I want to take some portrait photos of the kids for the family (being badgered by grandparents for photos).
Can't afford a professional photographer for annual shots, so was thinking of setting up a temporary studio so that I can take family portraits as when I want to.
I have a budget of about £150-£200. What's the basics I need?
This looks like a good starting pointhttp://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/77688/show.html
What about reflectors or another lamp that I can add colour filters to (http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/71594/show.html)?
Should I buy a backdrop curtain/drape? I have whitewashed walls but they aren't very smooth...
I may invest in a 2nd hand 50mm prime for the portraits though I have heard good things about the Pentax 40mm f/2.8 pancake for portrait work - but that may well have to wait for a small windfall.
I would go to the fabric store for backdrops. A nice big piece of black velvet if you like the classic look.
You can use big pieces of matte board if you want to get some reflected light in the shadows.
And depending on how formal you want them - I kinda like a rougher surface. A whitewashed wall sounds like it would be badass for B&W portraits.
Cool, so backdrop not necessary - what about the other kit, is that all I really need to get a decent and flexible set-up?
Are there better options out there at that price point?
I thought about the portrait stuff recently and tried looking through the kit just like you. There seems to be a choice - cheap and flimsy, or fucking mega-expensive. Plus I'm SHIT at it, so I ended up not buying anything. 
I have achieved some nicer shots by putting my subjects in natural environments and just snapping away (much to their annoyance!)
Gallery :http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150110499316621.282783.597016620&l=a8af546dcc&type=1
I will follow this thread, tho...
P~
Some really nice shots there mate. I really like the one on the top right, with your daughter behind your wife. Really nice light on her face and a great candid family moment.
Thanks bud. I also like the one of my youngest daughter pulling a silly face (last in the set), but yeah, I am particularly pleased with the one you mentioned. I also like 3rd one in of the sis-in-law.
fix
Our local camera store rents higher-end equipment. Don't know if that's an option for you ( or if I'm too late)