White vs Silver Umbrella vs Softbox
Aug 5, 2013 15:27:05 #
Did some experimenting to show lighting effects from different sources: 3' White Umbrella (reflected); 3' White Umbrella (shoot thru); 3' Silver Umbrella; 20"x20" Softbox. Tried to keep conditions consistent as shown in the setup image with just an umbrella or softbox main light and a large reflector at model's right.
ISO 800; 200mm focal length; 100 watt CFL bulb
Processed slightly in Picasa only to make a pleasing portrait, but main intention was to show difference in shadowing and luminescence. The white umbrella seems to be softer light; followed by the softbox; and the silver umbrella with its more contrasting light.
I liked to use umbrellas on location (for convenience) with softboxes set up in the studio. Hope this helps anyone considering what type of lighting they might like to use. I realize it is less than a scientific approach but more practical. Thanks for looking. C&C is always welcome.
ISO 800; 200mm focal length; 100 watt CFL bulb
Processed slightly in Picasa only to make a pleasing portrait, but main intention was to show difference in shadowing and luminescence. The white umbrella seems to be softer light; followed by the softbox; and the silver umbrella with its more contrasting light.
I liked to use umbrellas on location (for convenience) with softboxes set up in the studio. Hope this helps anyone considering what type of lighting they might like to use. I realize it is less than a scientific approach but more practical. Thanks for looking. C&C is always welcome.
Setup 100wcfl bulb; WB warm
White Umbrella (reflected)
White Umbrella (shoot thru)
Softbox
Silver Umbrella
Aug 5, 2013 15:39:30 #
i prefer the softbox look although your model while pretty does appear to be a bit stiff !!!!
Aug 5, 2013 15:39:34 #
Aug 5, 2013 15:40:20 #
Hankwt wrote:
i prefer the softbox look although your model while pretty does appear to be a bit stiff !!!!
Ya, but she aint talkin the whole time.
Aug 5, 2013 15:55:38 #
The next time I see a model like that I'm going to get her. Great way to practice. Don't you wish she had eyes to see the catchlight in?
Aug 5, 2013 16:20:13 #
This was very informative for me. I am just starting to get interested in portraiture and still life. It is not as easy as it looks. This helped me very much. Thanks for taking the time and sharing :-) :-) :thumbup: :thumbup:
Aug 5, 2013 16:41:24 #
Thanks, guys, for looking and commenting. Picked her up for $2 in a wig shop that was selling some of their stock. She can hold a pose all day but darned if I can get her to smile. ;-) And she does have nice eyes, I just thought the glasses might pick up the setup.
Tramsey: Glad you found this useful. It just takes lots of experimenting and practice. This was only one light and a reflector...imagine what a hair and background light could add to this.
Tramsey: Glad you found this useful. It just takes lots of experimenting and practice. This was only one light and a reflector...imagine what a hair and background light could add to this.
Aug 5, 2013 16:49:30 #
Thanks Photog8, very informative and you know my preference white bounce for the soft look.
Aug 5, 2013 17:03:17 #
Aug 6, 2013 09:25:27 #
I like the soft box! She can hold a pose like no other. Perfect hair every time
Aug 6, 2013 10:10:46 #
Thanks for looking, Big Guy. My p510 won't fire remote strobes, BUT just got a D5100 and will be testing it using strobes in the umbrellas and softbox. In my studio when I was using film, I had to rely on the modeling lamps to judge the setup...now I can see the results immediately. However, my Minolta exposure meter was spot on for determining the correct exposures in manual mode. I see they now have LCD studio lights which eliminates the heat of the incandescents and won't fry the poor subject (or in my case, won't melt her). ;-)
Aug 6, 2013 14:21:56 #
I do prefer the soft box because of the warmth of it. The white umbrella reflected would be next but the silver is too cold for me. But I'm just an amateur. What a way to practice. Thanks for the idea.
Jim
Jim
Aug 6, 2013 18:01:23 #
Thanks for looking, Jim. Different light sources are good for different setups...cool lamps/umbrellas can be great for still lifes. The 100w cfl is supposed to be a neutral source, yet I find it on the warm side (colorwise and heatwise). May try some LCDs. ;-)
Aug 6, 2013 22:09:41 #
Sorry, everybody, I keep saying LCD when I mean LED lights...don't even know what LCDs are. ;-)
Aug 9, 2013 12:33:44 #
Photog8 wrote:
Did some experimenting to show lighting effects fr... (show quote)
Excellent demo! Thanks so much. :thumbup: I wonder where I could get a head like that to practice with? And all this time I thought that was you :-)
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