Expert: Don Wood - 1/23/2008

Question
Hello
I am about to purchace my first light kit and m in need of an opinion. I am on a tight budget and I have narrowed it down to two selections. I will be shooting people and pets in my garage.
One is a 800w Alien Bee monolight which seems to be an excellent unit with a 2 year warranty for $279. About $350 by the time I add umbrella and stand.
Or an all inclusive kit that has:
2 x 300w strobe flash total 600 ws.

2 x professional softboxes with speed rings 24" x 36" or larger.

2 x shoot through umbrellas

2 x Professional heavy duty light stands 8.5' full extended and folded 38"

1 x Wireless radio slave

2 x sync cords

2 x modeling lamp 150 watts
Flash tube by Germany PerkinElmer
with only a 90 day warranty
For $325

So basically I am wondering if I should get one light with more power or two lights with 200w less. Is it better to light from both sides or one? Do I gain notable flexibility in my lighting options by having the second light? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You

mally


Answer
Mally
I would choose the one with the two light setup. In portrait shooting, 1 light is a flat light, like what you would get from shooting with the flash mounted atop your camera. You can choose, with two lights, to have a 2:1 ratio, where one side of face is brighter than the other. Go to library and examine the portrait books, both photo and art books. I use three lights, 2 for frontal lighting, and one for the backlighting to eliminate shadows from the other two lights.
You will have more control over this setup than with the one light setup. I bet that the difference in lighting would only equal to 1/2 fstop.
Best of luck to you, don't quit your day job until you can equal or better the amount you earn with your photography. I'm talking about the net amount, not the gross amount earned. Net is when you remove; cost of product used, cost of time spent, cost of your dress, cost of your transportation, cost of your rent including utilities, etc.
I addition I'd suggest that you take some business courses from your local community college or college. You will better understand the nuances of running a business such as you are contemplating.
Good luck, if I can help further, please ask in this forum.