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wedding lighting help

I want to upgrade my equipment from my standard on flash camera and bracket to some strobes. I was browsing around at a local pro camera store. Now I'm more confused then ever. How much power do i really need? I'm thinking of getting monolights(2 500ws kit) from Bowens or a lumedyme 400 w signature wireless kit. What are your recommendations for me? I want something that will last for a long time and if i need more power ie. bigger groups shots....then i would add more light/power...instead of something that would do ok now but needed to be replaced in the future...

thanks

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I can only tell you what works for me. I currently use white lightening ultra 600's and 1200's. They are more than enough power to shoot anything at a wedding and even powerful enough to use at an indoor event like basketball. The issue of power is all determined by how you want to use them. If you want them for standard portrait or wedding party stuff, then almost anything around 600ws per head will be plenty. If you plan to light up the whole chapel, then you will need the higher end stuff (1800ws +).
As far as monoheads vs power pack style, the monoheads give a bit more flexibility IMO. It's all personal preference.

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actually i want to achieve a natural light look...i do not want to light up the whole church....i am afraid when shooting large groups that i will not have enough power....

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I can shoot groups like an entire football team with two 1200ws lights bounced out of umbrellas. If I needed more power, I could skip the umbrella. If you are looking for the natural light look, try a soft box (diffuser) on the light. Gives very even lighting but will lower your light by about two stops. Still, even with a light box, you can shoot LARGE wedding parties with two 1200 ws lights.

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cool..that is the answer i'm looking for...i'll look for 1200 monolights....recommend any brands?

thanks

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I have been using the White Lightenings for about 12 years and have NEVER had a single problem. The lights I started with are still working and being used. There are others out there but the only monolights I've used are the WL. BTW Alien Bees lights are made by WL so I assume they will be good too.
Colin

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we'll i finally decided to go with these: since they had mamiya discount days at the local shop...saved almost a grand of the following

1. profoto 600 2head monolight kit
2. softbox/umbrella...forgot the size but i think its considered a large
3. sekonic l-358 light meter
4. pocketwizard plus

any tips/advice is apreciated....

thanks

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