Next step to home studio?

[ben g]

I currently have an sb800 which i have used off camera with a stand and shoot through brolly/reflector for some head shots and have also used it outside for some off camera shots balanced with daylight. I'm quite happy with some of my results so far, but i would like to expand the range of shots and start to build up a portfolio.
I would now like to do some more 'studio' type shots of individuals/small groups ranging from full length to head shots. So far i have got myself some 8'x12' black & white muslin backgrounds for a reasonable price. I have a usable space of about 8'x16' in the lounge that i can use for the setup after shifting some furniture around. I think i need to have at least 3 lights to be able to have 2 on the subject and 1 to blow out a white background or use as rimlight etc.
I am in a bit of a quandry whether to get more speedlights or a pair of dedicated studio strobes. So far i have been looking at the Elinchrom d-lite 200 kit as a possibility which i presume would have enough power for my needs. The other possibility i've been thinking about is either some sb600's or a combination of sb's and 1 studio light/softbox. It would be nice to use sb's because then i also have the opportunity to use them outside however i'm not sure they would have sufficient output for full length shots in nice soft light. I want to be able to shoot both with my D40 and RB67 outfits and still be able to get enough DOF.
Thanks in advance for any help and advice, sorry if its a bit of a long, rambling post.

 

[W.Smith]

Get more SB800's!

My "portable studio" basically consists of 3x 5600HS D flashguns on their own tripods (2 battery sets per), triggered by the pop-up flash on my camera (set to 'wireless' IR), a 3' and a 4' silver/white Lastolite reflector. This provides plenty 'oomph', I can bounce and fake 'softboxes' and balance shadows, and endlessly vary combinations. And the whole schpiel fits a medium-sized suitcase, so it's perfect for locationwork and stores under a bed.

A seeming downside is that you have no modelling lights. But, hey!, this is the digital age, so you simply do a test shot with the real light output, you chimp - on a laptop for a good view - and adjust if neccessary!

Indoors I shoot live subjects often with unsupported camera, because flash freezes movement anyway, and it enables me to move around freely, direct the scene, try different angles and viewpoints, or adjust the lighting.

This set also provides TWO backup flashguns for my 'primary' flashgun.

The combination of versatility, portability and power means that I use this setup often.

I now have 2 more 5600HS D's (and a spare tripod) for even more versatility and flexibility (backlighting and/or background lights).

Works like a charm.

You could do a similar setup with SB800's.
Need more power? Add more flashguns!

Have fun!

 

[DiddyDave]

It's more about portability for you I think

2 more SB800s and stands/brollies would cost the same as the D-Lite kit which I use

Ask yourself where you want to take this. If it's to offer an in-house service to people where you go into their homes, then the SBs are a better option; once you've mastered a few 'set' pieces you won't even need to chimp so the lack of modelling light won't be a problem. If it's for your own fun at your home and you want more power, faster recycling times and access to a vast array of accessories and especially nice big softboxes, get the D-Lites

DD

 

[ben g]

Thanks for the reply. If go with the speedlight route I think i will go for some secondhand sb24's as i would use them on manual anyway for multiple flash use. It's certainly an attractive option from the portability point of view (and cost to a certain amount). I think the only downside would be being unable, i presume, to be able to use things like large softbox's.
Any other opinions?

 

[ben g]

It's more about portability for you I think

2 more SB800s and stands/brollies would cost the same as the D-Lite kit which I use

Ask yourself where you want to take this. If it's to offer an in-house service to people where you go into their homes, then the SBs are a better option; once you've mastered a few 'set' pieces you won't even need to chimp so the lack of modelling light won't be a problem. If it's for your own fun at your home and you want more power, faster recycling times and access to a vast array of accessories and especially nice big softboxes, get the D-Lites

DD

thanks Dave, you posted whilst i was typing!
To start off I would like to build a portfolio of friends and family. When my confidence has grown and the quality is there then i would like to offer a portrait service, either at home or travelling. I'm not sure about getting more sb800's as thats quite a jump in price compared to s/h sb24's or even new sb600's.

 

[kungfukid]

I have 2 sb28's and a sb25 with background, stands and brollys.
I'm going to make a nice ringlight and softbox for them.
Love the strobist diy stuff.

all fits in a lightstand bag to carry to shoots, very happy with the setup.

 

[W.Smith]

the only downside would be being unable, i presume, to be able to use things like large softbox's.

Not a prob: you can fake a softbox by reflecting the light from your flashgun via a (D-I-Y) reflector onto the subject.