You could try going out and getting a couple of good, old flashes (like Vivitar 283 or 285s, Cullmann CX45, etc.). You want flashes that allow you to set them manually and preferrably have intensity controls. If they have slave modules, great ... if not, get a couple of cheap (cost, not build quality) slave hot-shoe adapters. Next, get a couple of light stands (you're going to need these anyway when you get your strobes, and they're not that expensive). You should be able to get some decent 6-8ft extendable ones fairly cheaply used. Finally, you can grab a couple of umbrella/hotshoe adapters and a couple of umbrellas. You can get white or silver umbrellas in a decent size for under $30 each now. You might also look into a softbox. Or, you can buy a couple on-flash accessories like the Lumiquest Softbox or Big Bounce (I use the softbox on my flash - which I mount on a stroboframe rotating flash bracket) which may be a little cheaper than the umbrellas if you're really tight for cash (I've been there...hell, still there). :) Whole thing will probably be under $200 ... maybe even under $150 if you're lucky. And the best part, you can use the stands, adapters, and umbrellas with strobes as you get them. You can also make a PVC lightstand for under $10, but its not as versatile as a real one. -=>Donald