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07/20/2008 06:53:55 PM · #1 |
Would love to hear some critiques as well as comments on what people think of my first shot with my very own studio lighting. I picked up the Calumet Genesis 400 kit yesterday. Besides the subject being centered would love to hear what everyone thinks. Thanks for your time ;-)
ps...thanks to the wife for having the patience with me...lol |
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07/20/2008 07:13:08 PM · #2 |
Looks like you've positioned the lights at just about head height, one on each side of her. This type of lighting will give fairly "flat" lighting. What is meant by flat lighting? It means that there aren't any shadows to help you discern a three dimensional object in a two dimensional space. It works in some cases (that may be what you want), but generally isn't the best way to light a "portrait".
There are several different ways to light a portrait ... but let's just start with a really easy one. Using those same two lights. Leave one of them on the side where you have it now (if you can put it up higher, that would be better ... approximately the 2:00 or 10:00 position). Take the other light and pull it straight back towards the camera ... above and behind it.
Now, measure the light with a light meter if you have one. If you don't, I highly recommend it for working with strobes, but you could get by with an 18% gray card.
Anyway, back to using a meter: With only the side light turned on (this will be your "main light" also known as your "key light") adjust the light to f/8. Then turn that light off and turn the light on that's back by the camera (this will be your "fill light" ... so named because it "fills in the shadows"). Measure that one out to either f/4 or f/5.6. (the lower it is, the stronger the shadows from the main light will be)
Now turn both lights on and put your model in front of the camera ... at the position where you measured the lights. You should be set to go. You'll see a nice soft shadow along the cheek opposite the main light and this will help define the curvature of the face and other 3-D aspects.
Anyway, give it a try and see what you think.
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07/20/2008 07:13:25 PM · #3 |
The picture looks great! How many lamps are in the kit? If I might... how much did it cost?
I'm looking for Studio Lighting now so this is very timely.
I was just about ready to buy two Nikon SB600 speed lights and umbrella's but now I'm not sure.
Thanks,
Roger
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07/20/2008 07:16:00 PM · #4 |
Ignoring the background light and the hair light (because you don't have those yet), this tutorial demonstrates what I just described to you:
Studio Portrait Lighting Tutorial
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07/20/2008 07:31:13 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by dwterry:
Ignoring the background light and the hair light (because you don't have those yet), this tutorial demonstrates what I just described to you:
Studio Portrait Lighting Tutorial |
Great tutorials here...thanks! |
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07/20/2008 07:53:23 PM · #6 |
Thanks for the info David. The shot was in my garage so unfortunately i am restricted with the height of the 2nd umbrella. I may try setting up somehwere else. Thanks again for the tutorial and comment ;-)...The whole kit was $569 + tax. Comes with 2 stands, translucent umbrellas and the 2 Genesis 400 units. Here's a link.
//www.calumetphoto.com/item/CF0514K1/ |
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