Ok I have been playing with photography for a few years now shooting green

screen and portrait photography. I currently use a Digital Canon Rebel I have

only used it in auto mode so I have no clue how to set it to anything else. I

just placed an order for some AlienBee lighting this is what I got:


2 B800 AlienBees B800-Deep Space Black

2 LS3900 13-foot Heavy Duty Stand

2 OB35 35” Octabox (with LGSR)

and of course carrying cases & hot show adapter.


NOW WHAT!


I also have a brolly box on a stand with a Bare Bulb slave that I might use

for a hair light or something.


Now my main problem will be with these studio strobes I can't shoot auto any

more I have no clue on how to set my Rebel to get a half way good picture without

using a light meter until I get one. There are quite a few options on this

camera and I am looking for someone how can help me set it up and began to play

with settings and testing. I can grow and learn from there. Thanks for anyone

who can help. I will not have the light until next week but I would still like

to get started planning what I am going to do.

Wow.  Well welcome first.  You laid a lot on us for your first post.  If my copying works here, we'll be in good shape.

 THIS IS A COPY OF TOM STEELE'S POST:  from another thread, I don't know how to quote from a different thread:

" I'll close with my favorite recommendation:

This is a very good book for starters...  It is easy to understand, covers the basics very well, is up to date and will get you to the next step where you can say you know more than most people with a camera in their hand.  From there, you can read plenty of others.  But this is a good starting point: "

The Photography Bible

 

so you might want to start here with this book.  I have looked through it at Barnes an Noble too, and it has great info in it. 

Can I ask why you bought so much stuff before understanding some of the basics?  Have you read through any of our past threads or checked out the search box at  the top? 

I don't even know where to begin!  but welcome again... there's much to learn here.

Well I know I love this so I just went all out I have been taking photos for a wail now I had a light set up before but they were real bright hot lights that were over kill for what I was doing I have been researching and talking with other for a few months before I made this purchase. I think I am ready I am a fast learner just need the equipment in hand.

i am in the same boat as you now. I have nothing yet but BIG heart to be a photographer. I am on my first step to learn how things work. If you wan to we can start learning together.

Miss_moscow_Russia:

i am in the same boat as you now. I have nothing yet but BIG heart to be a photographer. I am on my first step to learn how things work. If you wan to we can start learning together.

Sure I have no problem with that always willing to help others.

not sure what type of camera you have but this has helped me understand mine I have a Rebel http://www.usa.canon.com/content/Rebel_lessons/index.html
 

I was wondering if anyone reads this can some show me a pic of there lighting set up and a photo of somthing produced from it and maybe a little about what there setting are.

There is no chance giveing you crash course on studio igtning in a post.
I'd, franky, not expect to learn how to use studio lights from internet.
Anyway, reading book about studio lightning is your best bet, aside from seasoned pro with studio telling you over some time all you need to know.
Don't get me wrong, but when there is 400 page book about it, hardly somebody will type it here. Plus the book it's couple bucks, that's all.

Tomas

Please do a search. The information you are requesting has been posted at least a hundred times in the year I've been a member.

I do have to add that I am constantly amazed that people who don't understand the basics of exposure (f-stops and aperture, film speed and how they relate to each-other) are willing to spend money on even more equipment that they don't know how to use.  Don't get me wrong, I didn't know how to use my studio lights when I bought them, either, but I did understand how to use my camera in ALL of it's modes.

I second what has been suggested about the book. Buy one and pour over it. You don't need a light meter but it will be helpful.

Good luck.

Impressions:

I do have to add that I am constantly amazed that people who don't understand the basics of exposure (f-stops and aperture, film speed and how they relate to each-other) are willing to spend money on even more equipment that they don't know how to use.  Don't get me wrong, I didn't know how to use my studio lights when I bought them, either, but I did understand how to use my camera in ALL of it's modes.

Jumping in the deep end is ok by me, as long as you are ready to start swimming fast!  I cannot personally vouch for this book, but it is recommended elsewhere and may get you on the right track:

 

 

Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers