 Hidee |
One large catchlight please? Hi, I own two Alien bees flash units. The 400 & the 800. I've very pleased with them but I'm not as happy with the style of lighting in my pictures anymore. I would like to make them better but i'm a little unsure of what light set up I'll need to do this. I'd like to make the catch light in my subjects eyes larger. And to narrow it down to one. Thanks so much. Hidee
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Justin G. |
catchlights are simply a reflection of the light source on the eye's glossy surface. simply put, yes, a larger softbox will create a large catchlight. but you have to remember that a larger softbox will eat more power. but the B800's are pretty strong and if you're working in the 135 format this might not really hurt you as you may not be using apertures all that large. i threw on a B800 on a large octabox (47") and got a reading of f/8 @ ISO 100 at around 10 feet or so. I'm assuming that depending on what you're doing you should be alright. Hope this helps. Justin
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Hidee |
Thanks so much for you reply Justin. I purchased a soft box a few months ago on eBay. Please check out the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSAA:US:31&Item=7557140674 It came with a universal speedring but I couldn't imagine it being supported by my alien bees. The soft box must weigh atleast 10lbs. Thanks again in advance. ~Hidee
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Justin G. |
Darn too bad I'm not at home I could upload some photos to make this whole explanation easier. Well here goes nothing. Basically (I've only used AB softboxes), you put the rods into the little "notch" things on the actual softbox material (wherever they are located, mine are on the diffuser panel). Now take and carefully bend the rods until you have them inserted into the speedring. once your softbox is complete, depress the "antennas" on the AB head (the spring loaded 'clamp gadget'). this will cause the four prongs to conract, or shrink. Insert the head into the softbox ensurring all four prongs are inside the hole of the speed ring. gently let go of the spring loaded clamp gadget (lol!) and you should be set to rock 'n roll. hope this helps. if not, ask away and I get home at 11:00 EST, I can upload some photos. p.s. sorry for the lack of terminology I don't recall any technical names. Good luck. p.p.s. my large octabox probably weighs 8-10 lbs., it does fine. I mean i'm careful when moving it but it's fine and is supported nicely. -justin
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Hidee |
Very well explained Justin. I got it all. But... unfortunatly I've done all the above and my prongs would not hang on to the speed ring with out slipping due to weight. If I were to let go it would surely have slipped and took my light bulb with it. This is where I'm lost in what to do. But I'm glad to know I was doing it correctly. I would still be intersted to see some pictures if you don't mind uploading those later? Your awesome Justin. Thanks again for your help on this. ~Hidee hidee88@earthlink.net
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Justin G. |
Hey Hidee, I'm sure you're doing it all right, but I'm wondering if you're speeding ring isn't really universal! lol. My only guess is that maybe the center hole on yours is slightly larger than the AB speedrings. This could be my only guess. I'll still upload some photos later. I'm not sure how your budget is (and honestly it's none of my business!) but I wonder if you bought an AB speedring if it would work with your softbox. They run $35ish I think. Could you measure the diameter of the end of one of the rods, and I'll do the same when I get home and if they are compatible maybe you could just purchase a speedring from AB and replace the one you have. Just a thought. Other than that I'm not really sure of what to do other than get a softbox from AB. Hmm but that's throwing down some dough so ... hmmm. lemme know! sorry I couldn't help more. justin
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Melissa L. Zavadil |
There is a picture of the alienbee speedring at this link: http://alienbees.com/softboxes.html Maybe that will help,.... if not I can measure my alienbees speedring hole and let you know if that would help you out???
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Andrew Laverghetta |
Hi! I don't have strobe lights yet or stuff like that, but I've used reflectors on sunny days and read some stuff and even though this doesn't have to do with your questions about the structural aspect (speedrings and such) I think you will usually move the light source (like the softbox) closer to the subject to make a larger catchlight.
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Hidee |
Thank you everyone for your responses and help. I got a reply from Alien Bees and the soft box that I purchased will work with my 800. Although I will need to purchase their speedring which happens to cost more than my softbox? O'well, still saved money. I would highly recommend checking out the soft boxes available on eBay by Amvona,Dynaphos. They are made very well and I got a great deal for what normally would have cost $150. Please check out the link listed above if you're intersted. Thanks again for your help!! ~Hidee
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