 Nikki D. Storms |
IM IN LOVE WITH B&H Ok, so I got my first B&H catalog... I am in love. Its Christmas in May. lol Anyway, There is soooo much to choose from. My first shoot (family portraits) was supposed to be in august. However she has decided she wants it to be in June... that is less than 8 weeks away... Does anyone know how long it takes to get purchases from B&H???
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Mark Feldstein |
Usually within a couple of two or three days. But you need to order first. Now, here's what I want Santa:
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BetterPhoto Member |
I need a Celestron C90 telescope, a Sony Alpha A700, a 10mm-18mm zoom. A 100mm macro lens, a lumiquest bounce system, and a #4 neutral density filter. I'll think of more later.
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Bob Cammarata |
Their on-line ordering process is easy to navigate and they ship very quickly. Like Mark F., I typically receive delivery in two to three days with standard UPS shipping. I don't have a "Santa's List" but it would a nice gesture if the IRS would let me claim B&H as a dependant. :)
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Mark Feldstein |
It's nice to see people buying equipment from a REAL equipment dealer instead of at Walmart or (sorry Deb) Ebay. Nicole has a credit card that still works. C'MON, WE'RE ALL GOING TO B&H....YEA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good idea Bob. Let's talk to our congress people.
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Mark Feldstein |
Anybody here in love with Nicole, raise your hand. M
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Irene Troy |
Like everyone else I cannot say enough good things about B&H. Their prices are always among the best and their service is – IMO – absolutely top notch. BTW: Nickcole; I don’t know where you are in terms of photography experience; however, I learned long ago that at B&H there is no such thing as a stupid question. They are great at explaining things so you can make the best possible purchase for your needs. The longest time I ever had to wait for receipt of an in-stock item was 2 days by standard UPS. This will vary according to where you live in the UPS shipping zone map.
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Nikki D. Storms |
LOL @ all of you. That is funny. I wish I would win the lottery and I would buy you all a present! I wonder if they have a live chat option the the B&H website. There are sooo many choices... I looked into organizations and clubs in my area last night also. I am looking to purchase several pieces of equipment in the next several months. I need a waterproof housing sometime. SO much to buy!...
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Nikki D. Storms |
For a Flash is Sunpak a descent brand, or should I go with the Oem Canon for my Canon dslr?
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John H. Siskin |
I went to B&H the last time I was working in New York. I was surprised at how much smaller it is than Samy's here in Los Angeles. Thanks,John Siskin
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Nikki D. Storms |
OHhhhh so ur the lighting Guru! John, I will be taking both of your lighting courses once I am done with school. I am actually very nervous bc I have my first shoot coming up in June and I don't have any lights. I would like to purchase a whole kit instead of everything separate... Got any pointers?
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Nickcole, Buying a kit is not the best way to go. You will get equipment you do not need and you will feel compelled to use it all. You will want to set things up as if lighting was a paint by numbers game. That is one light is at 12 o’clock another at 2 o’clock and the subject is at the center of the clock face. Would you set up an outdoor shot like a pie chart? I suggest that people start out with one light and get a feeling for how to use it. Get a light that has at least 600 real watt seconds. I know that you will not need that all the time, but it will enable you to have much more diffused light and more control I am attaching links to a couple of articles I have here at BP, you might want to check them out. I think that if you don’t have experience with lighting you should shoot portraits outdoors. Getting experience while your customers watch is unpleasant. Thanks, John Siskin www.betterphoto.com/article.php?id=148 www.betterphoto.com/article.php?id=129 www.betterphoto.com/article.php?id=176
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Nikki D. Storms |
Thank you John, hmmm I have soooo much to learn. Ok, so I need a 600watt light... Which reflectors do you think are best? the umbrellas or those fold ones. I cant wait to be able to take your class. I am learning about lighting right now in my classes. Thanks for your reply!
