Digital BW, The Print

Hello, Everyone:

(Perhaps not entirely off topic...ya gotta light a good shot before you can 
print it, eh?)

I was a landscape photographer for many years --- 4x5, Ansel Adams Junior, 
and all that. I'm now interested in (home) studio portraits and nudes, 
initially with digital capture (Dimage 7Hi).

I'm not going to spend thousands of $ on lights. I've used work lights for 
a while and am now looking to purchase a set of studio strobes. I 
understand that Alien Bees offers good value for the money.


My Questions:

1. Any GOOD mail lists or forums specific to photographic lighting?

2. Any recommendations for books?

Two types: the technical setup and usage of studio flash and 
portrait/figure lighting. (But, substantive books, not someone excuse to 
use their culls as supposed examples of "lighting technique". I've seen the 
basic lighting diagrams and I can't do setups outfitted with $10,000 worth 
of equipment.) I'm interested in fundamental to intermediate explanations 
or suggestions which will shorten the learning curve. The lighting I've 
seen in Robert Faber is the sort of thing I'd like to learn to produce.

3. Any recommendations about equipment? Votes against Alien Bees. Horror 
stories, Love stories? What about flash meters?

Many Thanks in advance for your time and consideration,

David Jackson

David Jackson
First Year Experience Program
Tulane University

Voice: (504) 865-5264
Fax:    (504) 862-8455
Email: lagniap@...