haha.. no not quite actually, i was thinking of spending under $50-100 for now. id prefer a static light setup to flashes for now though, that way i can 'see' the results im getting beforehand and its also less complicated and i wont have any synching issues. im pretty handy with tools so i can build things like stands, screens, etc no problem. ive been scouring google for some sortof 'budget' lighting solutions that i can use in the interim... but most sites consider a 'budget' solution to be around $1000 US.. lol. mainly interested in portrait and nude photography. building a backdrop, so thats not a problem.. just trying to figure out some sortof inexpensive lighting. ive seen some photographers use makeshift lighting setups with those halogen construction floodlights on stands (like these), but again i would not know how to go about diffusing them or directing them to get good results. was going to just pick up a couple and experiment with indirect lighting with them, since theyre very cheap - you can get a pair (or a single one) on a tripod for like $20. sigh i realise this entire thread must sound pretty moronic... but i REALLY am on a tight budget right now. im also eastern european by birth, and therefore im always looking for ways to do things in a makeshift, economical manner rather than rushing out and spending $2000 like most north americans tend to, and are able to do :) (thats not an insult, just pointing out a different mindset).