About two months ago I started shooting assignments for a magazine and it has kept my quite busy. Now i would like to enter the world of studio photography. I have a general idea of what equipment to get, but I would like some opinions on a set up. I have pretty much decided on ordering The alien bee's. I plan on shooting mostly pet portraits and some people portraits with no more than 2 people at a time. Right now I shoot pet portraits either outside, or inside with bounce flash. I am wondering about things like :
-umbrellas or softboxes and what size?
-what power strobes?
-how many strobes? ( plan is two, but do i need third for backround light )?

I know there are many knowledgable people here and that is why i am asking here. Thank you in advance.