Just Ordered my Alien Bees!

[minatophase3]

After doing a lot of research I finally placed my order today! Here is what I ended up getting.

2 - AB800's
2 - 13 foot heavy duty lighting stands
2 - AB Carrying cases
1 - 4 Channel wired remote
1 - 48" Silver/white reversible umbrella
1 - 48" Brolly box
20 - Color gels

and from B&H I just ordered the Sekonic L358 w/wireless chip.

I should have everything by the middle of next week, I can't wait!

Now, I still need to get a background stand and some backgrounds. Any recommendations on where to shop for these?

Thanks for all of the good advice from everyone, it made purchasing the right equipment for my needs a lot easier.

Tim

[timmyquest]

Any recommendations on where to shop for these?

You could always look for a local artist to paint you one on a large peice of canvas ???

[OviV]

B&H has good pricing on the BG stands. Also, I bough the Savage paper from them for less then local shops even after paying shipping.

Ovi

[nat869]

I think you will be stoked with them, My 2 new 800's arrived Monday. I should get to shoot with them very soon, I can't wait!!!

[minatophase3]

B&H has good pricing on the BG stands. Also, I bough the Savage paper from them for less then local shops even after paying shipping.

Ovi

Ovi,

Can you post some pictures with a paper background? It would be nice to see what that looks like. Also, do you know how much the paper weights? I need to get a background support and I want to make sure it is capable of handling a large roll of paper.

Thanks,
Tim

[FlipsidE]

Can I be so rude as to ask how much that setup ran you?

FlipsidE

[minatophase3]

Can I be so rude as to ask how much that setup ran you?

FlipsidE

I wouldn't mind sharing that and don't think it is rude of you to ask. The whole setup from Alien Bees was a little more than $950 and that includes UPS ground shipping to my house (I don't remember exact amount but it was less than $960). The Sekonic L358 plus wireless chip was $253.45 and that includes UPS 3 day shipping to my house.

I have gotten confirmation from both Alien Bees and B&H that my order has shipped, so I should get the Bee's next Wednesday or so and the Light Meter on Monday!

I figure the backdrop setup will run me another $300 on the cheap side so the whole small studio setup will cost around $1500.

Tim

[FlipsidE]

I'm so jealous. But, before I get a studio setup, I need to find a few willing models.

FlipsidE

[OviV]

O.K. I am still learning this studio stuff but here goes:

Here is one with the white background:
http://www.shareapicture.com/veronaphoto/20041024Nina/_mg_8102_std.jpg

Here is one with a black background:

http://www.shareapicture.com/vsalbum/getpic.aspx?fld=/OviV/Photography/Portraits&pic=2004_09_17%20009.jpg&OV=0

I am going to get a grey one as well. I also have a blue chroma key and some weird pink color that my wife ordered and that frankly is just to bright.

One thing I'll recommend if you go the paper route is to get the wide ones (9'). I bought a couple of the smaller ones and they are just too narrow for anything other then close in shots. They are fairly heavy. I would guess around 15 lbs.

Ovi

[Ballen Photo]

Now, I still need to get a background stand and some backgrounds. Any recommendations on where to shop for these?

Tim

I've had good luck with www.backdropoutlet.com in the past.
Enjoy your AB set when you get it. :D
-Bruce

[abel]

wow i am so jealous.... i am still stuck with my Home Depot Bees...

question... where did u order your colored gels from etc ?

[minatophase3]

wow i am so jealous.... i am still stuck with my Home Depot Bees...

question... where did u order your colored gels from etc ?

I got them from Alien Bees as well. Here is the link to them: http://www.alienbees.com/filters.html#CF20

Tim

[NGrinerPhoto]

http://www.dennymfg.com/

i use paper too

-nick

[cmM]

calumet photographic has a lot of backgrounds and good prices.
I just bought a roll this week.