Hey all,
I'm pretty much a minimalist when it comes to the lighting gear I have at my disposable. Usually deal with a reflector for some bounce, some 550's/580's and of course natural lighting. Something I want to invest not only money but time into for 2009 is lighting.
Back when I was in school, I learned all about studio lighting and what have you with strobes and modeling lights....but times have changed, and I won't be "in studio"
Anyone care to share some wisdom, or opinions on some AB800's, a vagabond II for power, and even using PW's with them. I've been reading about the gear for awhile at different sites but want to think or hear what other shooters have done.
I know I've seen shots of Spencer with the box and strobe, was an e-session with a telephone booth if I remember correctly. Is it a pain to bring along? setup times?
Worth getting a "package" from Alien Bees? Buy from B/S? One strobe? two? umbrella? softbox?
I wish I had the patience for strobes on the go. I used to have a vagabond, but ditched it. For a wedding, my ABs only make an appearance at the church for formals and then at the reception. Any other lighting is a speed light on a stand or courtesy of on on-board flash and a Flip-it.
I just don't like to lug the Alien Bees around during the day. If you feel like you can swing it, and are committed to the setup, go for it. I just like to be a little more nimble.
Thanks guys. I'm so used to being "nimble" that I'm a bit scared/put off by venturing but I feel like I owe it to myself and my clients to try advancing my level.
Evan: How does it all work out for you as for set up times, and lugging it? Do you use it for formals, receptions and things like e-sessions at all?
We bring one 500 watt and one 1,000 watt Photogenic powerlights to every wedding. Power is a Vagabond 2 and pocket wizards for triggering.
The results are that you can do whatever you want with portraits and at receptions. Is it more work, big time, but better to work for 8 hours on a wedding than 50 hours in Photoshop (which we do not use). We are not minimalists at all, and if that is your style, than cool. But if you want some of your stuff to look studio lit on location, then I think you need to shoot it right, so that is why we bring the gear. One big light can do wonders and that is what we do most at a wedding (with big lights). We have done multiple lighting set ups for portraits, but mostly save that for the reception with an off camera 580 and the big light.
You can see that stuff on our site @ Grayphotograph.com and the main page image was done on location during the wedding.
Minimalist would be a VBII, AB800 and some PWs. That would be a minimalist kit for me. I find it indespensible in any kit of mine, always bring some kind of studio lighting, even if I don't plan on using it. Sometimes I find a use for it.
I have a Profoto AcuteB 600R. Not cheap, but I love it's size, weight, and the light quality from Profoto is noticeabley different than PCB lights or others I've used.
I too sometimes like to go light, and will bring a small hot-shoe flash with some brackets (or sometimes an MVAL if they are disposable!) and even a small reflector in case I want a larger light source. Although the weight can be daunting, it's well worth it in the end!
I keep thinking I should get a Vagabond, but I've always found available outlets at weddings and receptions. Outdoors, I use speedlights and if I want the sky darker I use high speed sync. A ND filter would help with that too, on a bright day. I got a couple of Quantums for the extra power, but if you don't have an assistant to adjust the power, the on-camera function with speedlights saves a lot of time. I think Ed P just uses speedlights and his lighting is outstanding.
Zach: Your new site is awesome, I'm thinking of just going with one large light to start with. Agree with the PP work after, I keep it simple and would rather nail my lighting/exposures before hand.
Spence: The weight and setup time is daunting, but I need to do it right. Can you reccomend any softbox for the AB800's? Not too pricey but a good starting size/price?
Brian: I think Ed just uses his speedlights and his lighting is always fantastic.
Still lost, and confused, just not sure which direction to go.
Great topic! I'm thinking about this same transition for '09. Pretty much decided on getting AB800's and a VBII. I want to get 3 lights, but for most purposes only dig out one or two. Transportation of the equipment is an issue, because currently I do not have a Sherpa. Does anyone use a cart or similar to haul stuff?
I certainly would not questions the results that Evan or Spencer are getting from their lighting. I'd say their work speaks for itself, as does Zack's from what we've seen here so far. For sure, three guys that have a leg up on me.
I'd simply think that since you already are likely to have some hot shoe flashes, that spending 20 or 30 bucks on a few brackets might be a good start, to see just how far you can get with smaller lights. I think you'd be surprised. Admittedly, the control afforded by having mono lights on hand cannot be matched, but I believe that some of the results can be, within reason.
Why not get your speedlights up in the air for a few sessions and then make a call on the getting that vagabond?
Good question mcarr! I bring usually an assistant, 2nd shooter type of person but there are times when I go alone so I'd be curious as I doubt I could handle it all.
I run a a vagabond (when needed) and wall power when not. It's nice to have the flexibiltity to run strobed anyplace. And I've done so.
I use paterson interfit stellar lights instead of AB's - same features for less money. Been using them 4+ years and no probs with them and a vagabond.
BTW, you'll want two strobes - backup and all, you never know when something will fail.
You can't run the modeling light for more than a few seconds as it will flatten the batt quickly. Other than that i've never run the batter flat and recycle time is the same as being plugged into the wall.
Weight? C'mon and grow a pair. You're gonna make two trips between camera gear and lighting in most cases. I can make one trip if I don't bring the vagabond, but it's not weight as just too much bulk to carry.
Vagabond, good 13' stand, paterson kit (300ws) total was under $900. Alternaitves are perhaps Quantums at $1100-1500 each or Lumedynes for as much. Hell, even a pair of 580s will run you $800 (if you're comparing new to new). PWs are additional to any of these setups.
AB has their new wireless deal that lets you set / change power from a distance - that might be worth every penny on some shoots.
I like having big strobes for formals and some of the other stuff at a wedding. But then I have the strobes for use in my studio, for events, schools, sports etc, so they get a lot of use and pay for themselves many times over.
Thanks to everyone who responded and answered my PM's
I think I'm all but decided to go the route of the AB800, medium sized softbox, vagabond II and the cheaper wireless triggers from Paul Bluff as they have had solid reviews. With the lack of 580II's in my gear, I'll be getting shoes just so I could trigger what lame flashes I have now. I plan on adding a 580II in the early Spring which I then could use in conjunction with everything else.
Thanks to everyone who responded and answered my PM's
I think I'm all but decided to go the route of the AB800, medium sized softbox, vagabond II and the cheaper wireless triggers from Paul Bluff as they have had solid reviews. With the lack of 580II's in my gear, I'll be getting shoes just so I could trigger what lame flashes I have now. I plan on adding a 580II in the early Spring which I then could use in conjunction with everything else.
I use AB800 and the cheap ebay triggers ($30 for a transmitter and receiver, shipped) at weddings all the time. I have no assistant, so I usually set it up in one spot and leave it... I have thought about investing in a vagabond to use it for e-sessions, but I do so few that it's not worth it (not for lack of trying, I include it free in my 8-hour package, but half of my potential clients simply don't want it).
It isn't too hard to lug around, and I've to date always been able to find a plug when I use it for formals or reception lighting.
