Portable studio lighting setup - suggestions?

My daughter (9 years old) and I are going to launch a small business offering photography-based activities for children's parties (her idea). We have nearly everything we need: two camera bodies, good lenses, a tripod, several different theme-based costume sets, lots of creative ideas and a website under construction. However, what we don't have is a portable studio lighting setup, and I wondered if you could give me some suggestions. It needs to be something we can install in the corner of any room, fairly inexpensive and not too elaborate. All I have right now is a Speedlite, which is obviously not enough. Any suggestions gratefully received!

You already have one speedlite, get a couple of Yongnuo flash heads (YN-460, 462, 465, 467 or the 468 models) 3 umbrellas, 3 light stands, 3 receivers and one transmitter, Yongnuo again sells the rf-602 model for very reasonable price and you have yourself a very nice setup all for a very good deal. I have 2 of the YN-460 MKII model, full manual and works great, I use them together with a Canon 430 speedlite and does a very decent job. Main idea will be to get your flash head off camera and have a nice diffuser for it which is where the umbrella does a nice job.

Another option will be a pair of AlienBees strobes but that will cost you some more.

The only issue I have with the Yongnuo flashes are their paltry guide numbers.

I'd rather pay double for a 430EX II and have some more flexibility in use.

Budget?

bkdc wrote in post #10906037
The only issue I have with the Yongnuo flashes are their paltry guide numbers.

I'd rather pay double for a 430EX II and have some more flexibility in use.

Given that you can get 4 YN's for the cost of 1 430exII that may not be a great move. If power is your concern you can get genesis or alien bee strobes for less than a 430exII so other than ettl capability there really isnt that much in favor of the canon strobe for off camera use.

CosmoKid wrote in post #10906175
Budget?

I'm not sure; I don't want to invest a fortune in this, but I do want to buy good equipment. I'm not talking about high fashion shoots for magazines here; I'll be setting up in people's basements, taking shots of sugar-crazed 6-year-olds in feather boas. The images need to be nicely-lit, nothing more. If I can get away with spending under $500, I'll be happy. It's important that the equipment be easily portable.

In that situation, then, it seems to me guide numbers would be largely irrelevant.

If you really want portability and under $500 go with the flash heads, you'll have money left over for a cup cake party

You're pretty much committed to at least $80 per light for a stand+umbrella. Add at least $20 per umbrella bracket if you're using small flashes. Then add $X for whatever the flash/strobe unit costs. Then you need to consider the cost of your triggers.

I've got zero experience with the Yongnuo stuff, but it seems like everyone things they'll work for you.

Personally, I'd say get a pair of Alien Bee B400s or B800s and use your 430 for a separation or hair light. But for $500 for everything, got Yongnuo small flash.

ocabj wrote in post #10906678
You're pretty much committed to at least $80 per light for a stand+umbrella. Add at least $20 per umbrella bracket if you're using small flashes. Then add $X for whatever the flash/strobe unit costs. Then you need to consider the cost of your triggers. (...) Personally, I'd say get a pair of Alien Bee B400s or B800s and use your 430 for a separation or hair light. But for $500 for everything, got Yongnuo small flash.

Thanks, that's helpful. So basically: two stands with umbrellas, plus the strobes themselves and the triggers and fixings. I imagine I can squeak in around budget, but if I want better lights, such as Alien Bees and the like, I have to spend more.

I'll probably end up increasing the budget to do it right.

go here and read a little:

http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com/2006/03/lightin​g-101.html

enrigonz wrote in post #10906825
go here and read a little:

http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com/2006/03/lightin​g-101.html

Thank you, that's a lot of information! Very useful.

A genesis 200 2 light kit us like $300 and comes with stands and umbrellas. Isn't that what a 430 II costs?