Alien Invasion :-)

Nikolai · June 25, 2008

After much thoughts and deliberations I decided that having a better/more versatile light is more important than - hopefully upcoming - 5D replacement. And frankly I got tired of using Sunpaks for studio shooting.

I do love my profoto lights, but at this point I am more in need of secondary ones, for which Profoto is probably an overkill.

So, here's what friendly brown truck should deliver to my doorstep soon:ivar

Item Ref.   Qty.  Description
B400        2     AlienBees B400-Mello Yello
B800        2     AlienBees B800-Alien Green
FSB2436     1     Foldable Medium Softbox (24"x 36") speedring attached
G2436       1     Medium Foldable Softbox Grid (for the FSB2436)
22R         1     22-inch Reflector
DS22R       1     Diffusion Sock for 22R
UMF         1     LiteMod Unit Mainframe
LMSNT       1     LiteMod Snoot
LMBD4       4     LiteMod Barndoors
HGX4        1     Set of 4 Honeycomb Grids
GELH        1     Set of 6 Gel Holders
CF20        1     Set of 20 Color Gels

Now off to get a few more grip hardware from Amvona - and it looks like it's gonna be a fun summer all the way:-) :wink

Travis · June 25, 2008

Nik, I think you'll like the convenience of the foldable softboxes, especially for on-location shooting. The light quality may not be reported as good as Prophoto, but so far I haven't been disappointed with the results from mine.

Nikolai · June 25, 2008

Travis wrote:

Nik, I think you'll like the convenience of the foldable softboxes, especially for on-location shooting. The light quality may not be reported as good as Prophoto, but so far I haven't been disappointed with the results from mine.

Thanks for the info

.
Yeah, they do look nice, but I'm glad to hear a confirmation:-)

cmorganphotography · June 25, 2008

*grumbles*
*is Poor*

What in the world do each other those do? I know what a softbox is... but what's a an alienbee? honeycomb grid... etc?

Nikolai · June 25, 2008

cmorganphotography wrote:

*grumbles*
*is Poor*

Well, I am poor now:-)

What in the world do each other those do? I know what a softbox is... but what's a an alienbee? honeycomb grid... etc?

Alienbee - brand of studio strobes. Considered to be the best bang for the buck, plus extra nice customer service. Lightwieght, reliable, fairly inexpensive. All the rest are accessories.
For detailed info on each one please visit http://www.alienbees.com/

cmorganphotography · June 25, 2008

Nikolai wrote:

Well, I am poor now:-)
Alienbee - brand of studio strobes.

I know you are a Canonite [boo! hiss! <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/rolleyes1.gif" border="0" alt="" > ] and I'm a Nikonian and we get along just fine, until now. bwahaha.

Anyhoo. Do Alienbees care what skip in the pond you be dipping from? Everyone that I've ever asked has told me "oh you have a Nikon, you should get an SB-600 or and SB-800, you'll be very happy." But, ouch, with the prices. Those are priced about a 100 dollars cheaper. Let's explore your insight.
[I did check it out and immediately turned my coworkers heads by screaming "oooooooooooooooooo ring flash" and then "boo ringflash" because :puke1 400 dollars.]
Have you had other light setups that were bad or some that were awesome but pricey, you say the alien bees are worth it... I guess, I ask for a lot of advice on lights... and I hear either the SB600 speech or some other cheap but effective alternative and that's way waide open on brand.

<==lost

Art Scott · June 25, 2008

cmorganphotography wrote:

*grumbles*
*is Poor*

What in the world do each other those do? I know what a softbox is... but what's a an alienbee? honeycomb grid... etc?

