430ex as main light?

I am just starting into photography. So far I have bought Rebel xti, 430ex flash and Canon 50mm f1.8 lens I have been reading this forum for past several days in order to understand what I need to buy next doing portriat pictures at home.

I thinking to buy a brolly or umbrealla (still undecided) and a reflector and then go with one of the following option.

1) Use 430ex off the camera as main light with a brolly and then use reflector as a fill light. Do you guys think this setup would give me decent portraits (single person).

2) Buy AB800 as main light and use reflector for fill light. This would cost be another $300 or so.

I would rather not spend extra $300 if option 1 can give me good pics. Also, with option 1 what cable do I need to use 430ex off the camera. I understand the wireless would be expensive.

Thanks everyone!

The 430EX off-camera into an umbrella will work, if you have a way to trigger it. At the very least you'll need a PC cord and a hotshoe adapter at each end. Alternatively, you could by a Canon Off Camera Shoe Cord 2 and extend it, if you have the electrical skills.

This will give you enough light for single headshots, if 1) you have it close to your subject, 2) you're willing to bump up your ISO and open your lens past what you might think as optimum.

Understand that the AlienBee 800 is A LOT more powerful than the 430EX when used in an umbrella or brolly.

Curtis N wrote in post #2719681
This will give you enough light for single headshots, if 1) you have it close to your subject, 2) you're willing to bump up your ISO and open your lens past what you might think as optimum.

In my oppinion it does more than that. I did a group in a not that brightly lit room with a shoot through Westcott umbrella. Not the best result but it could be done.