Upgrading My Lighting Set-Up

I have been using a portable set of lights for the last year

for my 100% on location shoots. My set-up consists of:

-a Multiblitz Compact 200 head

-Mulitiblitz Profilux 400 head

-large reflective umbrella

-small white transparent umbrella

-2 pieces foamcore

I was looking on upgrading my overall set-up to include a

couple of more lights, likely a hair light and background. I am

just a little confused on the direction I am heading. Should I be

getting a couple of 800s and push the 400 and 200 into the

respective hair/background positions, or am I off base. Any

direction on softbox/umbrella, general light modifiers I should be

bringing into play would also be appreciated. One last question, I

am currently using a sync cord and would like to get a universal

remote, any suggestions. I really appreciate any help in advance.

Yours, Sean

What is the problem with your current setup? It sounds like you have everything you need to take great pictures. More power and lights is good, but only if you need it. If you buy a 800W/S light and always run it at 1/4 power, what's the point? Don't get caught up in having equipment just for the sake of the equipment. Many times less is more. I have seen countless examples of photographs taken with too many lights, and they looked horrible. In many cases, a properly positioned key light and reflector is all you need (which is what I use most often).

My location shots typically are of individuals, couples, or families. My simple location kit consists of a 2 heads, 2 umbrellas (1 reflector, 1 shoot-through), and a reflector. This is what I use for most of my single, couple, and family shots. If they want a mobile studio, I also bring a backdrop, hair light, and background light.

Regarding remote flash triggering, an inexensive option is an optical slave like those made by Wein. If you are shooting an event where there will be other photographers, you will need an RF trigger such as those from PocketWizard.