james_martin9 Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 I have a 2 part question that I am sure has been asked before. First, I am wanting to purchase an inexpensive introductory studio set. I want strobes as opposed to hot lights, with soft boxes. I am considering Elinchrome or Aline Bees. Second, I have not used this type of equipment so I am not familiar with the operation of such. How are these lights set for shooting? Obviously they are not like my Nikon i-ttl SB800, so how does a general set up of studio lighting work? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellis_vener_photography Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 they are manually controlled : you set the power output. Have you seen the Alien Bees to D-Light comparison? http://www.alienbees.com/compare.html Despite the fact that is being done by Alien Bees founder PAul Buff, the methodology looks reasonably sound to me i nthat the he lays outthe parameters so that the tests can be duplicated by other s and confirmed or disproved. Additionally I've got Elinchrom heads and have had a couple of their monolights but I haven't used or own alien bees standard monolights (I have the ABR800) . As others have pointed out: if you are using softboxes the Elinchrom attachment system leaves something to be desired. I n this area I much prefer the Balcar based system that Alien Bees uses and also the Broncolor and Profoto mounting attachment systems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Laur Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 James: Also take a little time to evaluate what it costs to replace modeling lights and flash tubes in each system. Living with the ABs is less expensive, both in terms of replaceable parts, and in terms of viable accessories (light modifiers, etc). You don't mention the camera you're using, but since you reference iTTL, I presume you're shooting a recent model Nikon DSLR. Though you'll have to manual on the exposure settings (both on the camera AND on the strobe power settings) you'll quickly find that the camera and its histogram are pretty good and showing you how you're doing as you work. It's actually pretty amazing how quickly you'll learn to look at your subject and know how to set both the lights and the camera within a stop of or two of just right in very short order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill_smith8 Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 Two excellant answers. Ellis is a seasoned pro. Start with one light, and learn to shoot with it, to expose for it as your main light. Once you've learned to do that -- preferably before she files for divorce -- you can add in the fill, or the hair light. Just don't try them all at once. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_holland Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 I'm happy with my 'bees. Once you start working, the technique will be intuitive and obvious. You will learn that using a flashmeter will speed things up a lot, but you don't have to have one to get started. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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