Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

This is very basic. I purchased 2 alien bee 800's and I own a Nikon D3S. I hook the sync cord up and shooting in manual get overblown pics. I realize I am a beginner. Any tips on where I begin at the basic level? Thanks, Tiffany Jane

Things you can do:
- Close down your aperture.
- Turn down the power of your lights
- Move the lights away from subject (further = harder light, though)
- Diffuse the lights (are you using an umbrella or softbox?)

Combinations of above.

Also, lower your ISO, if possible. Many cameras have an auto ISO function that will be in place even in manual mode. While the aperture and shutter speed are set, the camera is still trying to correct via ISO. Be sure auto ISO is off, and you typically want as low of an ISO as possible.

Here is some Light reading:

http://www.alienbees.com/manuals/bluebook.htm

tkcring -

Here's how the old timers used to set their flash exposure before the invention of the incident flash meter: Basically, start with one light and do the following: Set your camera ISO to 100. Set the camera to Manual. Set the aperture to f5.6 or f8 as a beginning point. Set the shutter speed between 1/60 to 1/125 to allow the camera to sync with the flash. Note that these are average settings and will need to be adjusted.

Now, aim the monolight with the 7" reflector on it towards the subject. If you intend to use an umbrella or softbox, place it on the flash with or without the reflector. Set the flash at 1/2 power and place the light a distance of, lets say, around 10 feet from the subject. Take a test shot. If the image is overexposed, you need to either turn down the flash power level OR reduce the size of the aperture by a stop. If underexposed, then either increase the power level on the flash or increase the size of the aperture by a stop. You could move the flash closer or further away but I don't recommend it at this point. Keep testing the exposure and adjust the aperture OR the power setting until you get an acceptable exposure. Record these settings for future use. Then, take a string, attach one end to the flash and extend it to the subject, and then cut it. his will be your reference string. Using the recorded camera and flash power settings and setting your subject the same distance from the flash using the string, you will be able to replicate the proper exposure.

Repeat this for the second flash.

By keeping the camera at the same settings and using the strings, you can then move the flashes towards or away from the subject to adjust the amount of light reaching the subject.

Once you feel comfortable with this method, then start playing and experimenting with the camera settings and the lights.

NOTE: Be careful that you properly store the strings so as to prevent them from becoming a trip hazard.

Good luck.