First home studio setup--help!

So, where to begin. I'm trying to put something together for doing headshots, as I've had several requests lately. All told, I can probably get away with spending $1000.

Looking at Alien Bees, and thinking either a 1x 800/1x 400 setup (using the 400 for backlight) plus reflector, or a 2x 800. So either a beginner bee and backlight bee, or two beginner bee packages. Which is going to give me more bang for my buck? Also, a light meter...what works well with the AB radio triggers? I was looking at the Sekonic 358, but it only talks about compatability with PocketWizards, which I don't think I'll be going for just yet

I know, I'm such a damn n00b at this

Well, I'm certainly not an expert with studio lighting.. but I just got a new Dyna-Lite kit with 400 w/s strobes, and it seems to have ample lighting for my portrait work. I have to turn the power way down actually, otherwise it washes out my subjects.

I have used the 800 w/s AB's from a friend of mine (used one actually for a family xmas shoot), and there is definitely some power behind it!

I haven't even used a meter yet, but seem to be getting good results just setting my 20D to 125/ F6.3 and adjusting my strobes to about 1/4 power.

If you have the money.. go for more power. You can always turn em down, but you can't turn em up

Well, in theory I could go for the 1600s...just seemed like a little overkill, you know?

Yeah, you're probably right.. let me know what you end up getting

I purchased 2 AB400 units a few months ago, and have been pleased with the results. If I had it do over again, I might get the 800s, just for the extra power in the future if needed, but I'd certainly recommend the 400s to anyone.

Here's a sample shot with the 2 400s - still working on using them correctly, but I'm happy so far:

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Cute shot! The lighting looks really good. How far away were the strobes from your subject?

jmanser wrote in post #2962465
Cute shot! The lighting looks really good. How far away were the strobes from your subject?

Thanks!

The units were probably 5-6 feet from the subject (just a guestimate), silver reflector attached to stobe on camera's left, white shoot-thru umbrella on camera's right.

Not bad at all!

I'm concerned though about shooting people with substantial hair against a black backdrop...need something for the back! Hence my idea to get the 400. Might work well to have a pair of 800s plus a 400 for the back, and I think I can still bring it in under $1K

UNCTEP wrote in post #2962497
Thanks!

The units were probably 5-6 feet from the subject (just a guestimate), silver reflector attached to stobe on camera's left, white shoot-thru umbrella on camera's right.

Thanks! I think I will get myself a shoot-thru umbrella.. nice effect!

I purchased the beginner and the background bee kits and it has been plenty. I did buy a meter but never use it. I could never remember how to use it and if you are shooting digital you know right away if you have it right or what to adjust. For me I wasted money buying it.
I use my 400 on the smalles stand behind my subject (so their body hides the light) for my dark backdrops. It has worked so far.
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Cool, thanks Just for my own curiosity, could you post a couple of shots with that setup?

Alright, upon further consideration...

AB1600 w/ large softbox
AB800 w/ 20 degree honeycomb
heavy duty stand
backlight stand
radio transmitter w/ two receivers
5-in-1 reflector w/ stand and mounting bracket

...and then of course there's the backdrop Good lord what am I getting myself into!

I would highly recommend getting Scott Smith's book on studio lighting before making your purchases.....I've just finished going through it a couple of times and am ready to buy some equipment now. The problem is that I really want a 400mm lens first Here is a link to the book

If only time wasn't an issue... not to mention I don't have NEARLY enough room to make use of a 400mm lens, especially cropped as my sensor is!