.html

[fotch]

Those lights from Freestyle, if the stands are sturdy or well made, is a good start. I started with that style, evolved to quartz and better stands, and now use studio strobes. Prefer the later for stills although for movies or video, the quartz.

Just purchase a couple of mini spots (used) which are of course hot lights. Could not afford studio stobe spots.

The importance of good stands is you will want to use them if you change or add other light options.

You might want to also check Craigslist for a good deal on used.

Good Luck.