Alien Bees are a brand of totally designed, engineered and made in the USA (Nashviller Tn to be exact) studio stobes ( Mono LIghts: studio strobes wit the power pack and coolling fan(s) all enclosed in the light head).....I can only vouch for Paul buffs 1st generation of lighting equipment....the White Lightning 5000, a round can of a stobe with a special spin on the aluim reflector that added more gain out of the lamp and by using a standard frosted household 100watt light bulb for a modeling light you had diffused soft light with out an umbrella......there is also an umbrella connector.....their only draw back was the fact that the control of amount of light was limited to full, 2/3, or 1/3.......if i needed less light intensity I would get ND filter sheets from my local Rosco Gel dealer......
AB's on the other hand have a great amount of lighting control in a smaller package (mono lights used to very large becuase the head housed all the electronics and a large cooling fan, with better engineering the size of these lights has dimensihed a whole lot in the past 20 years.

A honeycomb Grid is just a type of light modifier that softens the light......a lot of commerical comapnies that have flourscent lighting use to use EGG CRATE diffusers over the lighting tubes...this is very simialr to honeycomb grid only larger......

A snoot is a device to fit over your reflector to direct the light to a smaller portion of the subject, normally used for hair lighting or spot lighting.......

A barndoor is another modifier that is essentially a set of blinders ofr the light....to get a barn door effect place one hand on each side of your face next to your eyes and then fold them in this cuts off your line of sight....this is a barn door effect.....helps control light spillage...but a lot of pewople get frustrated because they forget that the right barnd door actuall is affecting the reflected light from the leftside of the strobes reflectors...with barndorrs you have to kinda think backwards

the more one gets into lighting the more 'TOYS" one will find to play with and then one will find what they prefer and will have lots of stuff just sitting around collecting dust.

Barndoors and snoots especially can be constructed out of black poster board and a good quality gaffers tape.......

HTH...........

Art Scott · June 25, 2008

cmorganphotography wrote:

I know you are a Canonite [boo! hiss! <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/rolleyes1.gif" border="0" alt="" > ] and I'm a Nikonian and we get along just fine, until now. bwahaha.
Anyhoo. Do Alienbees care what skip in the pond you be dipping from? Everyone that I've ever asked has told me "oh you have a Nikon, you should get an SB-600 or and SB-800, you'll be very happy." But, ouch, with the prices. Those are priced about a 100 dollars cheaper. Let's explore your insight.
[I did check it out and immediately turned my coworkers heads by screaming "oooooooooooooooooo ring flash" and then "boo ringflash" because :puke1 400 dollars.]
Have you had other light setups that were bad or some that were awesome but pricey, you say the alien bees are worth it... I guess, I ask for a lot of advice on lights... and I hear either the SB600 speech or some other cheap but effective alternative and that's way waide open on brand.

<==lost

Studio strobes are not dedicated to any brand of camera.....so long as you have a pc connector {with a safe sync as studio strobes have a higher sync out put than camera flash units}...or use sometype of radio flash trigger that the transmitter mounts on your iso hotshoe to triggerthe flash when shutter release is pressed........the real advatage to an actual studio strobe is the modeling light and faster recycle times...they also run on AC electricity (household......not AA batteries)

HTH

cmorganphotography · June 25, 2008

Art Scott wrote:

Studio strobes are not dedicated to any brand of camera.....
HTH

Wow, lots of info. Thank you. I kinda got what you said about the grid... but I'll wait and see the pictures he makes with these things and it'll all make a lot better sense. It's hard starting out when you learn by doing and pretty much can crunch all the info you want by reading but it does make the "!" in your head until you connect it with what you are doing. If that makes any sense.

The rest of it made sense. It just makes me want to puke thinking that if I want a decent light set up for models/portraits I'm looking at around a 1,000 bucks to do it right and not have to replace them or have poorly invested. 2 stands, speedlights/strobes, the sync system for it, actual reflectors, gels, the snoots, barndoors, and fun stuff like that.
I want a ring flash and a beauty pan and a couple of secondary lights and to make my light table but... I'm getting ahead of myself.

