Lighting Kit vs. Individual Component - Looking for Thoughts on Home Studio Lighting

[Count]

I feel like I am very similar to you, Count... I am looking to get some lighting for my in home studio for portraits. I was considering getting "2 video/photo lighting Dynaphos professional series DP-2497" (they are on craigslist nearby for only $250 and come with the nice cases etc, which I desire because I too will be putting these up and down a lot). I was thinking that these softboxes would be the additional light that I need to do portraits in my studio. I have been using with the natural light (lots of windows) and my speedlite 430 ex II bounced/diffused and have been getting just fine portraits ... but I do want better/more light. I am a little scarred of using strobes... I figured I would get on here and figure out what was the best softbox/continuous light to buy ... the idea of strobes comes with more settings and I am just not sure that I am ready to make my set up more complicated. I figured some softboxes would be simple addition of light.

So I hear what Darrel is saying and I understand you are a professional... but if one was to want to have a good continuous light set up... Id really like to know recommendations for that. I currently only have that speedlite on my camera and am able to get good portraits in my house with faster than 1 second shutterspeeds... I just dont think I am ready to have multiple speedlites that I have to connect and figure out settings for... I guess I am more of a beginner :/ but still want advice on what set up to look into...

Count - I dont want to steel your post - so let me know if I should make my own thread - but like I said, I feel like I am wanting the same thing. I also want to get a backdrop stand. I found "DYNATRAN pro background SUPPORT SYSTEM" on craigslist for $140 and was considering it ... but am looking for advice on good 'portable/pack up able' backdrop stands too.

No need to start another post - feel free to post on!!!

I wanted to add that I've decided to start with a single speedlight and umbrella to learn a bit about shooting with them. I've loved some of the results I've seen on the Strobist flickr account and would love to keep if more light and portable than a larger lighting setup. Due to the fact that I'll also be working with a new camera, it's probably best to stick to one light.

That being said - feel free to converse here!

 

[IgsEMT]

I shoot both, continues and strobe. It depends on the situation, the subject and the look I'm going for.
Light is light, if you know how to use it, it's just a matter of working with it
Good Luck