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05/24/2006 08:30:05 PM · #1 |
Well I seem to take good pictures of anything out doors, but when it comes to taking pictures inside i am at a loss. I want to enter some of these challenges but the lighting on all of my shots looks terrible compared to many out there.
So my question is, do you all have specific lights, flashes etc. that you use? it looks as though many use studio lighting. Any advice would REALLY be appreciated!
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05/24/2006 08:41:10 PM · #2 |
| You know what I often use? No artificial light source. My studio is on the floor behind my couch, and the window is way far away. I just use slow shutter speeds and no moving subjects. I haven't perfected it by any means, but a tripod and slow shutter speeds works wonders sometimes. |
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05/24/2006 08:42:44 PM · #3 |
I use my flash (Sigma DG Super) either mounted on my camera or via an off-shoe cord. That's the extent of my professional lighting. The rest of my lighting consists of desk lamps, ceiling fan lighting, window (natural light) and a small lightbox, the kind you use to look at slides/negatives. I also use poster boards of various color for backgrounds and or to bounce my flash light off of. The toughest thing I have trouble lighting using this stuff is portraits but I don't do many of those.
Edited to add:
For this strange portrait I bounced my flash off of the ceiling fan with the lights on and a sheet of Reynold's wrap (alumminum foil) was used as a reflector which is noticable as it is reflected in the eyes.
Message edited by author 2006-05-24 20:47:00. |
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05/24/2006 08:43:20 PM · #4 |
what i like to do, is use a desk-lamp with a nice and bright fluorescent light-bulb from the top-right of my camera at a distance about 2-feet and a half, with my cameras flash to take out any shadows, but sometimes my camera's flash makes my subjects too bright and if i lower the power to a point my subjects looks decent, shadows come out. Hope this help, it's not always my method wooks but hey, i'll continue until i could afford something better.
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05/24/2006 08:44:41 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by brimac:
Well I seem to take good pictures of anything out doors, but when it comes to taking pictures inside i am at a loss. I want to enter some of these challenges but the lighting on all of my shots looks terrible compared to many out there.
So my question is, do you all have specific lights, flashes etc. that you use? it looks as though many use studio lighting. Any advice would REALLY be appreciated! |
Trial and error. I'm using everything from desk lamps and flashlights to a silver windshield shade as a reflector (usually propped up with thumbtacks and brooksticks held in place by a heavy shoe) and using muslin and wax paper to diffuse. I also just bought a cheap light tent off eBay. That will still be used with desk lamps and flashlights and I'll also position my hanging floor lamp above it. I've also discovered that having the right backdrop is just as important as having the right light.
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05/24/2006 08:46:12 PM · #6 |
Ooh, and enter all the challenges with your bad lighting. Scores shmores - the more you try the more you'll get feedback and start to really figure things out.
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05/24/2006 08:54:37 PM · #7 |
thanks for the reply.... i guess I will keep trying. I did build a light "tent" out of pvc pipe, and a white sheet, and used a few clap/desk lights on the outside........ still does not look right to me........maybe i need more light. I guess trial and error is the key. Thanks for the tips, I will try all of them!!!!!
brimac |
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05/24/2006 08:55:45 PM · #8 |
| yanko..... do you like the Sigma Super flash? I was thinking about purchasing one.....much cheaper then the canons..... |
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05/24/2006 08:59:42 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by brimac:
yanko..... do you like the Sigma Super flash? I was thinking about purchasing one.....much cheaper then the canons..... |
Yes. It's great. I like how you can swivel it 180 degrees, plus it's a strong flash with all the bells and whistles that you get with a top Canon model but less expensive. The manual however sucks but that's about it. |
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05/24/2006 09:28:16 PM · #10 |
At this point, I am fortunate to actually have people pay for my work and have the gamut of strobes and backgrounds.
HOWEVER...........I always tell my student that they don't have to spend a lot of money to get great results---I have used car sun reflectors as fill, have used white plaster-board---have used...well..anything cheap!
Window light can be awesome---esp if diffused with a shower curtain, etc. Try to get some books re: lighting
Good Luck! |
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05/24/2006 10:14:52 PM · #11 |
I have worked with a variety of light sources, and it's fun!
Mostly it takes experience to learn what works, or more specifically, what light does what and how to control that light to do what you want it to do.
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06/02/2006 07:05:37 PM · #12 |
Quote from karmabreeze:
"Trial and error. I'm using everything from desk lamps and flashlights to a silver windshield shade as a reflector (usually propped up with thumbtacks and brooksticks held in place by a heavy shoe) and using muslin and wax paper to diffuse. I also just bought a cheap light tent off eBay. That will still be used with desk lamps and flashlights and I'll also position my hanging floor lamp above it. I've also discovered that having the right backdrop is just as important as having the right light."
Are you kin to McGyvor???
Message edited by author 2006-06-02 19:08:01. |
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06/02/2006 07:11:09 PM · #13 |
use everything you can
the items already mentioned & from candles to bare lightbulbs
don't forget to
1) vary the distance (changes the apparent size)
2) use diffusers! tents / sheets / plexiglass/ bubble wrap newspaper / etc
3) vary the distance of the diffuser (light diffuser subject)
if you are using hot light buy a fire extigusher !!
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