Alien Bees

[OversighT]

I have a model shoot this Sunday with a friend who has 3 B400's...I've shot with them before and they are very nice to work with. It's awesome being able to hook up a Sekonic incidence meter and know exactly what ISO, shutter speed and f-stop to get a perfect exposure. Whenever I get around to getting some lights I'm definitely going with the Bees.


T.

[gpgyo]

Originally Posted by ndsimm

So if my daughter is a senior in high or soon to be college freshman, I get a discount??? cool!!!

No, you don't get a discount, but your daughter does. Of course if you're nice, maybe she'll let you use her lights.

[ndsimm]

So if I let her use the car, she might let me use the lights...

[gpgyo]

It would probably be cheaper for you if you just bought the lights and forgot about the student discount!

[Photofan]

I have 4 Alien Bees. Two 800's, one 400, and one 1600. I use the 400 only for a hair accent light. The 800's are very flexible, and plenty of light for most indoor studio situations. The only place where the 800's are worked to the limit are for large groups (over 10 people) in large rooms. The 1600 has all the flexibility of the other units with its ability to be turned down below the level of a 400, but with the ability to provide enough power to be used outside as a main light. I

I have the wired remote unit. It works great, and is economical.

I use an inexpensive 4 channel remote unit. The transmitter is on the camera, and the receiver on the wired remote unit attached to the lights. I then can fire the Bees without sync cords. I use a "Y" connector at the wired remote unit because I have the sync cord from my Sekonic 358 attached. I still use a wire to the meter because with the remote trigger I am using (cost $45 delivered instead of the Pocket Wizards at $350) will not fire from the transmitter module within the meter.

The 1600 is a good unit for outdoor use. I borrow a Vagabond power supply from a friend (a future purchase for me) to eliminate the need for 110v supply.

The Bee accessories are another reason to consider the units. Gel holders, barn doors, grids, speed rings, etc can be very expensive for other lighting systems. With Bees you get good lights, affordable accessories, and great service (although I say that from reputation since I have not had need for it).

I use the Bees with all types of modifiers including umbrellas, softboxes, diffusion panels, grids, barn doors. All perform well. :D

[Clint_Smith]

already have Bees and just today ordered the Vagabond....I am all excite...now get to use my softbox on location finally!!!!!!!!!

here is a shot using only two Bee 800, Softbox and shoot thru umbrella

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by Clint_Smith

already have Bees and just today ordered the Vagabond....I am all excite...now get to use my softbox on location finally!!!!!!!!!

here is a shot using only two Bee 800, Softbox and shoot thru umbrella

Very nice shot Clint.

Can you tell me where the lights were placed? Every time I add the second light for fill, I end up with double catchlights. I have 45" Wescott umbrellas (one through and one silver bounce) which I hoped to use for fill. Are these big enough?
Thanks!

[Clint_Smith]

Very nice shot Clint.

Can you tell me where the lights were placed? Every time I add the second light for fill, I end up with double catchlights. I have 45" Wescott umbrellas (one through and one silver bounce) which I hoped to use for fill. Are these big enough?
Thanks!

The soft box was on a boom behind and above her, thus the hi key.

The shoot through is to camera left and equal distance from the subject so I get the catchlight not on her pupil. A silver reflector was just to her left for fill. well here is a wide from the same series...her pose is a little differenct by you can get the idea

[srwatters]

Thanks! I love those behind the scene shots. When I get good, I'll have to take some of those too. Maybe just to help me remember what the setup was for the pose.

[Clint_Smith]

Originally Posted by srwatters

Thanks! I love those behind the scene shots. When I get good, I'll have to take some of those too. Maybe just to help me remember what the setup was for the pose.

hey take some even if you stink, cuz then it sure is alot easier to see if placement is a problem or not

[capreppy]

Very nice shot. My fiancee' and I just ordered an AB400 & AB800 and a bunch of accessories. We're looking forward to their arrival and trying them out.