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Beginner photographer! What basic equipment do I need to take some family portraits?

I have a Nikon D80 10.2 digital camera. It has a 18 - 135mm Nikon DX lens, and I just have the standard camera mounted flash. I took a photography class about 10 years ago, but have forgotten more than I remember! I bought the camera for my home based business that I take tons of pictures for. Most of the pictures are done outside however so, I never worried about lighting. I would like to start taking some quality family portraits. I'm not looking to start a business with this, but just do it for my immediate and some extended family and friends. I would love some advice on what kind of lighting I need and possibly some resources on how to position lighting and subjects etc... I am prepared to invest a resonable amount of money, but this will not generate an income, so... not too much. Possibly $300 to $400. I'm still learning to use the camera, and don't know a lot of terminoligy, but any advice on taking great portraits would be appreciated!!! Thanks

Public Comments

1. You probably have most of what you need already. I would get a flash. Portraits are all about the lighting. The pop up one sucks. Nikon has some really nice ones, but so do some of the third party manufacturers. Also, You may want a better lense. The kit lens isnt great for portraits. You could also look into some filters to soften the shots, but you may be able to do that digitaly now. Lastly, maybe some backgrounds to pose the family on.
2. I would recommend that you get a Nikon flash - either the sb600 or sb800. With that camera and those flashes, you can control the flash off camera which will greatly improve your shots.