Photography lighting question - GoFuckYourself.com

Pete-KT · 03-02-2006, 05:49 PM

I am about to order my first light for my camera i have a Canon Rebel XT I am about to order a light from alien Bee as I have heard lots of good things about them For solo model photography whats better an umbrela light and reflect the light or a softbox and point it at the model?

would this be good most of the shoots will be done indoors with either white or light colored walls

1 AlienBees B800 Flash Unit
1 CB1 Single Light Carrying Bag
1 LS3050 10-foot General Purpose Light Stand
1 U48SW 48-inch Silver/White Reversible Bounce Umbrella

Persignup Dustin · 03-02-2006, 05:50 PM

mmmmbaaalllsss

abyss_al · 03-02-2006, 05:50 PM

softbox is great

Pete-KT · 03-02-2006, 06:02 PM

Thanks Al ill hit yo uup on icq

tony286 · 03-02-2006, 06:16 PM

two lights are better. and a good book on exposure
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/081...Fencoding=UTF8

Halcyon · 03-02-2006, 06:16 PM

That's the kit I got. Most the pictures you see of tassy against white or black are with that exact setup. I got the B1600 version.

I just ordered a second one, too.

czarina · 03-02-2006, 06:19 PM

I hired 5 muscualr men to stand in my bedroom, and hold candles.

Tat2Jr · 03-02-2006, 06:27 PM

I like the two 400 light kit..... and a softbox is a good idea.

newbreed · 03-02-2006, 06:31 PM

Unless you are shooting in a studio, 800's are prolly too much light, even when bumped down on the unit. I would get the 2 - 400's with the softboxes unless you have a lot of room to space the light(s) out..

MichaelAncher · 03-02-2006, 07:10 PM

soft boxes and reflector boards...umbrellas is something you use when it rains..

aico · 03-02-2006, 07:17 PM

If you don't want to get a softbox right away, you can also use the umbrella as a softbox by taking the black cover off and shooting the light thru the white.

Pete-KT · 03-02-2006, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbreed

Unless you are shooting in a studio, 800's are prolly too much light, even when bumped down on the unit. I would get the 2 - 400's with the softboxes unless you have a lot of room to space the light(s) out..

Thanks Bill very helpful

stickyfingerz · 03-02-2006, 10:05 PM

I love threads that actually have usefull information.

Ill be buying some new lighting soon. Thanks for the info everyone.

tony286 · 03-02-2006, 10:05 PM

get the book understand light and flash then it wont be stumbling in the dark like most.

micker · 03-02-2006, 10:25 PM

I started with some old reflectasol umbrellas I had left from shooting weddings... They were ok, but the trick we've come up with is to use 40x60 white foamcore board as reflectors... they really work nicely. Even diffused white light...

stickyfingerz · 03-02-2006, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micker

I started with some old reflectasol umbrellas I had left from shooting weddings... They were ok, but the trick we've come up with is to use 40x60 white foamcore board as reflectors... they really work nicely. Even diffused white light...

Ahh now thats a good cheap tip. Imma try that this weekend.

jonesy · 03-02-2006, 10:57 PM

pete

theres a good thread on lightng only a few weeks ago, with a few of the bigger name shooters posting about what they use and giving tips ect - do a search on it youll be glad you did lots of good info

tony286 · 03-02-2006, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonesy

pete

theres a good thread on lightng only a few weeks ago, with a few of the bigger name shooters posting about what they use and giving tips ect - do a search on it youll be glad you did lots of good info

that book is the best tip he will get lol

Ivana Fukalot · 03-05-2006, 02:31 PM

When photographer made pics of me he used one umbrela light and softbox, but he had Canon Mark II. We got a perfect quality pics.

szango420 · 03-05-2006, 02:40 PM

im about to buy lights too.. thanks for the info..

diesel · 03-05-2006, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ivana Fukalot

When photographer made pics of me he used one umbrela light and softbox, but he had Canon Mark II. We got a perfect quality pics.

