Backdrop light or hair light

I'm thinking of adding a few lights(AB800x2) and possibly the ABR800 to a 2 light setup I already have.

I'm going to use the 2 AB800 as my main and fill. I'm thinking of using the existing 2 lights I have for backdrop lights, but wasn't sure if I need both of them to be used to light the backdrop and then get a seperate light for a hair light, or just use the 2 existing, one for backdop and one for hairlight?

Could I use the ABR800 as my fill and then use the other AB800 as a hairlight?

Sorry for the many questions and confusing setup. Any input would be great. Thanks.

Technographer wrote in post #2949399
I'm thinking of adding a few lights(AB800x2) and possibly the ABR800 to a 2 light setup I already have.

I'm going to use the 2 AB800 as my main and fill. I'm thinking of using the existing 2 lights I have for backdrop lights, but wasn't sure if I need both of them to be used to light the backdrop and then get a seperate light for a hair light, or just use the 2 existing, one for backdop and one for hairlight?

Could I use the ABR800 as my fill and then use the other AB800 as a hairlight?

Sorry for the many questions and confusing setup. Any input would be great. Thanks.

Hi Technographer,

Unless the 2 lights you have for the background are not that powerful or you goal is high key lighting you shouldn't need both to light your background.
You could easily use one for the background and one for your hair light.

You absolutely can use the ABR800 as your fill and the 2 B800's can be the main and background or main and hair light, using one of your other lights for either background or hair light.

Thanks TMR Design. I guess I'm going to go ahead with my orginal plan and order 2 AB800 along with the ABR800 and see how it goes, and then maybe add another light or reflector if needed.

Is it best to use an umbrella vs a softbox/brolly box for the fill? Seems like in most of the setups people use a umbrella mounted strobe behind the camera in line with the lens. Thanks.

Hi Technographer,

That is a very typical setep that produces excellent results. If you were very close to the subject I would say to use a white umbrella for nice soft light. If your camera position is back further, as many photographers do then a silver umbrella is recommended due to it's higher efficiency. Either will do.

I think that when you see softboxes and brolly boxes used as fill there is a different setup used and the fill light is generally off to the side and closer to the subject.