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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> I know nothing about portrait lighting.
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05/10/2007 10:48:18 PM · #1
I know there are 100,001 threads about this subject. I am also planning on taking a course this summer in this very area. With that said, I have some models that I am going to be shooting over the next couple months. I like working outdoors, and am horrible with a flash. When I take something with a flash it almost always turns out awful. In fact I have almost never used any kind of lighting other than the sun for my photos except a few still shots I took for 30" and a soft light bulb reflecting off of a sheet.

I need a decent cheap way to get some light on a subject that is portable. I will be working with natural light, but I just want to bring out the subject a bit more yet have it still be natural.

I also need the cure for world hunger right?
05/10/2007 11:01:03 PM · #2
check out the portrait 101 mentorship thread

05/10/2007 11:28:58 PM · #3
That'd be this one:
//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=417752
05/10/2007 11:29:23 PM · #4
The new thread

The original thread

The beginning of each go over some basic ambient light techniques.

edit: dang, beaten by 30 seconds :P

Message edited by author 2007-05-10 23:30:10.
05/11/2007 02:07:58 AM · #5
Sounds like maybe what you're after is just reflectors? You can buy them, or other alternatives (CheAp!) that people use -
white posterboard, piece of cardboard wrapped in aluminum foil, I have one of those car window shades that folds out and it is silver on the one side, really anything you can think of/get ahold of that will reflect/bounce light. Seems subtle, but try a side by side comparison, can make a noticeable difference.
05/11/2007 02:20:16 AM · #6
Originally posted by taterbug:

Sounds like maybe what you're after is just reflectors? You can buy them, or other alternatives (CheAp!) that people use -
white posterboard, piece of cardboard wrapped in aluminum foil


Lots of pro wedding photographers around here use this method.
05/11/2007 03:08:54 AM · #7
Understand light -
//www.amazon.com/Light-Science-Introduction-Photographic-Lighting/dp/0240808193

Learn how to apply -
//www.strobist.blogspot.com/

Message edited by author 2007-05-11 03:09:01.
05/11/2007 03:45:50 AM · #8
just getting this forum on my profile page so i can remember to check it out later... sounds like good fun :D
05/11/2007 04:15:32 AM · #9
Originally posted by Muppet:

just getting this forum on my profile page so i can remember to check it out later... sounds like good fun :D


There is an option to remember easily the threads you like or the interesting ones , you just have to "watch" the thread .
05/11/2007 04:49:51 AM · #10
i used to use this really sexy ring light that i made for about $80.



all of my earlier indoor portrait stuff was done with it.
05/11/2007 09:42:23 AM · #11
Originally posted by taterbug:

Sounds like maybe what you're after is just reflectors? You can buy them, or other alternatives (CheAp!) that people use -
white posterboard, piece of cardboard wrapped in aluminum foil, I have one of those car window shades that folds out and it is silver on the one side, really anything you can think of/get ahold of that will reflect/bounce light. Seems subtle, but try a side by side comparison, can make a noticeable difference.


I think that might be what I want when I am off at some location. Any good places to buy a reflector? There is nothing by where I live. I could order online I suppose.

I am going to have to make one of those light rings! That looks like what I would really like to have!
05/11/2007 09:50:12 AM · #12


Jason, this image was shot in a shady spot with a gold reflector bouncing sunlight on her face. I used a proper photographic reflector (3' X 5')for this one because I was working outside my own house. But when I go on location I take my car windshield reflectors because they're more portable. You can buy a pair of the car reflectors at Wal-mart or Target pretty cheap.
05/11/2007 10:12:18 AM · #13
That is a fantastic idea! I would have never thought of that. That is why you are the pro. Wal-Mart here I come.

Message edited by author 2007-05-11 10:12:50.
05/11/2007 10:34:18 AM · #14
Originally posted by boomtap:



I need a decent cheap way to get some light on a subject that is portable. I will be working with natural light, but I just want to bring out the subject a bit more yet have it still be natural.



Just remember one thing.

Once you learn the basics, find what works for you.

There are a multitude of ways to light something, with a multitude of lights to choose from. Even with just the use of the Sun only.

There is no correct way to light a subject. BUT, there are plenty of wrong ways.
05/11/2007 11:01:49 AM · #15
Mainly I need help with the eyes. I always tend to get dark eyes, and I think that having a reflector might help out with that.
05/11/2007 11:23:24 AM · #16
Originally posted by boomtap:

Mainly I need help with the eyes. I always tend to get dark eyes, and I think that having a reflector might help out with that.


It will indeed. Watch your model's eyes carefully. With sun reflected straight at them they will start to water quickly. As soon as they begin to look glassy - give your model a break. :)
05/11/2007 11:26:09 AM · #17
Here's my incredibly professional studio.

05/11/2007 11:52:28 AM · #18
Originally posted by levyj413:

Here's my incredibly professional studio.


That rules! I need some poster board. Ok, looks like I am making a shopping list.
05/11/2007 12:01:15 PM · #19
Originally posted by virtuamike:


Learn how to apply -
//www.strobist.blogspot.com/

virtuamike beat me to it, but I'll second this just to make sure you don't miss it. This site gives the most practical lighting advice that I have been able to find. And, if you like the concept, it's portable and inexpensive.
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