Studio Lighting

[ElCapitanoAwesomo]

i've been searching around the forum and the web in general for studio lighting gear. i've never used studio lighting gear before, so i dont want anything too expensive, but i dont want something i'll want to upgrade from too soon. from what i've read, Alien bees B800s have great bang for the buck monolights. i'm definitely leaning towards monolights, of course.
right now, i'm considering a 2 light set up from alien bees. i'll also be using my 430exII speedlight for additional light if needed. i'm looking at the B800s for sure right now in the kit, and i'll also add a 22" beauty dish.
i was wondering, though, if there were any other cheaper monolights that would be suggested to an amateur teen photographer on a budget of about $1000, though $200 would preferably be allocated for backdrops and such.
Thanks!
Adi

[SusanH1970]

Dang, an amateur teen with that budget? Can your parents adopt me and give me your allowance? LOL Just kidding. I'm guessing you've earned it, and good for you.

AB's are great. I'd suggest starting off with one - learn to use one light first, then add to it as you see fit. It can get overwhelming when you start with a bigger setup. Try using it in conjunction with a reflector. You've already got a speedlight so if you're desperate to start with two lights, use the AB and that.

Google "Zack Arias One Light" and you'll be amazed as to what you can do without an elaborate setup.

I do all of my studio work with one AB400 and a large softbox, sometimes with and sometimes without a reflector, depending on how moody I want the light. Feel free to check out my work - I photograph families, babies and kids so that might not be up your alley, but the lighting examples are there. Not that I'm an expert, I'm still learning as I go!

[ElCapitanoAwesomo]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Dang, an amateur teen with that budget? Can your parents adopt me and give me your allowance? LOL Just kidding. I'm guessing you've earned it, and good for you.

AB's are great. I'd suggest starting off with one - learn to use one light first, then add to it as you see fit. It can get overwhelming when you start with a bigger setup. Try using it in conjunction with a reflector. You've already got a speedlight so if you're desperate to start with two lights, use the AB and that.

Google "Zack Arias One Light" and you'll be amazed as to what you can do without an elaborate setup.

I do all of my studio work with one AB400 and a large softbox, sometimes with and sometimes without a reflector, depending on how moody I want the light. Feel free to check out my work - I photograph families, babies and kids so that might not be up your alley, but the lighting examples are there. Not that I'm an expert, I'm still learning as I go!

haha, i've been saving for a while, and i have a rather high paying summer job (for my age, that is! 2 bucks above minimum wage, yes!). i'll look up the one light thing you suggested, and i'll see about the investing in one alien bee! its totally nicer on my wallet too! i may just end up splurging and investing in 2. i like learning and teaching myself how to use the gear i have, and i feel like i have my nifty fifty and flash down, i want to toss in a challenge, which is why i'm looking at the vast and intimidating (to me, atleast!) style of studio photography and strobism.

[zona5101]

I think if you can swing two bees then go for it...but if not, i'd buy one bee, softbox or BD and a reflector rather than get a cheap multi light set up. One bee for main, the reflector as fill and the OCF for background or rim light. bam
ABs are hard to beat but you can look at other "pro-sumer" monolights from Photoflex and Calumet Genisis so you have some units to compare and contrast.