What I use now are two flourescent [think the spiral bulbs you plug in at home], two silver umbrellas on two stands that get about 7 feet high, pretty lightweight, two 500 watt each contruction lights, and two car window reflectors for RV's [and they are huge] and two foamcore squares. I have several sheets and a lot of props.

No backgrounds, background stand, actual reflectors, strobes, or a tripod. I'm scraping the barrel as a beginner. I've already had work and I'm getting booked for things but operate mostly with natural light right now.

TMI Ahahahaah

But thank you for all the info, you are really helpful in a lot of the forums.

Nikolai · June 25, 2008

Thanks alot Art for pitching in and filling the gaps!

I agree, a lot of extra stuff can be (and actually was in my own case:-) done DIY/MacGyver style. However, at some point it becomes a matter of convenience vs hassle. I got *really* tired spending an hour before after each shoot dealing with my DYI custom made stuff. I'd rather spend this time more productively.
Also, AB has a policy of giving you 20% off *any* accessories if you buy 4 or more lights. So the prices that were already in the OK range became super attractive.

Can't wait to try that beauty dish:-)

Nikolai · June 25, 2008

cmorganphotography wrote:

Wow, lots of info.

It is, indeed.
My take on this whole studio lighting thing: unless you *know* what you want or are trying to achieve and you are really limited with what you have - don't waste the money, 'cause, just like Art said, them toys are expensive and having them sitting on a shelf gathering dust doesn't do anybody any good.

Start small. You can do a lot of things with just one off-camera light and a small dual-use umbrella . Then add a reflector.... Plan ahead but don't try to jump over your head. Make sure you *know* how to use all the stuff you're about to get and what it can do for you beyond the gear you already have.

HTH

PS
And no, it's not camera brand specific.

cmorganphotography · June 25, 2008

Nikolai wrote:

Can't wait to try that beauty dish:-)

I hope you mean turkey pan. I spend too much time over at diyphotography.com . The ideas they have are just too great tho. I can have a really nice strip light for 14 bucks. That's a deal. Bam! However, some of the stuff seems like they are making it just to prove they can... like the softbox. Sure it's cheap, it's neat, and it works! But how much did the materials cost and how *long* did it take to make it and how durable is it? I'm pretty rough and tumble- so I fear the 'spensive gadgets.
I guess that's sound advice. I've been pretty happy manipulating sunlight and shooting outdoors. I have yet to fire up my construction lights but with the wedding and then the sick June just fell into a black hole. I haven't found any pretty dresses either. That's usually where my pictures start!

I think I have a fabric problem, I love it too much.

Nikolai · June 25, 2008

cmorganphotography wrote:

I have yet to fire up my construction lights...

I remember my first time firing those...
You can actually take some nice images with them (or at least I think so):

cmorganphotography · June 25, 2008

That's what I plan to do with them. They throw a lot of hot light around. I wanted to cookie them to make some murder/mystery kinds of thigns, nice skinscapes like you ahve there. Dramatic stuff. That's why I chose them for the pool shoot. Going to need some nice barn doors though... and I was thinking of bouncing them too. The room I chose for my studio is rather small, and I'm eyeing the basement room we're finishing. I'd be better able to mesh that window that the 2nd story ones.

I dunno. I guess not having all the toys leads to better creativity? I hope so.

Art Scott · June 25, 2008

As Nik stated.....DIY is great for hobbist......but if you're (and it sounds like you are) taking on clients, even parttime, then DIY can be a real PIA and also very seldom looks professional.......and unfortunately THE LOOK counts tremendously in this business with clients that have narcissistic personality disorder (that be most models

)..... looks mean everyting........dang I know people that go to photog X just because of all the equiptment in the studio.....yet photog B has less equiptment and actually knows how to use it correctly and really turns out much better portraits and gets tons of commerical work.....but gets less portrait and wedding work (which is what the studio really wants).....funny how much some folk rely on "LOOK" rather than knowledge.........

