AIKIphoto Help (Strobe lighting)

[Lukky]

Has anyone here ever used the AIKI photo kit on ebay? I bought one to do our church directory pics with at my church. I have done a lot of on site photography but never with lighting. I am looking for any tips to help make this process easier. The lights have built in slave sensors that will triggor from my camera I think?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT
I have realized that atleast the white backdrop is trash. I am also curious about the sync cables that were sent with the lights. They appear to be 1/8 audio to some female connection which I cannot find where to plug in to save my life. Yes, I know it is supposed to be wireless but I want to know how the cables work.
I Have played with it in my garage some and atleast have the lights firing. GOing to start working with it at church this weekend. May take pics of all the kids in there costume.

Thanks Dustin

[Lukky]

No one out there can help me?

[[Director] Joseph B]

First problem is you're in Texas. I'd love to come help you out but being in NJ there is a distance issue.

There should be a jack on back of at least one of the lights for that to 1/8 jack to plug into and other end should be a standard PC connector to hook the flash to the camera.

The "wireless" triggering is most likely by a photo sensitive "slave" cell on the units.

As far as the white background, white is tough to work with. I'd suggest a nice medium tone muslin (blue, black, brown, green, etc.)

Assuming the lights are adjustable set them up in a butterfly setup (one light at 45 degrees other at 45 degrees - sort of a V with your subject(s) at the bottom).
One light full power, one light half power.

This should give you a good start.

Feel free to PM me if you need more assistance.

All of the low cost (and anything less then $400 for a single light I consider low cost) are a bit different.

[Lukky]

THat was the kind of info I was looking for. The lights do have an 1/8 plug in the back of them. But the other end is what confused me because it is not just an 1/8 male jack. It is some sort of female plug. The hotshoe that came with the kit just has an 1/8 Female plug. I kind figured I would get 1/8 male to 1/8 male to piece it all together. I will try to post some pics for all to see.

Thanks Dustin

[TNewcomb]

Hi Dustin,
I imagine by now you've either found your answer or returned the equipment; but I'm going to answer any way. Or try to.

I bought the same or similar lighting package. There should be a flash sync connector on your camera near the USB or remote connector (At least on a Canon) the female plug should connect to. (Assuming you're using a DSLR). You will have to use shutter priority mode (or full manual) with a shutter speed of 1/60 to properly sync the strobe. Depending how far the light is from your subject, you may need to set your aperture to f/16 or higher.

If you are using a point and shoot, the strobes may not be usable.

Better late than never.

Kind regards,
Tom Newcomb