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02/25/2006 10:07:09 AM · #1 |
I am about to order a couple of AB400s and am fairly new to using strobes, especially light modifiers.
I shoot mostly HS seniors and couples or other small things like that. i.e. no large groups.
My lighting up to now has been boring - bright and directionless like this:
 
I want to get into more controlled lighting, more moody low key images.
So what should i get besides the lights? I was thinking an umbrella and a brolly box, and perhaps a sofbox (photogenic? what size?)
Would grids or barndoors be useful?
Ihave about $750-900 to spend, and have one light now so i'd have 3 total and can borrow to AB800s if needed.
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02/25/2006 10:40:20 AM · #2 |
A softbox with an eggcrate(called 'grids in the US?) can give a very pretty combination of softness and control.
The eggcrate will keep stray light off backgrounds and if the softbox is in really close it can give a lovely 'wrap around' to the lighting.
For maximum control snoots with grids attached can isolate very specific areas. |
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02/25/2006 10:50:05 AM · #3 |
Originally posted by front_element:
A softbox with an eggcrate(called 'grids in the US?) can give a very pretty combination of softness and control.
The eggcrate will keep stray light off backgrounds and if the softbox is in really close it can give a lovely 'wrap around' to the lighting.
For maximum control snoots with grids attached can isolate very specific areas. |
Are you combining grids with softboxes? and wth snoots? I have not heard of either! man this gets more complicated every day!
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02/25/2006 10:52:29 AM · #4 |
Chris - with my first pair of ABees I bought one 36" softbox - that's it. The lights each came with one umbrella (I chose reflective umbrella for one and shoot through for the other), also lightstands are included if you buy the lights as kits (nice carrying bags too). Bottom line - I used one light with softbox and umbrellas as needed on the other light for over 2 years! Throw in a cheap reflector or two and you can do as well as any pro in the field with a bit of practice.
Once you master using one or two lights though - you will start to yearn for more..... its addictive! :)
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02/25/2006 12:15:43 PM · #5 |
A brolly box is similr to a shoot thru, but has a backing light a light box so in theory it is more efficient, light stays more controlled, so that is why i am leaning that way.
What softbox did you get? I heard that photogenic is very good, and the AB ones are hard to assemble or soemthing (can't recall).
What lightstands did you get? How do like them?
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