Another stab at some high contrast lighting. I find that I like the pictures that are live and not posed. This picture of the Bran, was me setting up the camera ready to take halloween pictures. It was against a green screen and he was making his faces as normal. It's nice to have three live-in models around so I can practice.

In my quest to find a softbox for my AlienBees B800, I first combed Ebay for the cheapest one I could find that would fit my light. To my surprise I found a lot of crap out there! Most of it wouldn't fit this light anyway, without some special speedring from AlianBees and that didn't guarantee that they would some softbox from China. Yes I searched and searched the forums for "alternatives" that would fit, but most of the reviews weren't very good.

So comes to the saying, you get what you pay for.... I decided to go save some coin for the big boy! Yes the 47" Foldable Octabox from AlienBees. I wanted something that had a double baffle in it so I could tone that very powerful light. Now I've ordered from AB before, so I knew they were a good company. One drawback that I might have it their website (I'm a web developer). It looks like it was done about 6-7 years ago. The other thing might be the ordering system they have. Just credit cards??? come on! no Paypal? Oh well, maybe one day they'll catch up.

Ok Ok... Now on to the review. I unpack this bad boy from it's nylon case and it was a snap to set up! It has a built in speed ring and you open it up like an umbrella with only one center screw in the center to hold it in. Next is the inner baffle that snaps on with elastic bands with snaps on the end. The outer baffle secures on with velcro and stays in place really good. Lift it up onto the four hooks on your light and it's all set.

So the first thing I notice is that the light stand is bending a little. I'm using the one I ordered for the white umbrella... Oops. Guess I'll need to get me a heavier stand. Overall this is a really great softbox, yes it was around $169.00 far from some of the cheap ones running all over ebay, but I wanted at least one really nice light and modifier. I think I got it.

The outer baffle sits in a little, so you can place a grid or something over the front of it.. How neat. I'm having the wife make be a few things that will go over it (later blog). Some of the pictures from this softbox can be found here.