The Bees Are Here! Run For Your Lives!

[rcanzano]

It's ok, you're safe, they're just Alien Bees. They came yesterday and this is the first chance I had to play.

I got 4 of them, (2) 800 and (2) 1600, plus an Octagon Softbox, two Medium Soft boxes, and a Large Softbox. Also got the Sekonic L-358 and the Westcott Digital Calibration Target, plus stands and stuff. Merry (early) Christmas to me! (ok, my wife approved it, so I guess we'll say they're from her)

I just wanted to post a message to say thanks to everyone who posts here. The decisions for the purchases I made came directly from the discussions here. These forums have been an invaluable tool in helping me figure all this stuff out.

So, the first shot . . . . . . .

Just one Alien Bee 1600 through a Medium Softbox about a foot away to the left at 45 degrees. Meter said 250 at f/22 Bee set at just above 1/4 power, backside of the Westcott (white) as a refelctor on the right.

Ok, so the question (because I have plenty) I hate the look of the shot, not so much the composition because that's not what I was concentrating on, but the lighting . . .why? I White balanced and set the exposure with the Wescott target, histogram looked good, thought I put the lights in the right place, more or less. What would you suggest?

[rcanzano]

Here's how it was set up

[rcanzano]

any thought?

[RTMiller]

Congratulations on your purchase. You're gonna have fun.

Looks a little flat to me. Narrow the depth of field to make it 'pop' or maybe try some hair light or a touch of light from the right. It's also hard to tell with drumming muppet. Ask that wonderful wife to sit in for a few practice shots.

[Actionphotog]

Nice lighting.
You really like the Alien Bees

[rcanzano]

So far I haven't had too much of a chance to play with them. There's no room in the house, my studio won't be built until he beginning of January, and even if I had room there wouldn't be any time. I'm a DJ and this is my busiest time of year. But, for the one shot I took and in playing with the stands, softboxes, etc. I'm overall very happy with the system. Can't wait to actually put them to a real use. "Animal" was just my first test to see if I could figure out the light meter and transfer what it said to the camera and take a shot. I'll get the wife to sit for me in January, or if not, I have the whole Muppet Band!

[JonM]

That's a nice lighting setup you've got there, for any kinda portrait or still life I'm sure it's awesome. As to why it doesn't work with this photo, well, maybe it's contextual...when was the last time you saw this kind of lighting setup at a rock concert? :D

[rcanzano]

Naw, I just grabbed what was nearest to stick in the picture and shoot it. But now you've got me thinking . . . . . I may have to put the band in concert in January. Hmmmmmm