Alien Bees Users Check In (2)

Jeffuhree wrote in post #17267878
Thanks for the quick response. Did you get the soft silver or the extreme? and does it make much of a difference to get the speedring so that it is shooting to the dead center? Sorry for the newb questions. I have gone through about every page and didn't see anyone's recommendations.

Soft silver and get a diffusion sock. The extreme silver is very specular and contrasty. That can work for some applications but the soft silver is better for your first PLM.

gonzogolf wrote in post #17268199
Soft silver and get a diffusion sock. The extreme silver is very specular and contrasty. That can work for some applications but the soft silver is better for your first PLM.

Thank you gonzogolf, after looking at their site and thinking about it, that is what I figured would be the right way to go. Thanks for helping me decide!! Now the wait to get it in.

kdvincent wrote in post #17268167
I use some Paul C Buff stuff and some aftermarket (China) stuff. The biggest problem with the center mount is with a large softbox or umbrella and the Einsteins. They won't hold the weight. So I try to use the top mounted umbrella and small boxes with the Einstein and the center mount with the AB800's.

Thanks KDVincent, that helps alot.

Thanks Bartc for the feedback, much appreciated!

B800 octabox camera left:

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/q8ui​4p

Wow! Nice shot Alex, her tatts look amazing.

Alex dude great shot! Everything in that image is superb!

E640/large Octa cam left

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/q4nS​d4

JoeyBaccala wrote in post #17284556
Alex dude great shot! Everything in that image is superb!

koolcreation wrote in post #17284482
Wow! Nice shot Alex, her tatts look amazing.

Thank you guys.

Jeffuhree wrote in post #17267823
For someone that is looking at buying his first AB would you recommend getting the White PLM or the Silver? I have used both at workshops, but we were always using multiple strobes. Going to start out with one and go from there. Anyone make a recommendation? Ready to pull the trigger. i will mostly be practing on single subjects indoors, maybe some out.

can you define what type of lighting quality you are looking for?

Observation..... people here get beauty dish or PLMs and don't even understand what quality of light those light modifiers are capable of doing (when correctly used) . I observe they just get stuff because so and so is using it and if I get it "I'm going to get the same effect" idea.... ummm ... no.... that will not happen unless you know what you are doing.

PhilF wrote in post #17286566
can you define what type of lighting quality you are looking for?

Observation..... people here get beauty dish or PLMs and don't even understand what quality of light those light modifiers are capable of doing (when correctly used) . I observe they just get stuff because so and so is using it and if I get it "I'm going to get the same effect" idea.... ummm ... no.... that will not happen unless you know what you are doing.

Great question, and the answer is...I don't know. I've done lots of lighting at workshops but it is always rushed and you don't tough the lights. Was looking for something good to start out with so I can take my time and LEARN about light on my own time and pace. If that makes sense. I got the soft silver PLM with cover and should be her Monday. Based on suggestions and PB website stated that was a good one to start with.

Jeffuhree wrote in post #17287764
Great question, and the answer is...I don't know. I've done lots of lighting at workshops but it is always rushed and you don't tough the lights. Was looking for something good to start out with so I can take my time and LEARN about light on my own time and pace. If that makes sense. I got the soft silver PLM with cover and should be her Monday. Based on suggestions and PB website stated that was a good one to start with.

I think that is a very good place to start, and a very useful modifier.

Bart, nice shot. So tell us what you did.

kdvincent wrote in post #17293676
Bart, nice shot. So tell us what you did.

single ab1600 thru my DIY 11in gridded dish... pretty simple to to be honest..

A picture of model Fo Porter (from America's Next Top Model fame) during our little camping trip to Marfa, TX with friends.

Shot on a Phase One IQ250 w/ Schneider 80mm f/2.8 LS lens. Einstein Strobe w/ Profoto XL Deep Umbrella (white) Camera Left.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/pfSh​q1