New Studio Help!! Please

[cavfan06]

I am in the process of purchasing my first set of Alien Bees 800w lights.
My current studio size is 8ft ceilings and a 12 by 12 room. My question is what size soft box should I purchase.

And does enny one have a recommendation for a lite meter around 200.00

Thanks
Brian

I want a one time purchase versatile.

[shooterman]

The size of the light box will be dictated by what your subject is. For heead shots a small to medium would be fine. If you want to do full body shots you will want a large softbox.

The Numero Uno light meter for around $250 is the L-358 Sekonic. Can't beat it.

[cavfan06]

Foldable Medium Softbox
(24" x 36") with speedring attached
Would you recomend this one or
the oldable Medium Octabox
(35") with speedring attached

http://www.alienbees.com/foldable_detail.html

thanks
Brian
I want to do head and full body shots..

[shooterman]

I prefer octaboxes, only because I like the catchlights that octa's produce. You can do full body shots with either of those boxes, but I don't think you would get even lighting from head to foot. You will see light fall off at the lower part of the body. If you want to get even lighting for full body you would probably want the 30" X 60" foldable softbox, or the 47" octa. I'm not 100% certain though if you would get even lighting for full body with the 47" though. Still might not be large enough.

[cavfan06]

I bought the alien bees 800 and this soft box..
http://www.amvona.com/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=3313

Brian

[shooterman]

Cool,

I'm going to be buying some Amvona octaboxes myself. They seem to be a good value. Let me know how it works for you.