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Nickcole. Not watt, but watt-second. A 600 watt light is a continuous hot light, they work well but will bake your subjects. A light measured in watt-seconds is a strobe. Strobes are the best lights for doing photography. I use umbrellas and light panels. I included a link for do it yourself light panels, above. I am not a big fan of soft boxes, but if you get one that is at least 2X3 feet it will do a useful job. Where are you taking classes? Thanks, John Siskin
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Nickcole, I'll hope to see you in my class soon. Thanks, John Siskin
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Nikki D. Storms |
Hey John, What do you think about this set up from B&H? Interfit / Paterson Stellar 600 Three Monolight Umbrella/Softbox Kit - includes: 3 600 W/S Monolights, Reflectors, 35x35" Softbox, 36" Umbrella, Barndoors, Sync Cords, Light Stands, Wheeled Case - 1800 Total Watt/Seconds (120VAC) Also, I have a quick question about the sync cords. These plug into my camera, when I push the release does that automatically trigger the strobs?
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Nickcole, I have had mixed reports about the Interfit/Paterson gear, which is a shame because it is attractively priced. So I can’t say that I hear just good things. If you plug the sync cord into the pc terminal on your camera and into your strobe it will go off, that is all there is to it. There are too many things called pc. Thanks, John
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Nikki D. Storms |
Cool. I am also looking into a remote switch for my camera, will this also trip the strobe. I am going to look that brand up and get some reviews on it... Thanks for your quick response! I am loading my cart up on B&H online lol adds up fast.
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Nikki D. Storms |
Also, This shoot I am doing in June, It is a mixture of inside and outside, Should I buy a background... Or go all natural? I know this is going to be based on my preferences but I cant seem to make a decision about it. ahhhhh lol ok its getting late, MUST SLEEP ...
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Nikki D. Storms |
Tamron Zoom Normal-Telephoto AF 55-200mm f/4-5.6 Di-II LD Autofocus Lens for Canon Digital SLR
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
Hi Nickole, The 135mm f/2 is a great lens. One of the best for portraits but being a prime lens, you will have to move back and forth to get your subject the right distance to frame properly. I would consider the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 (non-IS version) for close to the same price. It may not be as sharp as the 135mm but it is one of Canons best zoom lenses and having zoom capability may be worth the tradeoff. I had the 135mm and love this lens but sold it to get the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS. I dont regret it but I will buy the 135mm again sometime in the future. I have 2 lighting setups with the first one being a 580EX, 430EX and STE2 transmitter. I have stofen diffusers that fit these along with some small stands with umbrella's to give me a little more variable control. Once I have the $$, I will be adding another Alien Bee B1600 with a beauty dish, unless you want to add me to Marks Santa list :) I too buy my stuff from B&H except for the Alien Bees which you buy direct from Alien Bee (Paul C Buff Co.)
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Nickcole, Carlton et al, A background is a good thing if you don’t have a problem carting it around. I think I gave the address of an article about making and using backgrounds earlier in this thread. One thing I have to say, equipment is not experience. If you but a bunch of new stuff you aren’t familiar with and take it on a shoot things could get pretty uncomfortable. How many portrait shoots have you already done? Finally, as Carlton says, a zoom is easier to work with on a shoot. Keep in mind that 135mm is a really long lens for portraits unless you are using a full frame camera like the 5D. Thanks, John Siskin
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Nikki D. Storms |
Thank you both for your responses. I am having mixed feelings about this shoot coming up in june. If she wouldnt have changed the date to be 2 full months early then I would have more time to practice and would be finished with school... I am considering not doing it at all... unless she will wait... I havent figured out how to tell her that tho... I have only done my own families portraits and all were done using existing landscape as the background. I have never done the whole lighting and backdrop, etc. I think I should have told her that I couldnt do it in june. I dont think I am ready... I am only half way through school... And I cant order any other equipment till next week... which is cutting it close to recieve it by June 22. Especially if something goes wrong. Hmmm.... I found some good backgrounds on the b&h website that are very easy to carry around and set up... they are $130 a piece tho. I cant wait to be done with school and be able to take a few classes on here. once I get my background and lights I am going to set up to take my family portraits for practice. Plus with my school I have a couple projects coming up that will give me some good practice...
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