Trying to learn lights - How'd I do?

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

03/16/2007 05:43:42 PM · #1

I am trying to learn basic lighting and need to know what is the best way to do things. My first exercise was to show tranlucence, and the steps are listed with the image. If anybody can give me tips and pointers, I'd really appreciate it.

Message edited by author 2007-03-16 17:44:25.

soup

Canon EOS-30D

03/16/2007 06:35:48 PM · #2

you did good with killing the reflections, but the way you compensated created some mean hot spots. try bouncing the light off of your background and then through the glass. then you have control of where on the BG the hot spot from the light source hits, and can adjust it's position to get the background toning - which will refract through the glass - to your liking.

glass is a tough one. add water and you get bubbles. you could boil the water ( i think ) - and let it cool. haven't tried that myself yet. i have used a Qtip taped to a straw a few times to gently stir the bubbles away.

Message edited by author 2007-03-16 18:36:28.

03/17/2007 08:20:42 AM · #3

Thanks for the tips. I will try doing it that way later on and repost.

03/17/2007 08:33:41 AM · #4

Clarity

Used three light sources. One from below, one to the left and one to the right. The below was a set light, the other two were slave units. Still have hotspots, but I love the butterfly created at the base of the glass.

Message edited by author 2007-03-17 08:34:43.

03/18/2007 02:53:27 PM · #5

Take 2 - Translucency

Used ginger ale this time instead of water, to give image some color. Also used rice paper again, one piece, to try to form a seamless background, though there is still too much texture and shadow.

Message edited by author 2007-03-18 14:55:09.

03/19/2007 09:17:37 PM · #6

Trying a few portrait set ups. Still learning a lot about set ups and what I can get away with with only two slave flashes with umbrellas, on camera flash, one floodlight, and one spotlight.

Message edited by author 2007-03-19 21:18:40.

Prof_Fate

03/19/2007 09:54:39 PM · #7

Originally posted by JunieMoon:

Trying a few portrait set ups. Still learning a lot about set ups and what I can get away with with only two slave flashes with umbrellas, on camera flash, one floodlight, and one spotlight.

It depends on what you want to do of course, but the light is flat - the theory is - the main light (aka key or modeling light) creates a 3-D effect by making shadows. (you can make hard, soft or diffused ones by varying the light size, distance and diffusion). The fill light 'fills in' the shadows, it's how you adjust the contrast range of the image. On these images I see no shadows at all - flat lighting. If you wanted it flat, you did a very good job, but then you mention a LOT of PP work...one of the reasons for using studio lighting is so you have complete control at the time of creation and shouldn't have much PP work to do - facial retouching for blemishes or whitening the eyes/teeth are accepted, but color correction other than basic white balance should not need done.

the color on the top one is better, but it's underexposed 1/2 stop.

Message edited by author 2007-03-19 21:55:24.

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

03/20/2007 06:28:05 AM · #8

Thanks, PF. Why do you think I didn't enter in portraits? I don't know anything, so that is why I need you guys, but not many seem to want to help me on this. Well, I guess I will keep on trying on my own, and maybe I will stumble on the right way of doing lights by accident.

Ann

Olympus OM-D E-M1

03/20/2007 04:54:50 PM · #9

Hi June,

It looks like you've gotten a good start with the lights. One thing that helped me a lot (although I'm still a beginner) is to read Light, Science & Magic, and work through all of the exercises. That book explains, in straightforward language, the principles behind lighting different kinds of subjects, including portraits. The biggest thing that book helped me with was how to diagnose and fix problems when I was lighting something. I'm still a lighting newbie, so it will take me 100 shots to get something lit properly (that's why I don't do many portraits), but eventually, I'm able to get there.

Prof_Fate

03/20/2007 06:30:09 PM · #10

I didn't 'get it' until I attended a week long class, and then I understood. Actually doing it is a lot harder than critiquing what one sees in a photo.

I just got 2 3x4 foot softboxes and figured it'd be easier now...it's not LOL. Well, it is easier, but not easy.

//www.pbase.com/cpphotography/instudio
the top 4 are mine in my studio, the bottom ones were shot in class where the experts set up the lights. The only softbox I had until now was a 2x2, too small for anything more than 1 head shot. I'm still having troubles balancing the shadow to key side and a fill light with 2 people is my worst nightmare!
These //www.pbase.com/cpphotography/studio_photos are lit with umbrellas so are rather flat and there is more shadow between them than i want.
//www.pbase.com/cpphotography/image/58258124 is one of my better shots - 2 lights (before I had more) and done shortly after the class on lighting/studio portraiture. I knew more then LOL

Ann

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

03/20/2007 07:13:14 PM · #11

Hey, nice stuff, Prof. I actually like the stuff from your own studio better. The lighting is more moody and interesting. Although the high key one on the bottom right is quite nice.

Agreed, doing it is a lot harder than critiquing someone else's work. But working on lighting in the studio has helped me see good light outside the studio, too.

pcody

Canon PowerShot G6

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

03/20/2007 07:20:38 PM · #12

A must read blog that will help you a lot! the strobist
Spend a couple of weeks reading and get the equipment he recommends and you're set to go(you might already have some of the things he recommends)! Plus, you get to have fun and make your own stuff like grids and snoots. He gives you light that will not put you in the poor house, light that you can use anywhere and the theory behind how it all works. I could go on and on about the site, but I'll let you discover the goodness he has to offer.
He is giving workshops now and is based on the east coast. You might be able to attend one sometime.

Ann

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

03/20/2007 07:40:33 PM · #13

Originally posted by pcody:

A must read blog that will help you a lot! the strobist

Gotta agree with that. The strobist blog is one of the best things going on out there.