This is a slow discussion. Read slowly and answer slowly. Let us take our time with this one ok? I think you will find that while I am new here I am not a fruitcake.
Just assume that there is a good reason for using hot shoe speedlights as a replacement for studio strobes with the goal not to be ISO 100 for environmental portraiture. ISO 400 is just fine for an 8x10. Let's keep cost out of the topic. Look at how much more expensive 1D(s) cameras are to get that last remaining percentage of quality.
Also the availability of flash mount adapters that hold two speedlights for more power is getting more common as this picture illustrates.
http://www.flickr.com …/15168416@N00/1442459964/
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Below is is the setup I use when I don't have adequate ceilings to bounce off of otherwise I remove the umbrella.
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …ipse-Umbrella-Review.aspx
Most of the time for on location in home portraiture I have low white ceilings (less than 20 feet) and I can make the light as soft as I want and appear very natural. I have five 580EX flash guns that I place here and there pointed at various spots in the room to achieve my desired effect. I don't bring out the umbrellas unless I have to.
But there are times when the distance to the subject to the nearest wall/ceiling joint to bounce back around their face is too far and I felt I needed a large diffuser. The shoot through umbrellas give a nice effect but light spill is horrible.
The solution it seems is to use a softbox. But I wanted to entertain the idea of having maybe a 22" litedisc placed at the right location with the 580EX snooted and shooting through the litedisc to give me the right light on the face for excellent eye, nose, and neck shadows.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com …eflector_Translucent.html
Another option would to be to use LitePanel for full body lighting if and when that could not be achieved with the room dynamics.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com …3972WT_39_x_72_White.html
What are your opinions on the use of softbox, litedisc, or litepanels. And if softboxes which speed rings and which brand of softboxes should we use?
