Studio Kit

So I decided it was time I had some of my own studio equipment, so I have more freedom in when and where I can shoot. However, I am a student, and although I have a job I am only contracted to 7 and a half hours a week - so I wasn't looking at getting really good, expensive equipment, more a first time user sort of thing for as little money as possible (while still working!)

So, I bought a studio kit consisting of 2 flash lights, an umbrella, a softbox, 2 light stands and all the cables you need for £200 - the Interfit EX150 Mark II. I haven't tested them out properly yet, but I've made sure it all works and syncs correctly. One thing you can't do with them is use them as a slave from your flash, so unless you buy a radio trigger, you can't use the camera cable-free. Because of this, I needed to use a hotshoe with my camera to connect it to one of the lights, but that was the only other piece of equipment I needed in order to use the kit. The online reviews said that the softbox was hard to put together, but I don't think it's that difficult, you just have to put some elbow grease into it.
I've also just today received a backdrop stand, and one black and one white backdrop to use with it - I haven't had the chance to put it up and try them out yet, but I'm just happy I've now got the option to do a studio shoot with a professional looking background without having to worry about booking  a session and how long I'll have, and so on.

I can't wait to try both the backdrops and lights properly - I will need to sort something out soon!

I attempted to test the lights out on the only model I had available (until she bailed on me!):