gemlenz Loc: Gilbert Arizona

There are a lot of DIY solutions out there. Check them out on Utube. I mean you can make a beauty dish, for example, for $5-$10.

Cockney Loc: London

Thanks George - I can see this will occupy quite a lot of the winter months!

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

I've seen several Pro shoots and they almost always are using some sort of flash. And umbrellas to bounce the light.
If outside, often reflector sheets are used directed by the Photographer.
(One Grandson is a child model, and often Grandpa runs him to auditions or shoots (jobs) )
Point being, even if there is static lighting, they always seem to be bouncing light as well. And, BTW, usually the umbrellas are at 45 degree angles of the subject(s), and high enough to be slightly downward canted.
But you'll find what works good for you. Have fun!

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

I had a five light setup with Buff, Alien Bees. I loved it. At one point I decided to quit doing studio work and gave my lights to a young woman who has exhibited amazing photo talent. A couple years later, decided I wanted to do some more work with strobes in remote locations and purchased several Yongnuo 560s to go with my SB800. Adding some popup softboxes and a snout for hairlights and I have a very portable lighting system.

I used continuous lighting back in the day. The lights were hot and drew a lot of juice. The new CFL lights are better, but they are not bright enough unless you spend a lot of money on large banks of bulbs, and accept that they are not very portable.

Would I like to have my Alien Bees back? Sometimes, but I'm happy that this young photographer has gotten so good she is making most of her living in photography and on her way to being full-time. I made a contribution.

amehta Loc: Boston

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Pay it forward at its best. :-)

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Look on the bright side, now you can replace those little Bees with Einstein's! :lol:
SS

canon Lee

Hi. You should have enough lighting to start. I would use as the KEY light ( main light at camera right), using your soft-box, and use a reflector, on the opposite side of the face, ( I use a sheet of foam core instead of another light). If you are shooting a female its very important to use a hair light. (that is above her head and facing down), using an inexpensive GRID to focus the light so it doesn't spill over the background or front of the face. For men only you can set up a RIM light with a Grid or Sock in front of the beam of light to highlight his jaw. I use seamless paper as a background. ( mostly for corporate shoots). If you use a background keep it plain and simple as not to distract from the subject. A storm gray #70 seamless I use most often. I also use another strobe in back of the subject ( Head & shoulders only) to shine up on the background to cause a HALO effect. Sit your subject at a 45 Degree angle to the camera and the head turned facing the camera. If you use an umbrella as your Key light, be very careful of its hight in respect to the subjects eyes. Umbrellas can be harsh, so be careful. Keep the room as dark as possible so you can adjust for shadows using the modeling lights. This is another reason (aside from heat and expense) I would suggest you use strobes. I hope I have been encouraging and helpful.
PS. Aside from head and shoulder shoots, I would steer away from Fashion/modeling, as there is way too much drama.