Getting started with strobes

Hi everyone,

I would like to get more into portrait/model shoots and I'm looking to get my first strobe. I think i'm settled on trying the Mettle 600w AD as its relatively cheap, powerful, and comes with a battery! (I would like to do outdoor shoots too). I'm in Canada and they just opened a store near me so I think it might be my best bet. I have two YN speedlights (560 and 565), stands, umbrellas and a 5 in 1 reflector. I would like to get some YN-622 triggers as well, I have the 602's now I think.

I have been looking at threads using single strobes and it seems like a lot can be done so I think its a good place to start.

What does everyone think? Is one strobe a good place to start (plus the other equipment I have)? Should I invest in any other modifiers right away or work with umbrellas for a while?

Any other input is appreciated!

Thanks

As you said, "... seems like a lot can be done", so it depends on what you're shooting, what results you want vs. what results you're getting now?

I supposed this is all very subjective and I somewhat answered my own questions haha. I definitely need more power to shoot outdoors and even indoors at more comfortable distances. I would like to start small, with individual models, maybe up to families of four. I don't know, I mean I could buy two of these strobes right off the bat, but would I be significantly better off? I would just like to test the waters, however I don't want to completely short myself by buying only one.

Allan.L wrote in post #15862289
I would like to start small, with individual models, maybe up to families of four.

I zeroed in on this... because in order to back up, your light source has to be larger to remain soft and pleasing.. and the way to do that is a bigger modifier. Speedlights can do more than most think with a 60" umbrella so you can be 7-10 feet away and still be moderately soft with the light.. so I'm wondering how large an umbrella you have an what other modifiers you have.. it might be you want something other than just more power.
(but a strobe + a big modifier = more fun.. as long as you can nail it down in the wind)

Allan, where in Canada are they selling Mettle strobe locally?

I have 2x45" and 2x smaller 3x" umbrellas, I can do lots with them indoors but when it comes to outdoor shots the only way I can really tame the sun is with more power. My two bare speedlights can do OK in direct sun if they are like four feet away for 3/4 body shots but its pretty harsh.

I figure the big single strobe will obviously be for overpowering the sun if I need to, and I can play around with the speedlights and reflector for fill. Then indoors (or outdoors with less harsh light) I can dial the big strobe down and have 3 flashes to work with plus reflector. Currently I'm lacking the numbers and power for even studio work I feel. Sometimes I would like to blow out my white BG but I don't have enough lights.

Would something like a 28x56" softbox be ideal for the big strobe?

flowrider wrote in post #15863167
Allan, where in Canada are they selling Mettle strobe locally?

They just opened a store in Toronto! https://www.cowboystud​io.ca/

That's why i'm leaning towards the Mettle 600w/s... $350 and it comes with a battery pack! 600w/s should do well outside too. I figure it's the perfect place to start.

Thanks. Is that pretty comparable to getting it through Amazon or direct from the states? I was going to order another Flashpoint strobe from Adorama but these seem to be the same but more powerful.

I'm fairly certain the amazon.ca posting for them is through their USA store, so you would most likely be better off buying domestically. There are several on amazon.com but I'm not sure of their origin. Looks like the Mettle's are the best bang for the buck, they have a good reputation (good build quality etc) and several different dealers sell the same strobe but re-branded.

I think you are heading the right direction, and even better as the store is close by. 28x56 I would think would be large enough for the strobe.