First shots with Alien Bees B800's

[Dare1325]

Just got my lights set up and had my nieces come over for some experimenting. I'm using a diffusion panel and umbrella. This studio lighting bit is all new to me, any comments and sugestions are appreciated. Thanks!

[redbutt]

Where are the lights positioned? I'm just curious...the results look great.

[smittymike19]

results are very good indeed. im not to fond of that ribbon pasted on her head though. beautiful kids though.

[tim]

I'd like to see more shadows, or at least some variation in lighting. That's just me though, the photos are well done.

[Dare1325]

Where are the lights positioned? I'm just curious...the results look great.

About 45 degrees on either side of the camera. Diffusion panel on the left side, umbrella on the right side.

[Goondockjeff]

I just ordered a set of b800's along with an addition b400. I am curious as to what camera you are using them with? I have the 20d and im all freaked out about frying it using the lights.

[magicmikey]

Goondockjeff,

That shouldn't be a problem. The Alien Bees sync/trigger voltage is less than 6 volts, which is what Canon recommends.

[defordphoto]

results are very good indeed. im not to fond of that ribbon pasted on her head though. beautiful kids though.

Those aren't pasted. They're stapled on.

:shock:

Just had to say that.

Yeah cool! Great shots! I gotta get my setup going. Been too busy!!

[Dare1325]

I just ordered a set of b800's along with an addition b400. I am curious as to what camera you are using them with? I have the 20d and im all freaked out about frying it using the lights.

I'm using the 20D and it has worked just great; magicmikey is correct, you won't have any problems.

[Ken Fong]

I love these shots! I would agree with Tim that more depth (shadow) would make it better...perhaps a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio. Are you shooting thru the umbrella or is it reflected? Try softboxes for softer light and less background shadow problems. But if I were your customer, I would buy these photos.

[Titus213]

Have you tried a separate hair light? I use the Sunpak 555 as a slave to the Alien Bees and it works great.

[photo441]

What did you use to measure the flash?

[C.S.I.]

Precious!:D

[2goldens]

Great pictures. I wish I could get my pictures to look that good. :o

[Dare1325]

What did you use to measure the flash?
I don't have a flash/light meter so I was watching the histogram and the preview. Trial and error until it looked right. This is probably not the best way to do it, but until I get a meter, I have no other options.

I don't have a separate hairlight. I have a spare 550ex, could that somehow be set to use as a hairlight?

Using a silver reflecting umbrella. Don't have a softbox, need to get one.

[PhotosGuy]

I don't have a separate hairlight. I have a spare 550ex, could that somehow be set to use as a hairlight? You could, but in this case, her hair looks great & he doesn't have much so it's just going to make a bigger shiny spot on his head. Nice shots! (Someone kill that pink spider on his head!)

[ContessaPhoto]

I think there should be more of a highlight in the older neice's eyes, she does have dark eyes, but they don't look alive in the photo. The baby's photo is gorgeous.

[BlueTit]

Lovely shots, I agree about the pink spider though. Can't comment on the lighting as I dont have any, but I would be pleased with those results, look very professional.

[Jesper]

I just ordered a set of b800's along with an addition b400. I am curious as to what camera you are using them with? I have the 20d and im all freaked out about frying it using the lights.Goondockjeff,

That shouldn't be a problem. The Alien Bees sync/trigger voltage is less than 6 volts, which is what Canon recommends.Most Canon cameras can't handle trigger voltages higher than 6 volts, but newer cameras such as the 20D can handle 250 volts. So no reason to be afraid about frying your camera.

[photo441]

I just got my B800's yesturday! I played around but have not quite gotten it yet. What power setting and camera settings did you use?

Hey I think the the ribbon is cute!