Another newbe lighting question

[hdctx]

I just purchased an Elinchrom Monolight outfit with a pair of 200WS monolights.
I was looking for a small compatible hairlight, but after reading a bit, I wonder if my portable kit is too weak and maybe I should get a 400WS monolight to complete a three light set.
I know, I should have bought the 400ws kit, it wasn't that much more.

your feedback? Do I need an additional strobe, or just a budget hairlight?

This is a portable portrait kit to use in clients homes and on location for babies, kids, and families.
EL20814KITA Elinchrom D-Lite 2 it 200Ws 2-Light To Go Set (90-260VAC) with Stands, Built-In Skyport Wireless Receiver, Automated Cooling Fan - Bundle - with Westcott Photo Basics 40" 5-in-1 Collapsible Reflector, & Adorama 33" White Interior Umbrella

[Tom]

I would probably get a 400 D Lite, 500 BXi or 600RX key light and use the 200w/s lights as your background/rim and hair lights.

[hdctx]

That's what I was thinking. Are the big 800ws up to 1600ws lights primarily for large scale commercial shoots, or do portrait photographers use them turned down a bunch? I could see a big light firing remotely in a big room like a wedding reception, but I don't know why anyone would use them for individual or family portraits.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by hdctx

That's what I was thinking. Are the big 800ws up to 1600ws lights primarily for large scale commercial shoots, or do portrait photographers use them turned down a bunch? I could see a big light firing remotely in a big room like a wedding reception, but I don't know why anyone would use them for individual or family portraits.

I think they are more primarily for outdoor shoots. 600w/s can overpower the sun if you don't have too many baffles and can get your strobe right next to the client, but you really want to be rocking 800-1200 if you can.

I've got all 400w/s strobes for indoor portraits. My 400w/s is perfect for outdoor portraits in the shade (and you can always create your own shade.)

[SergeiR]

well.. yes.. should've chip in for a bit more power.

But then again for now - you can always bump up ISO a bit - most of dSLRs are safe now for 100-400 range