Camera Lighting Equipment

What should I use as a background and as lighting for a photo shoot?

This is a self photo shoot that I need to make look professional. I do not have the white background wall, so could I use a sheet or what either thing for the background. I will alter some of the pictures background so for these does it matter, what background I have? Also I don't have lighting so could I use a flash light or wat type of other instrument to get the correct lighting.

Public Comments

1. Just uses some 500 watt construction lights and have fun adjusting them until you get what you want ... placing them off to one side can create some dramatic lighting ... if you get far enough away from the background, it will go gray and add to the effect. Remember to set your camera to incandescent white balance if you use the construction lamps. You can go to Wal-Mart and buy different colour cloth on their $1 table ... get 4 yards each of black and white to start. You will have to pre-focus the lens to when you sit in front of the camera you will be in focus. The self-timer will do the rest.
2. An overcast day is the best lighting... that way the subject isn't squinting. Use something as simple as a white posterboard to reflect any available light onto your subject. As for backgrounds.. old farm houses are beautiful this time of year (green fields, blue skies, rustic wooden barns), you can also try something more contemporary like your local art museum (or wherever you may find modern sculptures).
3. Im not a professional, but i wouldnt use a flash as this casts a shadow behind the head. i would shine a lamp on something that diffuses light so the light is softer.