Studio Lighting Suggestions for Soft Lighting

[Lea]

I'm in the market to update my ancient Hot Lights to soft lighting. I've been looking at lighting kits and would like your input/suggestions recommendations for this set up. Brands would be appreciated also. Need lighting for single protrait and group lighting.
I appreciate and respect your suggestions. Also would appreciate slave recommendations as well
Thanks ahead of time

[Sgt Soldier Blue]

Personally, I use Paul Buff "White Lighting" units, three of them. The lights are bounced into white umbrellas. If I were buying new, I would but softboxes for the lights instead of umbrellas.

[Lea]

Thanks, that is what I'm looking to use.. I currently have hot lights that are bounced off of umbrellas no defusers, but would like to get soft boxes and a circle flash. Even tho I use gels over the bulbs they are still too hot and inconvenient to use full time
Thanks for replying

[Lea]

Pros and Cons needed for constant on/continuous verses strobe lite shooting.Was truly considering continuous lighting but have heard the move is to on demand/adjustable strobe even when softboxes are used.
Need to get new setups real soon so any input would be invaluable. Will be doing group portraits during new years and also need advice as to whether two or three light sets would be advisable, size etc. Suggestions would be highly appreciated since I need to move quickly now.
Anyone use or know of someone who has used Flashpoint II Model II Monolights? Good pricing and the comments are good on these units

[Lea]

Would it behoove me to consider using Nikon Flash units With Softboxes,, Softliters, Umbrellas, etc. Wirelessly instead of buying monolights? Anyone here use the setups for on site photography, large group shooting ect. Or is this used more for just intimate portrait photography? I've used two external flashes in unison prior, but have never considered at this point investing in the full umbrella, softbox set up. Stands, connections ect. Is this an economical way of shooting, my concern also is powering with batteries only. Expensive way of shooting when you are doing numbers of shots

[Lea]

Alien Bees has a Ringflash that is quite intriguing, http://www.alienbees.com/abr800.html
Anyone used this? Have any knowledge about it? Input would be appreciated. What other lighting is necessary with the use of this?

[Lea]

Decided against these lamps altho they have good commenting etc. I have seen them up close and personal and really dont' care for the construction. Good entry level strobes but I'm looking into something a bit more substantial and move up-able, can add to in the future.

[Lea]

Made my decision, Going to order the Alien Bees four B800 Flash Units, ideal for a main light, fill light, background light and hair light. The Giant Softbox, placed on one of the 13-foot Stands, will perfectly soften your main light. Either of the umbrellas on the 13-foot or 10-foot Stand will work great for a fill light. With the Silver and White Umbrella and Shoot-Thru Umbrella, you have the flexibility of a high contrast silver bounce, a softer white bounce, and a soft diffused throw. The set of four Honeycomb Grids will allow you to control the coverage of your background and hair lights, tightening the beam spread on a unit to 10º, 20º, 30º or 40º depending on your needs. With your complete setup, you’ll have complete hand-held control with our LG4X Wired Remote, allowing you to move around your workspace, while simultaneously adjusting the flashpower and modeling mode on all four lights. Finally, your complete studio can become your complete location setup as well with our four AlienBees Carrying Bags and our Light Stand Carrying Bag. Each single light carrying bag will hold one bee with its reflector and cords, with extra room for the remote or one of the grids as well. The light stands and umbrellas can be packed in the stand carrying bag, with the softbox traveling in its own provided bag

Plus I'm excited about the Alien Bees Ringflash I also ordered, ABR800 and all of the accessories designed for ringflash use with the Moon Unit and light-shaping Mask Set, the 20° Ringflash Honeycomb Grid, the set of warming and diffusion filters and the convenient Ringflash Carrying Bag. Ordered the Seconic light meter and will also get the CyberSync transmitter and receivers.
Time now to set up the studio with updated gear.

[Lea]

Order is on the way. Ended up getting 3 B800 Flash Units, and one B1600 along with all the rest of the accessories listed above. Had held off due to finding a great deal on a forum with a complete studio set up and more.. But the guy got seller remorse and bailed on me.. Oh well nice new equipment now with full two yr warranted. Also the Ringflash is on it's way. Looking forward to a $5,000. shoot on New Year's Day. And two more coming in early March. Then off to Hawaii for big time shoot in May. Meanwhile things are awful here. Hubby facing double knee surgery and 10 week recoup. Plus we had to put my dog down this week. I'm heartbroken and devastated losing my beloved Cooper.