I hear what you're saying and you are right. I actually went to college (1995-1997 @ Cazenovia) for photography (you'd never know it by how un-technically my shots are lit - and I'm not 'fishing for a compliment' either - I know they could be much better lit). When I was in school for that we had these big flashes on tripods that were linked via mechanical cables that screwed into the shutter button of our 35mms so that whenyou depressed the plunger on the "remote" wire to the camera, 2-3 sepreate flashes would fire at once against the big white backdrop cloth in the studio. Obviously few if any of us here have access or education on such a frand scale as that but what kind of "on the cheap" tricks of the trade could you share? Is it good to set up a "shadow box" and then get a flexible-necked lamp, remove the shade (or not) and put a low wattage bulb in there like 40 watts? Do you recommend directly shining on the subject or indirect? Are we talking "bouncing" light off of some tin foil or something? Lastly - do you recommend frosted, soft white, or clear bulbs?