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07/19/2006 10:37:48 PM · #1 |
I have Smith Victor basic lights but I want to upgrade to alienbee lights. Which ones should I get for portraits? Can I get away with getting the back light and still using my standard smith victor lights or should I get the AlienBees B800 Flash Unit with the Bounce Umbrella?
The Back light
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07/19/2006 10:56:45 PM · #2 |
Right now, I'd practice with what I have if I were you. I don't see even one studio portrait in your portfoliio, so I can't really tell if you *need* to move to the next level.
What does the smith victor set include exactly? There's lots of options there.
As always, the choice on what you spend your money on is up to you. If you plan on making this a business no matter what, then go ahead and get them now. But there's always lenses, and backdrops, and editing programs, plugins, filters, new cameras...
It's all about priorities. ;)
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07/19/2006 11:09:51 PM · #3 |
One thing to be careful of is mixing lights. Colors variations in light is not uncommon from one manufacturer to another. You could probably get away with a smith victor back light for lighting the bacground but dont mix light brands on the subject for the portrait.
Since most portratis are done with one of the main front lights set at 2 stops lower than the other light you can probably get away with a B400 and a B800 for portraits (with a smith victor backlight) of one or 2 people indoors. Larger groups or outdoor lighting where you have to overpower the sun you might need a B1600 and a B800 set-up.
I agree with Wavelength..you should really practice a lot before spending too much on lights so you know what your needs are. I realized I needed a very fast set-up and went with an Elinchrom set-up that was less powerful than another brand I was looking at for the same money but much faster recovery times (I shoot indoor sports and events). |
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