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I have a canon 40D with a portriat lens and would like to buy lighting to do family portaits. How many strobes do I need and how powerful? What brand are best? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

How much do you want to spend?

I have alien bees.. They are great. Great company.. I started with one to learn lighting and now have two lights. I have the 800. They come in 400, 800, and maybe 1600.

Good luck on your choice, there are thousand different types of lights.

The reason I asked how much you want to spend is because you can start from around three hundred bucks for a cheap and nasty eBay outfit, and go up to several thousands of dollars if you choose some of the best brands. I think one of the best starting outfits, one that will grow with you if you decide to spend more money on studio gear, is the Elinchrom D-Lite kit (either the D-Lite 2 or the D-Lite 4).

Best brand? Depends on who you ask...

if you want full length get a studio strobe, it will give you more power than a flash gun. This is not to say a flash gun can't do this but it'll be easier with studio lights.

What would you need depends on group sizes but for most purposes:

2 studio lights, 3 would be nicer.
Medium softbox
Shoot through umbrella
1m reflector and stand.

An optional but nice addition would be a Lastolite Hi-Light backdrop, this would act both as a backlight and a white backdrop.

You can get by with one light that's reasonably powerful, check out the Dean Collins DVD for ideas.

The final point is what's your budget, without this we can't really help much more than give generalistic ideas. Also lighting styles play a big part, the lighting I suggested above gives soft/safe light.

Thanks for the reply Rudi.
I would like to keep the investment under $750.

Usually one or two persons in a portriat.

Thanks John I will check out there web site.

check out the Alien Bees or White Lightnings (same maker) prolly the best bang for your buck.. the Elinchromes rock also... all depends on price you have in mind. do a google on both.

Calumet Genesis Lights are a hot topic on here and quite a big bang for the buck!

rfroemer wrote in post #5665852
Thanks for the reply Rudi.
I would like to keep the investment under $750.

D-Lite 2 kit from B&H - $698.95 when you add to cart. And you're getting Elinchrom quality of light!

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ite2_2_Monoligh​t_Kit.html

Rudi loved the pics on your website. WOW!!!
I clicked on the sponsored link for Linco (1336w/s Flash Light Kit with Boom) This kit is a bit above my budget but seems to have it all for $899. I don't want to buy a setup and wish I had gone one better. What is your opinion on Linco strobe lights, accessories and bang for the buck.
Thanks Ron

Would I be better off with a kit or should I build the system with individual componets?

rfroemer wrote in post #5672089
What is your opinion on Linco strobe lights, accessories and bang for the buck.
Thanks Ron

To be honest, I've never heard of them until now!

I use a 300w Interfit studo flash kit. Quality is good for occational use at an affordable price. Check them out.