Wow. The Alien Bee's 60" umbrella is HUGE! Help!

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

11/08/2005 10:46:04 PM · #1

I just received my stuff from Alien Bee's. I ordered 2 60" umbrellas, but they seem way bigger than I expected...LOL

When it comes to umbrellas, is bigger better or should I just return them for the 48"'s?

I shoot children and families, primarily. (but want enough to shoot large groups of up to @ 15 people if need be)

Thanks for any help!
Jenn

cbeller

Nikon D300

11/08/2005 11:30:32 PM · #2

I used my 48" brollies (two with B800's) to shoot larger wedding groups before and they worked fine. I think you'd be fine dropping down to the smaller size. I will say I really like the brolly over the umbrella too.

11/08/2005 11:45:07 PM · #3

Originally posted by cbeller:

Thanks. Can the black panel come off the brolly to serve as a regular white umbrella? It's $29 for a 48" umbrella and $39 for a brolly the same size. I am just thinking those 60"ers are way to big for me to work with.

Jenn

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

11/09/2005 09:32:21 AM · #4

bump ;o)

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

11/09/2005 10:21:07 AM · #5

Big umbrellas mean more diffuse light requiring more power from your flash heads. You should be ok, better too big than too small...

A good book to read on lighting is Light - Science & Magic: An Introduction on Photographic Lighting. Highly recommended, it teaches you the principles of light, how light behaves, how reflections and shadows are controlled. Only lighting book you'll ever need.

11/09/2005 11:45:33 AM · #6

Originally posted by doctornick:

Thanks for your help, and thanks for the book recommendation!