Studio lighting help - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

11/29/2004 11:28:54 PM · #1

I took this photo last night in my poor mans studio. I would like to know if lighting is good or are there anyway you people have done something different. I just turned the hologen lights to the wall to get no shadows but then the person doesn't seem to receive many light. This is out of the camera photo no photoshop was used. i know i can get it lighter in photoshop but i would like to see more light on the person with out shadows. please just help in what ever you can. thanks.

Message edited by author 2004-11-29 23:29:10.

cbeller

Nikon D300

11/29/2004 11:31:24 PM · #2

Looks like just a simple fill flash would help a lot.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

11/29/2004 11:34:26 PM · #3

Originally posted by cbeller:

Looks like just a simple fill flash would help a lot.

But won't that create shadows?

magicshutter

Nikon D70

11/29/2004 11:55:18 PM · #4

Originally posted by Discraft:

Just go to any photography store and get a set of jtl-110's for about 250 bucks.

Joe.

11/29/2004 11:58:24 PM · #5

Originally posted by magicshutter:

Originally posted by Discraft:
I took this photo last night in my poor mans studio. I would like to know if lighting is good or are there anyway you people have done something different. I just turned the hologen lights to the wall to get no shadows but then the person doesn't seem to receive many light. This is out of the camera photo no photoshop was used. i know i can get it lighter in photoshop but i would like to see more light on the person with out shadows. please just help in what ever you can. thanks.

Just go to any photography store and get a set of jtl-110's for about 250 bucks.

Joe.

what are jtl-110's?

Natator

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

11/30/2004 12:13:49 AM · #6

All be it needing some extra light on the model, you have achieved a nice even light here. This has real potential to be a great show when you get the lighting a little better, as her outfit is great, especially the way the socks and the trouser stripes work, heaps of fun.

If you have just the one fill in flash you can reduce the shadows using a reflector.

I am not sure exactly whatthe JTL110's are, but I assume they are a sort of mini studio lights, maybe ones that screw into a standard fitting but fire like a strobe. I was warned against those (although it may not be the jtl 100 anyway) as apparently they have a lower guide number than many flash units. However, for what you want to do, and on a budget, they may well be just right.

Mick

11/30/2004 12:22:22 AM · #7

Originally posted by Discraft:

Have you tried using some type of diffuser with your light? I was going to suggest diffusing the light by directing it through a bed sheet, but itâ��s just too dangerous. Seriously, youâ��re much better off not even trying that. A better idea would be to try bouncing the light off a reflective surface, such as a white wall or a piece of white foam core. But even that can be very dangerous. Halogen lights get extremely hot and can easily start a fire. A much better idea would be to buy a strobe light or two. They are a lot safer and easier to use, and the light is sooooo much better.

Mick

11/30/2004 12:26:44 AM · #8

The Versalight J-110 is a unique strobe, perfect for photography students as a main strobe light, and for professional photographers as a supplementary light source. The light provides 110w/s output power (110 joules) on full and GN 105 feet at ASA 100. It features a builtin reflector and power cable, remote sensor, full and 1/2 power setting options, a recharge readylight, twoway fixing stand adapter, and an easily changeable fuse holder. In addition, a variety of accessories are available for the Versalight J110, including 18" by 18" soft box kit, four leaf barn doors, honeycomb, color filter kits, snoot, and much more.

(from their web site)

EddyG

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

11/30/2004 12:30:33 AM · #9

Originally posted by micknewton:

GN 105 feet at ASA 100

Note that that is pretty meager output for a "studio strobe"; Canon's 550EX on-camera flash has a Guide Number of 180! (Ref: here)

Mick

11/30/2004 12:37:04 AM · #10

Originally posted by EddyG:

Originally posted by micknewton:
GN 105 feet at ASA 100

Note that that is pretty meager output for a "studio strobe"; Canon's 550EX on-camera flash has a Guide Number of 180! (Ref: here)

That is true, but it'll still put out more light than a halogen work light, and it will be a whole lot safer to use too.

11/30/2004 12:52:51 AM · #11

i have more or less managed to work out the halogen lights know all i need is more light to lighten the person. thanks eceryone for the help if there is any more help you can give i'll appreciate it.
Thanks for the comment natator.

11/30/2004 09:39:18 AM · #12

I recommend Alien Bees. They're cheap, light, compact and work great! Oh and they come in different colors.

11/30/2004 09:40:37 AM · #13

hhhhmmmm i think they are not so cheap as that 399$ each strobe unit...

11/30/2004 09:43:13 AM · #14

thats for the strongest one! The 400 w is only 250! If you buy a canon 550 flash unit it's 450! so I think that is a steal...Espescially if you look at the price of other self contained strobe units!

11/30/2004 09:44:26 AM · #15

I use the 400 all the time and they would be plenty for that shot!

11/30/2004 09:46:09 AM · #16

yah but then i would have to buy more things to difuse the light and the tripod and the thing to rotate the strobe. The bucks are going up. i would love to buy one alien bee but its a little expensive for me at the moment. i'm just starting to learn the studio lights so i'll burn some of the house by now and maybe later i'll try the alien bees but thanks for the advice. i already had the time to look at those beautys. hope i'd still believed in sant! :)

11/30/2004 09:47:59 AM · #17

Actually the 400's are 225, the 800's are 280 and the 1600's are 360... Believe me thats about as cheap as they come