Studio Lighting Set-Up

[Steel Cowboy]

I am relatively new to photography but have an opportunity to set up a studio light system (strobe) in my home. I also have the opportunity to do some (paying) work outside my home. What would be a good first set-up to get that would allow the quality and portability that I would need to get good results?

Thanks for everybody's time!

[DSMITH131]

alot of people agree on these
http://www.alienbees.com/index.html
some for sale here on the fourm
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=78378
i have a novatron powerpack 4 light set and a couple interfit 250's myself not sure how they compare to bees but i think the bees are better (not as heavy)

[wilflee]

Since we're not shooting color film any more, I find the choice of lights for home studio work much much improved. It's almost like the days of black and white film where any light source is fine. With digital SLRs, as long as color temp of the light source is the same (ie. all florescent, all tungsten, all daylight, all flash), then you can just set custom white balance for the lights you use and shoot away.

Granted, studio lights are much more convenient and cooler to work with. But for home use, a 1500W halogen flood light costs less than a studio light stand. Stretch parachute material over a frame, and you have a poor man's softbox. Light intensity can be controlled by the distance away from subject as it falls inversely proportional to the square of the distance.

[AprilShowers]

I recently purchased three bees from alienbees.com. (2 800's and a 1600) i absolutely love them.
NExt to pro lenses and good light set will really make a considerable impact on people taking your photography seriously AND you furthering your capabilities.
I was thinking of two lights, but then decided to go with three lights for ultimate versatility. I hate limitations! For as little as 1100 bucks you can get three lights and stands for a great price. I use the wireless kit (extra 4oo bucks) and it helped me win 2 new clients, totally over 1900 bucks in net profit. So....my suggestion is go for it!
I love alienbees but I'm sure there are also other competitive strobe sets- Softboxes and/or umbrellas are excellent and also very affordable.
Don't hold back in the lighting department, it really sets you apart from the rest....