Right now I use a 4 (sometimes 5) light set up..... 2 front lights with Paul buff Brolly Boxes (softboxes that looks like unbrellas) and 2 backlights with 12" sq filtr holders for colored gels.....with the gels I can in a couple of seconds go from a blk backdrop to most any color I want......
So in a fashion I have unlimited backdrops for in studio use but I do prefer to shoot out doors even in winter time......there isjust something uttery fantastic about nature and being in it as much as possible.........

Art Scott · June 25, 2008

Nikolai wrote:

I remember my first time firing those...
You can actually take some nice images with them (or at least I think so):

Oh yes you can!!!! and you can heat your house and sometimes the neighbors also:D:D:D

That is a fantastic image NIK!!

bow

cmorganphotography · June 25, 2008

Art Scott wrote:

there isjust something uttery fantastic about nature and being in it as much as possible.........

I agree wholeheartedly with you. There's something about a beautiful person [usually women, they have more fluidity as models than men] in nature by ponds, up against a tree, wherever that's just tremendously effective.

Art Scott wrote:

THE LOOK counts tremendously in this business with clients that have narcissistic personality disorder (that be most models )..... looks mean everyting........

About models, I have made several mistakes. I will not do nudity. It's a personal choice and I feel it degrades my image and credibility, especially as a female photographer. I don't buy the feminism blather but I do think a woman should look illustrious not like a chicken cutlet. In this, I've insulted people. Photogs and models alike, but it is my point of view but go do what you want! Take my opinion with agrain of salt please! The other big mistake I've made with models is covering them up. I like clothes and costumes... and somehow I get lost there. I lose the person. I asked my friend what she wanted to do next because I messed up our first session and she said poolside, swimsuit. Total 180 from my first concept. YOu can see it at my smug mug, it's the By the River Gallery, the model is Kari. ANy critiques there would be happy for me. Both of you.

Art Scott wrote:

DIY can be a real PIA and also very seldom looks professional

That's what I feared. The strip light looked really good though and so did the beauty pan, but I hear you. That's why I keep grovelling, sometimes in the fetal position, about buying lights. It seems you get what you pay for and that's fine but all the CHOICES are driving me crazy.

Nikolai · June 25, 2008

Art Scott wrote:

and you can heat your house and sometimes the neighbors also

My memories exactly.. They are not called HOT for nothing...

I almost fried my model once...

That is a fantastic image NIK!!

Thanks! :-)

Nikolai · June 26, 2008

Added Vagabond II power brick :ivar
*Now* I'm flat broke

cmorganphotography · June 26, 2008

Nikolai wrote:

Added Vagabond II power brick :ivar
*Now* I'm flat broke

Nah, you'll shoot twenty more girls and be rolling again. No critiques for my gallery? Maybe I should do it up proper and make a new post? Or did I? I can't remember?

Art Scott · June 26, 2008

Nikolai wrote:

Added Vagabond II power brick :ivar
*Now* I'm flat broke

Isn't that Vagabond quite HEAVY???? Especially to be totin' around the ruff country that ya been shootin in lately.....I mean cliff edges with 80' sheer drops and all.....................

Nikolai · June 26, 2008

Art Scott wrote:

Isn't that Vagabond quite HEAVY???? Especially to be totin' around the ruff country that ya been shootin in lately.....I mean cliff edges with 80' sheer drops and all.....................

It is heavy alright, but for those I'm still gonna use my sunpaks. This guy should help me in an urban/domestic environment. Lile in two weeks I'm shooting multiple models in a huge private mansion (just to make it clear: it's NOT a playboy mansion

), so this will give me a chance to use my new lights by the pool and don't worry about AC recepticale being nearby.
And since I'm gonna have an assistant this time I don't really care how heavy it is:-)

Nikolai · June 26, 2008

cmorganphotography wrote:

No critiques for my gallery? Maybe I should do it up proper and make a new post? Or did I? I can't remember?

