Selecting Modifiers for Versatility

I'm looking into buying my first cheap studio light set. To learn, grow, and save money for lenses, I'm looking at the Flashpoint kit's on Adorama. Obviously, the "kits" provide savings with various modifiers, and I'm trying to figure out which solution will get me the most bang for the buck.

They have the wedding kit that comes with 2 40" umbrellas, stands, a travel case and 1 snoot. They have a 24" x 24" softbox kit. They have a 24 x 36" softbox kit. They also have a I believe a 24" x 48" softbox available as a modifier for $50-$60, but it isn't available as a kit.

I'm looking at photographing my growing daughter who is currently 5 months old, doing family photos, etc.

I've never used a softbox so I'm not sure what type of light to expect from say a 24" x 24" softbox. Is it strictly a "face only" type of light? Am I better off getting the kit, then simply purchasing the largest softbox available so I can do say full body or face portraits? So should I get two different sized softbox kits and just get some umbrellas for versatility? Or would you expect I would eventually just not use the smaller softboxes? Any advice would be appreciated!

24 square and 24x36 softboxes are relatively small. Even for a small child. As you move the light farther away it becomes relatively smaller than the subject and the shadow transitions get sharper.

The two umbrellas, on just over your left or right shoulder and the other about 45 degrees off lens axis on the other side will be nice lighting for your daughter. The light is large, diffused and kind of "sloppy" but will give pleasing shadow transitions. It will also be more forgiving as your daughter becomes more mobile.

As you get more experience and a feel for the light you can get other modifiers. With a 5 month old the snoot could stay in the box.

At 6 months using 20" softbox only.

I used my beauty dish today for a shoot and wow, i absolutely love it(like everyone that probably uses a BD).. haha.

-Stands up in somewhat windy conditions..
-controllable light with the grid.
- well defined catchlights
- put the sock over it, and it looks somewhat like a softbox(probably a little more specular)..

im really starting to think it out-does an umbrella for versatility in everyway, besides the price.

k.CHU wrote in post #12009935
im really starting to think it out-does an umbrella for versatility in everyway, besides the price.

Not in every way....umbrellas are much easier to pack and transport