It was Canon Mark II N which is a new version of Mark II and very pleasant to deal with.
And we also used Elinchrom light kit and I suggest this combination to everyone who wants to mix the work with joy

xenigo · 03-05-2006, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete-KT

I am about to order my first light for my camera i have a Canon Rebel XT I am about to order a light from alien Bee as I have heard lots of good things about them For solo model photography whats better an umbrela light and reflect the light or a softbox and point it at the model?

would this be good most of the shoots will be done indoors with either white or light colored walls

1 AlienBees B800 Flash Unit
1 CB1 Single Light Carrying Bag
1 LS3050 10-foot General Purpose Light Stand
1 U48SW 48-inch Silver/White Reversible Bounce Umbrella

I use the AlienBees B800's as well. I also use the Rebel XT. But one thing I realized only after I purchased the XT, is that it doesn't have a sync-cord connection. This is what the camera uses to fire the lights.

So what you should do is find either a generic wireless trigger from Ebay (one of the Chinese versions that sell for about $30), or you should pick up a Pocket Wizard setup from B&H.

The only other alternative is to wire the camera to the lights, through a hot-shoe adapter which costs around $80. Personally I'd rather just go for the Chinese wireless setup than pay $80 to stay tethered to my lights.

You will enjoy the wireless freedom.

Halcyon · 03-05-2006, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xenigo

I use the AlienBees B800's as well. I also use the Rebel XT. But one thing I realized only after I purchased the XT, is that it doesn't have a sync-cord connection. This is what the camera uses to fire the lights.

So what you should do is find either a generic wireless trigger from Ebay (one of the Chinese versions that sell for about $30), or you should pick up a Pocket Wizard setup from B&H.

The only other alternative is to wire the camera to the lights, through a hot-shoe adapter which costs around $80. Personally I'd rather just go for the Chinese wireless setup than pay $80 to stay tethered to my lights.

You will enjoy the wireless freedom.

Alien bees sells an adapter for about $15. Its what we use with no problems. If anyone has a link to the ebay trigger that works, let me know!

Hollywood376 · 03-05-2006, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete-KT

whats better an umbrela light and reflect the light or a softbox and point it at the model?

I think that the answer to this will only truly come to you with experience. either can be fine when used properly, but will give different results.

A 24x36 softbox, for example, when placed about 1 meter from your model will give a much softer (less shadows) image than if you move the softbox 3 meters away. Or, more simply stated, the further the light source from the subject, the more specular the lighting.

As the light source approaches the subject(model) the shadows will become softer and the light will wrap around the model.

Tony404's suggestion of finding a good book is exactly what I would tell you as well. Flash photography is not as simple as people think, at least not if you're doing it well. And two lights are better than one, and three better than two, etc, but only when you understand what each of them are doing.

I would also agree with newbreed that the 800's are going to be too much if you are shooting in close quarters. However, you can always add a neutral density filter to your lens or a ND gel to your light. These are available from AlienBees as well, but I'd look to a local lighting supply place as they are probably cheaper.

Also keep in mind that since you are using a Rebel XT that you do not have a sync for it. I would recommend the Nikon AS-15. It works with the Canon camera and is better quality than others. You can pick one up for $20-$25 at a good camera shop.

Hollywood376 · 03-05-2006, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hollywood376

...but only when you understand what each of them are doing.

hmm, bad grammer. ... but only when you understand what each of them is doing.

sfera · 03-05-2006, 03:49 PM

clueless here

03-02-2006, 05:49 PM	#1
Pete-KT Workin With The Devil Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: West Bloomfield, MI Posts: 51,532	Photography lighting question I am about to order my first light for my camera i have a Canon Rebel XT I am about to order a light from alien Bee as I have heard lots of good things about them For solo model photography whats better an umbrela light and reflect the light or a softbox and point it at the model? would this be good most of the shoots will be done indoors with either white or light colored walls 1 AlienBees B800 Flash Unit 1 CB1 Single Light Carrying Bag 1 LS3050 10-foot General Purpose Light Stand 1 U48SW 48-inch Silver/White Reversible Bounce Umbrella

03-02-2006, 05:50 PM	#2
Persignup Dustin Confirmed User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Just west of Chicago Posts: 871	mmmmbaaalllsss __________________ AWARD WINNING PATENTED MALE ENHANCEMENT PUBOCOCCYGEUS PC MUSCLE STRENGTH TRAINER SYSTEM 100% ALL NATURAL YOUR SATISFACTION IS ASSURED.

