lighting = Confused dot com

[lala]

I`m thinking about buying a Lastolite HiLite background and can`t get my head around how to light it, too much conflicting advice from retailers!!
My understanding is I would need 2 flash heads of at least 300w placed each side to illuminate it and ( here`s the confusing bit ) my existing 580 exII or 1 or 2 flash heads facing the subject with softboxes
And then we get to what and who to buy!!
Anyone used Elemental? They do a 4 head kit with plenty of options if thats the way I need to go or do I buy 2 kits from someone else?
I want to use this kit portraits and some event type work but on a small scale.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[HoppyUK]

You need two flashes in the HiLite, and then whatever you like for the main subject.

HiLite's are very efficient and you don't need anything like 300ws, certainly for the smaller one. I use two 580EX guns, both at quarter power, and that puts the HiLite around f/8 which is where I want it. YMMV but if you want more power than that, you will have to turn any hot-shoe gun up full and then you'll get slow recycling which will drive you mad.

I then use one studio head with a softbox for the subject, usually with a reflector. You really don't 'need' anything more.