Good deal, or not?

pocket strobes are great for outdoors and when a bunch of equipment is out of the question. But shooting in a studio and having to change batteries every 40-50 shots will drive you nuts.

It doesn't look like the flashes themselves are adjustable (power wise) for what you're doing you only really need a soft box along with your hot light as main. (the hot light will make the subjects pupil smaller and therefore the eye more attractive)

The one I have is a low end light by a middle ground company with a good reputation.
the link is here
seems like they were around $250


JTL Versalight kit
Code: 92201 DL-320 Basic Kit
Contents:
Code Description Qty
1104 Versalight J-160 Unit 2
5011 600 Light Stand 2
4011 33" White Umbrella  1
4021 36" Silver Umbrella 1
8226 Studio Carrying Bag 1

Marian,

I don't think that is a bad deal, but I don't think that it is a very good one either.  I don't know anything about the radio system that is included.  Is it even a radio?  Is it an IR unit?  Will it work in bright sunlight?  Around corners?  I have no idea.  You can likely find out by doing some more research, but do you want to buy into this system?  Or, do you want to get into a system that can grow with you down the road?

All of the same issues can be brought up around the flashes that are included here.

What kind of camera system are you using?  Do you have any flash gear now?  How are you using it?  What do you hope to gain by going with a flash system over continuous light?

Maybe you can buy this system and do everything that you want.  Maybe you can buy this system and it will sit in a box next year while you try to figure out the next system that you buy.  I don't recommend anyone just going out and spending money.  Spend your money on things that you know are going to help your photography.  Not just because you think that the next "gadget" will work out for you.

Ed

Well then, what you really want is this - www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/200411-REG/Dyna_Lite__500_W_S_B_H_2.html.  But, there is a learning curve. 

The flashes that you are looking at in this post, may not throw much more light than what you already have.  Also, the lack of modeling lights means that you will not be able to see what you are getting through the viewfinder.  You can also go with better (more expensive) flourescents than you have (Westcott Spyders) for example.  You can also, try switching you current systme to softboxes (Westcott Apollos) instead of umbrellas.

I don't want to see you spend a lot of money on something that you don't need or waste a little money on something else that won't work for you. 

Ed

ya think a 500ws portable set for a small studio might be a bit OVERKILL?

No, how far are the lights from the subject. :=)

You need to use some kind of tactic to have the kids do what you would like.
My photographer friend who shoots kids day in and day out has the kids co-opporate.
She uses toys to get their attention, plays a bit of catch etc. After the session, she gives them treats.
I know, I did my placement with her. I was impressed by the amount of patience and effort and work to get the shots.
Getting down on the knees, going back and forth from child to camera, yep, it takes someone who loves this side of photography.
Not me, sorry, I don't have the patience, however, WHAT an EYE OPENER.!!! Kudos to you. :=)

O, she shoots at 100 ISO @ F8. Images are tack sharp. Camera is always on the tripod. :=)

You should have a fast enough shutter speed with studio lights to be able to hand hold your camera... 1600 ISO is way way way higher than I normally use for ANY shot.  Maybe for a dark wedding where I don't want flash.... maybe.

I don't have studio lights, but I know Travis uses 200-400 ISO.  400 is a little noisy for my tastes...

Okay, let's try this again. Everytime I try to send it tells me "you've already sent this message" but I don't see it.

2 continuous lights. Each at 45 degrees. The one to her left is about 3 feet above head level and about 4 feet away from her, the one to her right is about head level and about 5 feet away, if I remember correctly. EXIF in Photoshop brings up some values as blank.