So, I've always knew I wanted to do portrait photography when I grew up, but I've recently discovered that I need to be a grownup ASAP.

I'm getting ready to invest in pretty much everything necessary to do studio and site photography. The whole package...camera, lenses, lighting, backdrops, print media.

I'm looking at cameras and I can't decide if I should get the Nikon D70 or the D80. Does anyone shoot with the D80? I love the shots I see taken with the D70 and they seem incredibly clear and detailed. Is the difference between 6.1 megapixels and 10.1 going to be a huge leap in quality?

Help me make my decisions, please. It's toooooo much info, and too many possibilities.

~L

i bet you'll be happy with either. i have a d50 and it's amazing.

Thanks for the opinions, everyone.

I do lurk at ILP, Michelle, but I don't post yet because I'm not even to the portfolio building stage yet and I really need a decent camera before I post any pics for critique.

As far as lighting goes, I'm looking at a couple of Alien Bee s, a softbox and a decent reflector for starters. I'm trying to keep my lighting under $800.

Backgrounds are, hopefully, coming from Silverlake. I have been on the Silverlake forums (lurky, as always) for almost a year and I love their hand-painted muslins. They have a group buy there, too, that makes their 10X20's under $150 each.

~L

sooo how's it comin'?