Sorry, what gallery??

cmorganphotography · June 26, 2008

Nikolai wrote:

Sorry, what gallery??

It was still winter here in Iowa when I did this to her... bear in mind. I had roughly 10-15 minutes with her in the water before she got hypothermia and needed medical attention. Luckily... that did not happen, but she started talking funny and I scooped her out of the river and said "No more!"

http://cmorganphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/4878163_G5xF9

Nikolai · June 26, 2008

cmorganphotography wrote:

It was still winter here in Iowa when I did this to her... bear in mind. I had roughly 10-15 minutes with her in the water before she got hypothermia and needed medical attention. Luckily... that did not happen, but she started talking funny and I scooped her out of the river and said "No more!"

http://cmorganphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/4878163_G5xF9

I know I was (and probably still am) guilty of the same deadly sin, but this you've *asked* for it

: is it possible to post just a handful of frames you yourself consider the absolute best from this series?
I mean: 100+ images is a bit too much for critiquing (unless all you want is a pat on a back).
You wouldn't like me to ask you for a C&C on my 700+ frames shoot

cmorganphotography · June 26, 2008

Nikolai wrote:

You wouldn't like me to ask you for a C&C on my 700+ frames shoot

ahahahaha

True. I'll work on a post in People forum. The ones I think are the best?? Tall order. Not saying they are old soo super great I'm the best. It's my first shoot with a model and now having learned a lot since then.... I'm not so proud. :cry I'll give it a run though.

Nikolai · June 26, 2008

cmorganphotography wrote:

ahahahaha True. I'll work on a post in People forum. The ones I think are the best?? Tall order. Not saying they are old soo super great I'm the best. It's my first shoot with a model and now having learned a lot since then.... I'm not so proud. :cry I'll give it a run though.

Rule of thumb for culling: "if there is a doubt, there is no doubt"

cmorganphotography · June 26, 2008

Nikolai wrote:

Rule of thumb for culling: "if there is a doubt, there is no doubt"

ahahaha. true. I will go home load the album and rework them. There's some stuff I've learned on dgrin that'll help me cull and cull well. There's twigs and stuff that I KNOW I'm going to called on... and I'd rather have focus on what I can do better with the model and not "omg there's totally a twig growing out her bum."
Kari and I have gotten to know each other better but I have to say we got relaxed with each other right away. She was in a backless dress in freezing water and I was squatting in shorts with an expensive camera dangling above water, death to all things electronic. I think we saw each other as equals... and that was nice.
She reworked my idea and now my concept has become swimsuit and nighttime pool

. She told me she's going to pull the diva card and I have to shut it. I don't mind, that was was c-c-c-old!

Nikolai · July 3, 2008

Most of the stuff from AlienBees and Amvona arrived today :ivar

1: UPS man was a bit curious: "Is all this lighting equipment?"

2: Yes, it was. AlienBees joined my set of ProFotos:

And I still have my old trusty Sunpacks and 580IIEX, who from now on will be doing pretty much outdoors only - however you never know when you need an extra accent in the studio, so if you count them in I'm now in a complete command of 9 (!!!!) lights!

Nikolai · July 10, 2008

OK, I know you guys are gona hate me, but I ordered two more AB800s... and some accessories (like another filter base, couple of grids, backlight stands)

Studio lighting is SOOOOOO much fun!

And you know what's the best part: a trip to RadioShack, a few bucks for mini-to-mini 1ft cords - and now I can control up to 3 ABs with my PWs! :ivar It's not too much a concern for the studio work, since they all have optical slaves, but from time to time I shoot "in a crowd" (like this Saturday I'm shooting ~20 models in a nice mansion with 20-30 other photogs - competition style

), so naturally I'd like to keep my ABs for myself and do not waste the Vagabond juice and flash life-time be letting them being triggered by other guys' speedlites...

cmorganphotography · July 10, 2008

Glutton.

Alien Invasion :-)

Comments