03-02-2006, 05:50 PM	#3
abyss_al LOOKING FOR TRADES Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 15,605	softbox is great __________________ EMAIL: allen @ vasmediagroup.com \| ICQ: 311329761 \| SKYPE: abyss.al \| AIM: xABYSSxALx

03-02-2006, 06:16 PM	#6
Halcyon Spread The Pink! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: TrampStampStudios.com Posts: 8,609	That's the kit I got. Most the pictures you see of tassy against white or black are with that exact setup. I got the B1600 version. I just ordered a second one, too. __________________ HAL on TEDx:

03-02-2006, 06:27 PM	#8
Tat2Jr Confirmed User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Sunny California Posts: 4,882	I like the two 400 light kit..... and a softbox is a good idea. __________________ NICHE MONEY >> Ass Worship • Panties • Solo Teen • Pantyhose Serving up exclusive fetish sites since 1997!

03-02-2006, 06:02 PM	#4
Pete-KT Workin With The Devil Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: West Bloomfield, MI Posts: 51,532	Thanks Al ill hit yo uup on icq

03-02-2006, 06:16 PM	#5
tony286 lurker Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: atlanta Posts: 57,021	two lights are better. and a good book on exposure http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/081...Fencoding=UTF8

03-02-2006, 06:19 PM	#7
czarina Webmaster Extraordinaire Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: A beautiful beach... Posts: 10,748	I hired 5 muscualr men to stand in my bedroom, and hold candles.

03-02-2006, 06:31 PM	#9
newbreed Confirmed User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ThatOneProgram.com Posts: 9,898	Unless you are shooting in a studio, 800's are prolly too much light, even when bumped down on the unit. I would get the 2 - 400's with the softboxes unless you have a lot of room to space the light(s) out.. __________________ Want to promote SUCCUBUS? Click HERE!!!! \| Want to buy SUCCUBUS? Click HERE!!!! Yeah, yeah, you know, That One Program! \| Want to trade links with StompBunny.com? Loryn ‎(3:16 PM): I love it, just as long as we keep the bedroom door closed from all ears then we can have throw down hard core sex that makes us money haha fuck it we can have sex on money never did that before

03-02-2006, 07:10 PM	#10
MichaelAncher Confirmed User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Prague Posts: 742	soft boxes and reflector boards...umbrellas is something you use when it rains.. __________________ GlamourGirls...HQ 2257 Compliant Glamour Photo and Video Content, for Web - Mobile and TV !! Profiles: XBIZ - AdultWhosWho \| ICQ 179004915

03-02-2006, 07:17 PM	#11
aico Moo Moo Cow Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Washington State Posts: 14,748	If you don't want to get a softbox right away, you can also use the umbrella as a softbox by taking the black cover off and shooting the light thru the white.

03-02-2006, 10:05 PM	#13
stickyfingerz Doin fine Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 24,984	I love threads that actually have usefull information. Ill be buying some new lighting soon. Thanks for the info everyone.

03-02-2006, 10:25 PM	#15
micker Confirmed User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 748	I started with some old reflectasol umbrellas I had left from shooting weddings... They were ok, but the trick we've come up with is to use 40x60 white foamcore board as reflectors... they really work nicely. Even diffused white light...

03-02-2006, 10:57 PM	#17
jonesy Confirmed User Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 6,688	pete theres a good thread on lightng only a few weeks ago, with a few of the bigger name shooters posting about what they use and giving tips ect - do a search on it youll be glad you did lots of good info __________________ . Shooting Bikini Girls

03-05-2006, 02:31 PM	#19
Ivana Fukalot Confirmed User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 2,482	When photographer made pics of me he used one umbrela light and softbox, but he had Canon Mark II. We got a perfect quality pics. __________________ You can promote my site at www.dieselaction.com DieselAction V3.0 features new exclusive paysites, NATS stats, DieselTools, epass/checks/wires with no fees and much more!

03-05-2006, 02:40 PM	#20
szango420 Confirmed User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 244	im about to buy lights too.. thanks for the info..

03-05-2006, 03:49 PM	#26
sfera Confirmed User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: ICQ: 248877409 Posts: 8,597	clueless here