Would either one of these be suitable for photoshoot?

[MohaimenK]

Needing some lights for some practice shooting at home but also using it at work to take photos of large floral arrangements.

Right now, I am only working with 1 speedlite and that isn't doing much for me, especially with large arrangements: (see below) Not really happy with the results.

Right now, I'm looking at these two: (Especially the first one for its wattage) Let me know what you guys are using as far at beginners. Thanks!

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/900W-3X300W-Lighting-Photography-Studio/dp/B003LZ6LYU/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1280507783&sr=1-5"]Amazon.com: 900W (3X300W) Lighting Photography Studio Strobe Flash Light Kit: Electronics[/ame]

vs

[ame]http://www.amazon.com/SP3500-Complete-Portrait-Studio-Kit/dp/B000ZI3TN2/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1280507783&sr=1-2[/ame][ame="http://www.amazon.com/900W-3X300W-Lighting-Photography-Studio/dp/B003LZ6LYU/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1280507783&sr=1-5"][/ame]

 

[tirediron]

In theory, they would be fine, albeit somewhat excessive. The problem with almost all of these 'discount' studio lights is that replacement parts (esp. flash tubes and modelling lights) range from difficult to impossible to get. I would consider spending a little more money and getting a couple of Alienbees or similar, a backdrop and at least one good reflector. You should expect to pay at least $300 for a decent studio light/stand.

 

[MohaimenK]

Thanks! I was also looking at some Cowboy Studios but to get 300 watts per strobe it'd cost over $700. For indoor, small spaces, I am trying to figure out what the minimum power I can go with. I've seen their kit for $400 range for 180/watts per

here's a link of it

CowboyStudio Photography Lighting | Studio Equipment | Studio Accessories

 

[Big Mike]

For shooting 'still life' shots like these, you can use constant lighting, which will likely be a good deal less expensive than strobes. You would just need/want to put the camera on a tripod.

 

[MohaimenK]

For shooting 'still life' shots like these, you can use constant lighting, which will likely be a good deal less expensive than strobes. You would just need/want to put the camera on a tripod.

Yeah, I can do that also. Only thing I don't like about them is that it's constantly running and takes up a lot of electricity.

Also, I can't work with too much heat with flowers. It becomes a problem and certain flowers will wilt. We've tried that with floodlights

 

[Big Mike]

Strobes use a lot of electricity as well, but that's a valid point about the heat.

 

[MohaimenK]

Strobes use a lot of electricity as well, but that's a valid point about the heat.

As far as wattage goes, would 180 watt/s per strobe be efficient? I've never used them. I mean the 580ex I have produces enough light but not from all directions to have an even lighting. If that's the case, I think I'd feel better about going with the cowboy studio lighting kit I posted above.

Once I have the strobes, I'd end up using my 580ex to light up the background which will help alot with shadows.

I think it'd be a better product than cheaper ones on Amazon and better quality.