Lighting equipment for portraits

[Josh]

I have been reading up on lighting for portraits for what seems years and wanted to see if anyone here has any experience with the subject.  I'm looking to buy a monolight from adorama just to get my feet wet with "studio" lighting.  I plan on starting with one light, muslin background and building a large diffuser and or reflecting screen myself.  My question is how much power would I need for the one light.  I have my eye on this one http://www.adorama.com/FP1820K.html thinking it may be overkill (or not) for my purpose but I can always turn it down.  I guess I don't want to get something too strong and pay for more than I need, but I don't want to under power myself either.

My goal is to be able to light one, maybe two people from headshot to full length pose against a muslin background with little to no props.  I prefer soft flattering light and am not interested yet in any special effects.  I may like to try and use the light for fill in an outdoor portrait session also, but that isn't neccesary.  

I've rented a set of novatrons in the past but I cant remember what the power rating was.  I do remember it was more than I needed as I think we turned them down a bit.  My thinking is I would prefer one strong light as opposed to 2 lesser lights, using the reflector screen for fill or maybe a large diffusion screen if the light is powerful enough to light the area I'm thinking of.  

Any thoughts on the matter?

thanks,
josh

[sandeha]

My thinking is I would prefer one strong light as opposed to 2 lesser lights, using the reflector screen for fill or maybe a large diffusion screen if the light is powerful enough to light the area I'm thinking of.

I've read much more than I've practiced, but my immediate thought is that flexibility matters more than power.  The ability to turn down a light by as many stops as possible (often 5 stops) gives you control that allows one light to be used in many situations.

The second issue (in my view) is not that of generating enough light, but of having full control over the shadows ... even with reflectors and diffusers in place, I think using one light would be a major disadvantage.  

That's theory of course, but it might help.  I can't answer on your power question, but have you looked at Alien Bees?

[josphy]

You can accomplish a lot with just one light by using a reflector as you said.

I would consider this AlienBees kit:

http://www.alienbees.com/beginner.html

It is cheaper than the Adorama kit, and I can vouch for the fact that these guys have excellent build quality and plenty of power.  They also have a lot of affordable accessories so later if you decide you might like to add something liek a snoot or grids or softbox, etc., it will be available and affordable.

They're also adjustable over a 5 stop range, versus only 3 stop range with the other units.  Sometimes you need lots of power.  Sometimes you don't when, for example, you have the strobe positioned close and/or need to use a shallower depth of field.

[jake]

I've learned a lot about various cameras by renting them. I would guess the same would apply to lighting systems. Many places run weekend rentals that give you two days for the price of one. Better than buying. Hate it or love it, it goes back Monday.

[Wayne R. Scott]

I will add my vote for the Alien Bee.  I have a couple of B800's that I use with some other monolights.  I added a 150 watt halogen modeling light to both of my Alien Bees so that I can see the modeling effect a little better.  I also suggest a set of barndoors to help in controlling the light.

The Beginer Bee kit is a good way to go.  With a homemade reflector or two and a mirror you can make one light do the work of 4 or 5 lights.

Wayne

[Josh]

okay...everyone seems to suggest starting out with these so I have a pair of Alien Bee 800's on the way, stands and umbrellas too.  Nice fall color backdrop from adorama in transit too.  Can't wait, wish me luck and patience as I take another step forward.

Thanks,

Josh

[Major Black]

Best of luck Josh. I've used White Lightning Ultra 1800's for years and they're real work horses. Same maker as the Alien Bees (Paul C. Buff). They have great customer service too.

Your fortunate to be starting during the photoshop era.
Make Photoshop your friend but not your lover.

[Josh]

just an update...

I got my 2 alien bees strobes a couple weeks ago and still have a ton to learn, however I am getting some pleasant results so far.  Today I was fortunate enough to have a really cute infant to photo who was a real joy.  I just used one of the b800's with the shoot-thru umbrella attached.  Not anything ground breaking here, but for those who may be interested in seeing what one light can do I am posting one photo here as an example.  Real simple setup with the light off maybe 25-30degrees to my left for lack of space more than anything.  Background stand held onto a muslin I got from adorama, and here is what I got.





Longs ways to go, but man what fun it was not worrying about the weather or the sun going in and out of clouds like my usual outdoor portraits have been subject to.

thanks,

josh

[josphy]

Cute!  Looks like you are off to a good start.  Next you'll be putting babies in pumpkins and dressing them up like daisies!