Which of these lighting kits should I choose?

Question

I am going to do children, family, senior portraits. I am having a hard time deciding on what lighting kit to buy should I get one of these or a softbox and an umbralla? Would this be enough light?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/541989-REG/Westcott_231_Strobelite_Plus_Three_Monolight.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/541990-REG/Westcott_230_Strobelite_Plus_Two_Monolight.html

Answer 1

First off, I'm not a fan of the westcott lights.  Westcott products are generally good, but seriously over-priced in my opinion (you'll pay a premium more for the name vs. the power output of the strobes).  For cheap lights, I'm a fan of Calumet travelites.  They are reputable, powerful & functional.  That said...

I would personally go with the 3-light kit.  Once you learn to use all 3 lights, you will get better results.  You can use the 3rd light as a background light, or a hair or accent light.  If you should come across a family of about 6 or more, you'll be glad you have the extra light for the extra coverage that a 3rd light can provide.  Besides, the 200w/s is NOT that powerful -- especially if you plan on using a softbox.  Another plus is that, even if you primarily shoot using 2 lights, it's nice to know that you have a back-up light always with you.  

As far as the softbox & umbrella question, I'm sure many will tell you to use a softbox.  I however, will recommend the umbrella if you go with these 200w/s strobes.  You will not loose nearly as much light vs. using a softbox.  You will want a good amount of light so that you can stop your lens down to decent apertures to assure family members in the back row are in sharp focus.  For those that tell you the softbox will yield better results:  Any professional will tell you that beautiful results is more dependent on skill than the lighting modifier used -- so don't let anyone tell you otherwise.  

If budget allows & you really want a softbox setup, then I recommend purchasing the 2 light kit, & then picking up a 3rd stronger light.  Maybe something around the range of 400w/s to 750w/s.  For instance, here's a 375w/s kit (you'd still need to purchase a compatible softbox):

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/CE1094/

It's not strong... but it is usable with a softbox & almost twice as bright as the Westcotts.

Another route that I would seriously consider is:

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/CE1440/

These are (2)-375w/s heads with umbrellas, case, stands, etc.  These 2 will produce more power than all 3 Westcotts combined.  Should you decide to upgrade equipment later, all you need to do is add a 750w/s head & use it as your main light (vs. most likely needing to buy all new & more powerful lights using the Westcotts).  Here's what a 750w/s head runs (FYI):

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/CE1105/

This should be more than enough to get you started with children & seniors -- & adequate for typical families & groups up to about 6-8.  If you're thinking of lighting families of 12 & up... you'll want all your lights to be 750w/s heads.

I guess bottomline is try to get the most light that you can up front, as it will be much costlier in the long run buying all new lights (when you realize that your light's power output is holding you back from more lucrative jobs).  Hope this helps!

Answer 2

The first one.  Same lights (same guide numbers), but three lights (one for backfill) will be handy.

It's enough light.  You can surely add on an umbrella if you need it, but I prefer softboxes myself.  Umbrella for that kit is $20.20.

Answer 3

Both of those lighting kits have very weak light output.  Unless you are only shooting "table tops", you will need heads with outputs of at least 600 w/sec each.

Look at these manufacturers for suitable studio flash units ... and don't forget to buy a Pocket Wizard if you are using a DSLR.

* Norman

* Novatron

* Photogenic

* Speedotron

These are the most used by studios, so you may be able to find good used kits or accessories in your market area.