cheap lighting - it works - DPChallenge Forums

08/28/2005 12:18:45 PM · #1

i was looking at some of my higher rated photos. many of them had comments made about the quality of the lighting. i started thinking about all the chatter about this kind of light, and that kind of light.
so i thought i would counter with some examples of photos taken using two $30 sets of halogen work lamps, some creativity, and custom white balance.

i'll say that these light aren't ideal, and mainly suitable for inanimate objects. the lighting set up for the examples is listed in the photo comments. all of the shots used a custom white balance set by taking an out of focus, overexposed shot of a white something or other in front of the halogen lamps.

i mainly am posting this because studio lighting is expensive, and for certain things there are ways to improvise and still get studio lit looking results.

anyway - just getting my thoughts out. hope it's helpful to someone.

Prof_Fate

08/28/2005 12:28:27 PM · #2

Hot lights do work, are cheap and can teach you a lot. They do have their limitations as you have noted. I need to use a tripod if i want any DOF at all as the expsore times are a bit long.

I like these. When on sale can be had for $20 a set - 4 power settings, tall stand or put the lights on the floor.

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS USM

08/28/2005 12:36:55 PM · #3

mine don't have multiple power settings.

i should mention the cages need to be removed.
i haven't noticed neeeding a tripod - the betta fish one was handheld.
but i am a sucker for shallow depth of field ;} i also use the 550ex in combination quite a bit. adding that to the custom white balance shot lighting.

it's likley most of my entries in the coming winter months will use the halogen lamps...

cools98

Canon EOS R5 Mark II

08/28/2005 01:22:16 PM · #4

So just a few of those halogen lamps the prof fate posted, combined with an on camera flash at times, and lots of creativity, huh? Well, I can buy the lamps, flash, white matte board, etc, but creativity is the hard part now.

Thanks for the posts guys. This is some really good information.

08/28/2005 04:28:48 PM · #5

it's something not worth ruling out in lieu of the expensive stuff...

mesmeraj

08/28/2005 04:36:31 PM · #6

i use a halogen worklight (cage removed!!) and or a 60watt tungsten when i have the joy of shooting in my artroom (rare).
I have defiantely gotten better at learning with these very simple tools to reflect light with mirrors and white and black cardboard.

Light is light, its not how much you spennd, but how you manipulate it it that matters (for inanimate objects at least).

Soup - i actually had my DD kids look at your beta photo to teach them about using light for silhouettes and backlighting - and they loved it!!

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR

08/28/2005 06:28:50 PM · #7

cool ;}

BADDBOYY21

Nikon D300

08/28/2005 06:57:05 PM · #8

This is definitely a good idea. The lights from sears are pretty cheap.

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

08/28/2005 08:15:37 PM · #9

yeah!

a lower scoring one - i like the blue BG...

CEJ

Canon EOS-40D

08/28/2005 08:18:58 PM · #10

Well...I have had a lot of comments on my challenge entries about lighting. Both good and bad and both good and bad on the same shot. I have no real photography lighting. I do have a ball lamp, a flexible arm lamp, a ceiling light, a stove top hood with a light, three flashlights of various sizes and that is what I have used for everything other than natural light shots.

ButterflySis

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

08/28/2005 08:21:03 PM · #11

Thanks for the info. Your images are great.

Just curious, why an over-exposed image to set the white balance?

graphicfunk

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

08/28/2005 08:26:02 PM · #12

All you need is light. One can do with almost any light provided one works around their limitations. I have done a lot of good shots with several clamp lights. P.S. with halogen lamps like those work lights I have removed the safety shield to clear the light path, but be very careful as they heat up rapidly. Move only with purpose and always with caution.

Message edited by author 2005-08-28 20:28:06.

08/28/2005 08:48:45 PM · #13

thanks ;}

not sure to be honest - but it seems to work well...

tungsten setting will suffice - but custom seems to give deeper color results.

Originally posted by bfs:

Thanks for the info. Your images are great.

Just curious, why an over-exposed image to set the white balance?