Background Lighting Question

Hi All,
I'm an amateur and just starting with studio lighting. I'd like to try some portrait lighting with a high key white background. I'm working in my basement so there is virtually no natural light. The equipment I've got to work with is:
2 Einsteins
1 24x36 softbox
1 64" PLM silver umbrella
1 580 exII strobe
I'd like to use the Einsteins for key and fill light. That only leaves the 580 for blowing out the background. I just doesn't seem to produce enough light for the effect I'm seeking.
Since my budget is almost tapped, can anyone suggest any alternatives?
Thanks in advance for your help.

Have you tried moving the 580 to your key?

1. Try just using the Einsteins and using a reflector for fill.
2. The silver PLMs are incredibly efficient. A 580 would produce a good amount of light in one.

Ken my suggestion would be to keep it simple for now and take the 580 out of the equation. Since you are just starting off I think the Canon flash mixed with studio strobes will complicate things unnecessarily for you.

If you are shooting "portraits" I'll assume we are talking about a headshot which is definitely doable with two lights. Use one of your Einsteins with just the reflector (no modifier) for the background and the other Einstein for your main. For your subject try a clamshell setup first placing your PLM or softbox straight on above your camera axis and a reflector below her chin to fill in the shadows. You can use anything for this including a piece of white foam board from the local office supply store.

Studio headshot exposures for this type of image are usually ISO 100, 1/125, and f/8. Meter your background so that it is reading at least 1-1/2 to 2 stops over to give you a nice white background.

Hope this helps

What do you have or intend on acquiring for BG? Also, what is the size of your space and are you looking at head and shoulder portraits or more?