Hi thread starter,

Let me help you out here, I shoot food on a commercial basis, (It is the same as shooting a product but some clients want props and stuff in the background so that is another way of shooting which will not be discussed)

Since you say e commerce, I take all your photos are going to be used in your site only.

For the cheapest configuration, What you will need is
A.1xDSLR camera(Any brand but I use a Canon), buy the cheapest second hand also ok, new one basic level cost +/- 1300.

B.2x Flash/Strobes/Flash Gun (What ever you call it) (You can buy the YongNuo 560 III(Third Party bRAND) (Buy the Canon mount, if you use a canon, a Nikon Mount if you use a nikon, Because the electrical contact point, It is brand specific not model specific), It cost about Rm250 each, depends on bargaining skill
Or
DIY 2 Superbright Constant Light with LED Lamps

C.Wireless Remote Trigger/Transceiver- Buy the YongNuo RF 603 (As per above get the correct mount for the brand you are using).
It's About Rm130 Per pair depends on bargaining skill, you will need 2 pair. If you DIY constant light with LED Lamps don't buy this.

D. Soft Box , you can DIY, i also DIY myself (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN87ti6XZ-8)

E. Stands for Flash and Umbrella (You can DIY too but I Malas) (Works the same way as D the soft Box). This I can't remb how much i bought but should be about RM200 per set.

How to shoot using these equipments?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyxzC5kqbyw

How to set up the camera? then that is another story. Happy learning to shoot products and models and all the best in your business.

This post has been edited by cIvIc_noob: Jul 31 2014, 01:46 AM