Calling all masters of light... - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

10/17/2006 04:17:35 AM · #1

I am by no means on a professional level when it comes to photography, and have no photographic courses/training behind my name.

As lighting plays the main role in any photograph, i'm currently busy experimenting at home with cheap 150watt lights I bought over the weekend too see if I can understand the fundementals and secrets of making a good photo look great.

Now, i've always played by feeling in my shots, if that makes sense. If something feels good, I shoot it. If it doesnt, I try what I can to make it work.

Having said that, though, most of my good shots are from available light. When it comes to a point where I am in control, however, I tend to be in the dark.

So here's two shots I took yesterday of a little bear. My personal objective was to try and add some feel to the shot.

Did I succeed? One was without using a reflector (card board) and one with. They are both completely unedited.

Without:

With:

I also used some tracing paper in front of the lamp. Why? I dont know... it feels right.

Why did I use only one light? It just feels right...

But I cant let people who will be paying me for work in future depend on my gut feel...

and this is my problem. Is there a rule, or do the pro's just 'feel' it?

Also, was this particular light I used sufficient in wattage? Or would a 500watt be better.

TOo many questions...

*boom*

Message edited by author 2006-10-17 04:18:30.

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

10/17/2006 04:33:29 AM · #2

Krige,
before i come to the light, first some things concerning the composition: if you want to add some feel to this simple thing, you should chose another setup first; I'd take a seamless backdrop, rotate the teddy about 15 degrees counterclockwise and put it onto the left thirds line.

The light should come from a little higher and should be covered at the back, to avoid it shining too much onto the backdrop and thus adding some more contrast to the picture. IMO 150 Watts are more than enough, as you may have noticed, the lights at the teddys cap are already blown out.

The use of a reflector was good, but it was too large, it should only brighten the dark side of the teddy, not the shadow on the floor (also takes away contrast and impact).

Just my 2 cents.

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

10/17/2006 04:42:49 AM · #3

Originally posted by eyewave:

Hi, sorry, I didnt take this picture out of a compositional excerise, and I know it's important, but this was purely to see how I could light the teddy the best?

How do you mean covered at the back? You mean the actual light itself?

So, a smaller reflector would'nt affect the needed shadow on the floor? Awesome!

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

10/17/2006 05:10:09 AM · #4

Originally posted by Guyver:

How do you mean covered at the back? You mean the actual light itself?

A black cardboard between the light source and the backdrop should do

Originally posted by Guyver:

So, a smaller reflector would'nt affect the needed shadow on the floor? Awesome!

I use a cosmetic mirror or an aluminium plate (approx. 20 x 50 cm) fixed to a tripod, so i can direct the reflection wherever i want

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

10/17/2006 05:12:47 AM · #5

Originally posted by eyewave:

Originally posted by Guyver:

How do you mean covered at the back? You mean the actual light itself?

A black cardboard between the light source and the backdrop should do

Originally posted by Guyver:
So, a smaller reflector would'nt affect the needed shadow on the floor? Awesome!

I use a cosmetic mirror or an aluminium plate (approx. 20 x 50 cm) fixed to a tripod, so i can direct the reflection wherever i want

Woh... lemme get this right.

So the black cardboard goes on the side of the lamp, to block off the light going against the wall?

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

10/17/2006 05:16:22 AM · #6

yup

like this:

Message edited by author 2006-10-17 05:29:53.