Finally buying studio lights, what do you think?

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

01/01/2011 04:15:44 PM · #1

UPDATE:

I ordered two AB800's today with stands and modifiers. Should have them by this weekend. I took

Skip's advice and only got the two lights to start with since I can use my 430's in a pinch and most of the time 1-2 lights will do. Can't wait to get them... :)

Message edited by author 2011-01-03 15:09:06.

tanguera

Nikon D750

01/01/2011 06:37:46 PM · #2

Sounds like corporate portraits. My only suggestion would be a complete set of grids rather than just two 20 degree ones. More flexibility. Mind you, I'm a studio lighting beginner, but they really make a difference. Also, maybe some flagging/masking devices or barndoors.

01/01/2011 06:41:15 PM · #3

i just bought a pair of Hensel 500w strobes that I am absolutely in love with but I have always heard good things about Alien Bees. Also I only got 1 softbox with mine for the same price. but the bees are made more for portability am i right?

for reference, the kit i bought

Message edited by author 2011-01-01 18:45:31.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/01/2011 07:31:16 PM · #4

Originally posted by tanguera:

I suppose I could get the set then add another 20 degree one. I want two of the same so I can do two rim lights from behind and a soft fill with the box in front. As far as flagging I have two cheap stands that I am going to use with black foam board and clamps for the time being.

Originally posted by smardaz:

Yeah I am thinking doing some of the corporate style, especially in the colder months when most people don't want to shoot outside. I looked at the kit you purchased and it looks like a really good set I did want to go with the bees since I could get them a bit cheaper for starting out. Once I am set up in a studio I will upgrade for in house stuff and keep the bees for location shots.

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

01/01/2011 09:00:44 PM · #5

Congrats on the new gear!

For more flexibility I suggest adding boom arms to the stands. They are very helpful, even in normal lighting situations, and virtually indispensable for certain others.

SEG

Nikon D7100

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

01/01/2011 10:59:56 PM · #6

Corporate portraits?

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/02/2011 07:10:24 AM · #7

Originally posted by SEG:

Corporate portraits?

May not be the correct word. I am going to try and contact business owners and use my contacts to offer headshots for local business owners for use with websites, social networking, business cards and the like.

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

01/02/2011 07:14:28 AM · #8

if you're planning on location stuff, taking "one or two", why buy three? spend some time at strobist and you can find lots of ways to get by with less, as well as some great ideas for what to put the money you'd save to good use. (and you might consider picking up something, even a used 20D, as a backup camera...all that lighting gear will be useless if you have a body failure...)

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/02/2011 07:26:34 AM · #9

Originally posted by Skip:

I wanted to get three mainly because I have seen several 3 light setups that I would like to do. I have spent a bit of time reading and watching Scott Kelby stuff and while much of it is done with one or two lights I really like the three light setups. If I am going on location inside I will be hauling all three lights but if I am working outside I will only need the one or two lights at most. Also I plan on getting studio space although at the point I get that I could just add the third light. I have been using two 430ex's So I could skip the third light and use one or both of those when I need the third or fourth light though. Maybe I could drop one of the AB800's off the list and add a pop up backdrop and stand to the list and some sandbags though.

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

01/02/2011 02:12:37 PM · #10

I take back the congrats. Didn't realize this was just a wish list. :)

robs

Canon EOS R6 Mk II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

01/02/2011 02:24:43 PM · #11

You might already have some triggers but...... With a full set of bee's... I would get some cybercyncs (the plus model so you can use the commander later on - unless you want a light meter now in which case it's a sweet full remote system - could also look at studio radiopoppers also). After just getting an einstein, I would also recommend at least one instead of one of the 800's... just for the way low power when you need it.

Edit: Yeah I mean LOW power, although it gives you a bit more power also... just better granularity and also action stopping since einsteins act like hotshoe flashes with flash duration.

Message edited by author 2011-01-02 14:26:31.

01/02/2011 03:37:30 PM · #12

Originally posted by Mick:

I take back the congrats. Didn't realize this was just a wish list. :)

It is more of a fine tuning list. I will be ordering them middle of this week. Just waiting for the check to clear in the bank... gotta love those holding days.

01/03/2011 03:09:40 PM · #13

I ordered my lights woohoo. Updated my first post with details.

01/03/2011 05:57:06 PM · #14

Originally posted by jminso:

I ordered my lights woohoo. Updated my first post with details.

congrats! I know I've been in hog heaven since I got mine.

01/06/2011 05:18:10 PM · #15

The Aliens have arrived. Opened up everything to check it out and even powered up a bee and popped a couple test fires with it. Hope to do a setup tonight and shoot but man I wish I had more space to work with.

01/06/2011 05:25:47 PM · #16

Originally posted by jminso:

yeah i have been shooting in the living room cuz i havent cleared the space i was planning on in the garage yet, my wife is getting tired of me taking over the upstairs....

01/06/2011 05:53:49 PM · #17

Originally posted by smardaz:

Originally posted by jminso:
The Aliens have arrived. Opened up everything to check it out and even powered up a bee and popped a couple test fires with it. Hope to do a setup tonight and shoot but man I wish I had more space to work with.

yeah i have been shooting in the living room cuz i havent cleared the space i was planning on in the garage yet, my wife is getting tired of me taking over the upstairs....

Unfortunately due to a divorce I am at the moment staying in my parents basement apartment (It is a great way to build self esteem when you are 31). So between the furniture, awkward layout and support poles it is tight to set up strobes. On the plus side, learning to position lighting here will make most anything else seem easy. Gonna try and do a setup here shortly and if I remember I will take a photo of the setup with my wide lens to show how cramped it is.

01/06/2011 06:55:13 PM · #18

Originally posted by jminso:

Unfortunately due to a divorce I am at the moment staying in my parents basement apartment (It is a great way to build self esteem when you are 31).

LOL! You sound like me some years ago, when people ask how me and my wife met/got married I always say: "Hey, I was a 30 year old divorced father of 2, living in his parents house and managing a Wendy's.....How could she resist?"

01/06/2011 07:18:09 PM · #19

Originally posted by smardaz:

Originally posted by jminso:
Unfortunately due to a divorce I am at the moment staying in my parents basement apartment (It is a great way to build self esteem when you are 31).

LOL! You sound like me some years ago, when people ask how me and my wife met/got married I always say: "Hey, I was a 30 year old divorced father of 2, living in his parents house and managing a Wendy's.....How could she resist?"

Well I don't manage a Wendy's but the rest is spot on lol

01/06/2011 09:24:18 PM · #20

Got a few test shots tonight. Must say I am in love.

01/06/2011 09:40:00 PM · #21

nice work! having good lighting is a game changer eh?