Must Have Lighting?

[AndreaBurns]

I am pretty sure I am getting some seamless paper (specifically white and maybe black fleece) for Christmas. I'd like to get a light or 2 as well, but have NO idea where to start or what to get.

What do you suggest? I've heard of Alien Bees... Is there a cheaper alternative?

What else would I need? A light meter? Reflector.... ????

TIA!

[jencaputo]

oh these sound like great ideas for Christmas presents, i'm eager to hear what suggestions you get so I can put them on my list too!

[CraftTeaLady]

Andrea, I know that they are some $ for investment. But, I honestly can tell you, I think they would be worth it. Get one. Work towards a second one. I think that the battery packed ones would be excellent - to be able to go to locations and not have to have cords and such.

Dh was wonderful and bought me 2 standard (non alien bees) for my bday in June and I still dream. :) AB is still out there in my future... I just have to work and earn some $ to buy them.

[SteinwaysMom/DebraTope]

Those forums where Photgraphy geeks hang out would be an excellent source. I researched this at one point and there is a lot to consider. Maybe google lighting/portrait photography or ask LJ Barden.

I got an external TTL flash (TTL means it automatically sets the flash w/o manual intervention) and it has been a godsend and was under $150. I think the AlienBee's and stuff is for studio settings.

[Holly]

I know you emailed me about this, but thought I'd post here in case anyone else was questioning!

I just ordered my Beginner Bee - Alien Bees.

Really, all you need to start out is a good 800 Flash light with an Umbrella and a reflector. It will help you get used to using lighting. Emily said she got a wireless receiver for her shoe on her camera, but I'm just sticking with the cord for now.

I also directed Andrea to this post:

http://www.eddiebonfigli.com/simple-setup1.html (http://www.eddiebonfigli.com/simple-setup1.html)

Which is a great diagram of your setup.

Once you're ready to expand, check out these lessons:

http://www.photoflexlightingschool.com/ (http://www.photoflexlightingschool.com/)

They give you good ideas, setups, and examples!

Good luck - I can't wait for my BEE to BUZZ in! :)

[KristinCB]

From what I have read and researched alien bees are the cheapest and best way to go.

When I was going to purchase I was going to start off with the AB800 and instead of the umbrella I was going to get the extra large softbox. Oh and a reflector to start with before I moved to a second light.

Oh, and you need a hot shoe adaptor too :)

[Holly]

mine arrived today!!!!

the fastest shipping ever - but it came from nashville so that could be why.

woohoo! testing tomorrow!

[Holly]

ps - if you can afford a LARGE reflector, get it...if not, do foam core board! my reflector is small and i am going to try a piece of foam core instead.

[AndreaBurns]

Thanks so much for all of this information! Now... to start saving my pennies!

[CraftTeaLady]

OH my word Holly! That is the fastest shipping! WOW!

Dh bought me a reflector w/ my lights and I have yet to use them, but ya know, life has gotten so wacked, its a wonder I am here, answering posts. :)

taking it day by day and walking my journey...~G

[Amanda Rockwell]

I have an AB 800 with an extra large soft box and I absolutely love it. I am getting another one around christmas. I highly recommend them!

Good luck!

[karah]

I love my bees! I just have the basic set - the smaller bees with umbrellas but they work great for what I do. :)

[Kim_Weiss]

Another option to explore would be using an SB-800 (or two) with a softbox or softliter.

This was once a wonderful thread on the free side at ILP, but I guess they've moved it to the FA side... so it's at dpreview:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1034&message=12291797

[Deanna]

i have 2 ab 800's one with the giant softbox like Amanda's ...and I love it..such huge nice catchlights, and the other I have their small brolly on it...just for a softer fill...I love my bee's!