Small studio setup.

So it looks like I will have a small space to use for now but looks like I might have a bigger space available to me real soon. So for now my space is 10 feet by 16 feet. Im looking at getting some monolights. I was looking at Flaspoints 620m and a 320m. Now I think the 620m might be to much for my small space but like I said the space should grow. My question is about softboxes. I was looking at http://www.amazon.com …&psc=1&smid=ATV​PDKIKX0DER . What would I need to attach that to the Flashpoint? Has anyone had any issues with the flashpoints? They seem to be great priced for a starter. On another note, would white be a good wall color for small space?

Thanks,
Ralph

I don't know anything about the flashpoints but have several Alien Bees. As far as accommodating a small space and then growing into a larger one, the Einsteins have 9 stops of adjustment which I think is more than most. Also take a look here: http://www.dpreview.co​m/forums/post/27045130

I'm a fan of Paul C Buff equipment and everyone who has used their service says it's an industry leader in that department. There is much to consider if you only want to buy strobes once.

The Einsteins are very nice but probably over my budget right now. But who knows, maybe I could swing it as long as the warden says so. I did check out the link you sent me but its such an old forum things have changed from what I was reading.

Thanks for the Info

I've got a number of the EzPro SB's, along with Elinchrom and Photoflex. The EzPro SBs are GREAT!
Regarding your lighting purchase, I'd definitly go with the Einsteins. I know a number of photogs that use them, and they are very happy with the product. Don't go cheap with your lights and stands. That's not to say you need to buy the best, but look for quality.

Also, you can do a lot with one light, in fact you'll probably learn a lot faster using one light.

I have both the 620M and the 320M as well as the Rovelight and all are good lights for me. What I like about them is their ability to do HSS (or supersync whatever). Modifiers for the 620 and 320 are a bit more difficult to get though. For example the softbox you linked to does not come with a Flashpoint II mount however if it's insert is a standard 6" speedring those are easy to get it just takes a bit of research. For example I just purchased a Phottix Luna collapsible beauty dish but it doesn't come with a specific speedring for the Flashpoint. A bit of digging on here and some kind member measuring the rings on their dishes led me to conclude that it would work with my ring and it does.

Don't waste your time getting the batteries that an be purchased with the strobe either. Just spend the bit of extra cash and get a mini Vagabond. You'll get longer battery life and more pops per session.

All the studio type photos were made with these lights that you can see in my gallery.

Thanks!!

I mean, I would love to get the Aliens Bees but for the price of one, I can walk away with a FP620M and 2 320M's. I don't really see any complaints on them. They seem to be a good light. The issue Im having is the softboxes. I like the EzPro's but not sure what ones to get that will work. This is the only thing that is discouraging me from buying them right now.

Look at Mettle strobes from Cowboy Studios as well if you want more power. They also come in Bowen's mount.

I can't help with the lights but for wall color white will make it hard to control your light. It will bounce all over the place. My space is a bit larger then what you will have and I still struggle with stray light and I use speedlights.

Littlejon Dsgn wrote in post #17425236
I can't help with the lights but for wall color white will make it hard to control your light. It will bounce all over the place. My space is a bit larger then what you will have and I still struggle with stray light and I use speedlights.

yup. i am not quite happy with the placement of my table and camera so until i move things around I have been gaff taping a 5 foot piece of grey seamless to the ceiling. It does a good job of blocking stray light and cutting reflections. I also have some of these http://elmers.com/prod​uct/detail/902090 in black and white. I can velcro them together to make a freestanding black or white "wall".

eventually, i will paint a neutral grey.

I have Dark Blue walls right now. Close to black but its really a deep deep blue. Not sure if its gonna cause color cast but I really don't think it will. Will have to take some test shots.

probably not an issue.

How big of a studio are you using? Im just wondering if I should just get bigger softboxes to use my YN-560's for now.

Nightfire wrote in post #17424434
Thanks!!

I mean, I would love to get the Aliens Bees but for the price of one, I can walk away with a FP620M and 2 320M's. I don't really see any complaints on them. They seem to be a good light. The issue Im having is the softboxes. I like the EzPro's but not sure what ones to get that will work. This is the only thing that is discouraging me from buying them right now.

For speed ring that fits Flashpoints 620M you need http://www.adorama.com​/FP2SR.html. I have purchased Visico Softboxes from amazon and they work fine. I have flashpoint 620M and they are very good. Hope this helps.

Thanks Tanneu.
The softboxes I'm looking at come with rings but I assume I just use the one you listed? Do I understand that correct. I hate buying the wrong stuff and have to return it, lol.

Nightfire wrote in post #17424434
Thanks!!

I mean, I would love to get the Aliens Bees but for the price of one, I can walk away with a FP620M and 2 320M's. I don't really see any complaints on them. They seem to be a good light. The issue Im having is the softboxes. I like the EzPro's but not sure what ones to get that will work. This is the only thing that is discouraging me from buying them right now.

I own Aliens Bees 1600 and a white lightening 1500 with 2 Paul buff folding soft boxes and 2 HD
light stands.

I also pretty much threw away 300 to 400 bucks on some cheap cowboy studio CFL set up.


One of the cowboy light stands broke first time I used it...............

Don't waste your money on lights that will not hold up or on the cheap stuff.