What's a good basic lighting set-up for semi-pro photography?
 

Not getting into the content business - just for band shots, etc. I have a decent digital camera but what type of lighting could I get by with for indoor shoots? Best bang for the buck.

I've been using an alienbees.com intro kit and love it!

They are made in america and great bang for the buck

The alienbees i wanted to pick up as well but the shipping costs stopped me from that. But if i were you id buy them. Never heard a bad thing about them.

Then again one flash with softbox can give really nice results as well. You dont need 3 flashes with umbrellas etc.

yea, I've heard that name tossed around before - can I buy direct from their site? Guess I should go check it out, haha

Stupid question - in what situation would you use a softbox instead of an umbrella? And how does it change the look?