Strobe Lighting Attempt
Sep 24, 2013 13:18:20 #
I really appreciate all of the feedback I received.With the adjustments mentioned here I can tweak the set up by moving the lights closer, raising the main light, and subject farther from the backdrop.
The first shot was taken with the light passing through the umbrella which created a softer light. I experimented with the umbrella set up and shot the others with the light towards the shiny side of the umbrella and reflecting on the subject. This resulted in a harsher light.
I need to wrap my head around broad vs short light.
After I shot the last one of my beau I realized that I didn't use a gray card to set my white balance. I agree it is too warm. Until setting up for a studio shot becomes second nature, I need to create a list.
Many thanks again...I'll share the results with everyone after I make the adjustments.
The first shot was taken with the light passing through the umbrella which created a softer light. I experimented with the umbrella set up and shot the others with the light towards the shiny side of the umbrella and reflecting on the subject. This resulted in a harsher light.
I need to wrap my head around broad vs short light.
After I shot the last one of my beau I realized that I didn't use a gray card to set my white balance. I agree it is too warm. Until setting up for a studio shot becomes second nature, I need to create a list.
Many thanks again...I'll share the results with everyone after I make the adjustments.
Sep 24, 2013 13:19:27 #
hibaldone wrote:
Thank you. You know I don't remember how big that one is. The ones I use the most is around 36 inch or so. The back drop is one big roll of paper that I like to use. You can also place gels on the back light to change the color of the back drop.
Great idea!!! Also a great shot!!!
Sep 24, 2013 13:21:11 #
[quote=PalePictures]
Fantastic shots and very helpful. The second image helps me better understand the difference between short and broad light. I need to chew on this topic to fully understand it.
Fantastic shots and very helpful. The second image helps me better understand the difference between short and broad light. I need to chew on this topic to fully understand it.
Sep 24, 2013 13:38:24 #
[quote=Fran]
Quick way to remember - If the ear toward the camera is lit, it is broad lighting. If that ear is in shadow, it is short lighting.
Short lighting tends to be more flattering as it gives an illusion of a thinner face, but broad light works well if the subject already has a thin - or at least not overly round - face.
PalePictures wrote:
Fantastic shots and very helpful. The second image helps me better understand the difference between short and broad light. I need to chew on this topic to fully understand it.
Fantastic shots and very helpful. The second image helps me better understand the difference between short and broad light. I need to chew on this topic to fully understand it.
Quick way to remember - If the ear toward the camera is lit, it is broad lighting. If that ear is in shadow, it is short lighting.
Short lighting tends to be more flattering as it gives an illusion of a thinner face, but broad light works well if the subject already has a thin - or at least not overly round - face.
Broad Lighting
Short lighting
Sep 24, 2013 13:46:44 #
CaptainC wrote:
Quick way to remember - If the ear toward the camera is lit, it is broad lighting. If that ear is in shadow, it is short lighting.
Short lighting tends to be more flattering as it gives an illusion of a thinner face, but broad light works well if the subject already has a thin - or at least not overly round - face.
Short lighting tends to be more flattering as it gives an illusion of a thinner face, but broad light works well if the subject already has a thin - or at least not overly round - face.
The lightbulb just went on!!! Thank you!!! This quick way to remember is very helpful!!!
Sep 24, 2013 14:02:04 #
The ear reference is a great way to remember short and broad lighting. I am always having to try to make people look thinner.
Sep 24, 2013 14:10:16 #
hibaldone wrote:
The ear reference is a great way to remember short and broad lighting. I am always having to try to make people look thinner.
You can think this way too:
If the near ear is :SHadow - SHort
BRight - BRoad
Sep 24, 2013 14:15:22 #
Fran wrote:
I have been working with strobes for a short perio... (show quote)
I've used off camera strobes quite a bit and from time to time I've also had a problem with shadow... especially when using only one light.
In the first shot, very nice by the way, you apparently had your son stand farther away from the back drop than you and, is he your husband? Anyway, getting your subject away from the backdrop and elevating the strobes will help some.
Also, a second strobe at the left will help because it will cancel the slight shadow that may show... I had the same exact problem on a shoot I did not too long ago.
This may require a larger back drop and even a larger room... that may be impossible with your set up, I don't know that of course.
What I ended up doing was three lights, including a flash on the camera. My shadow was to the left of the frame as is yours. I kept my right strobe in its place but moved the left farther to the left to hit not only the subject but the back drop as well. This ended up eliminating my left of frame shadow.
Good luck.
Sep 24, 2013 16:50:31 #
CaptainC wrote:
You can think this way too:
If the near ear is :SHadow - SHort
BRight - BRoad
If the near ear is :SHadow - SHort
BRight - BRoad
Thats excellent. And helpful.
Sep 24, 2013 16:51:43 #
jimmya wrote:
I've used off camera strobes quite a bit and from ... (show quote)
Thank you. You make very good points. I'm excited to apply the suggestions that everyone has made.
Sep 25, 2013 06:22:08 #
I also like the first one and you have gotten some really good and professional advice on lighting, which I can use as well. Thanks to all
Sep 29, 2013 10:25:39 #
Fran wrote:
Thank you. This is very helpful info. The diagram is great!
You are trying to use too many lights and do not understand lighting.
Sep 29, 2013 11:26:12 #
cthahn wrote:
You are trying to use too many lights and do not understand lighting.
Are you referring to my pictures? I used two lights which I don't believe is too many.
As far as not understanding lighting, I am learning about studio lighting which is why I posted my topic under this section to solicite feedback from some experts in the field. The feedback I've received is very much appreciated and has helped a great deal. If you have any constructive feedback please share it as I know there are many of us on this forum who are eager to learn.
Sep 29, 2013 15:23:37 #
Fran wrote:
Are you referring to my pictures? I used two lights which I don't believe is too many.
As far as not understanding lighting, I am learning about studio lighting which is why I posted my topic under this section to solicite feedback from some experts in the field.
As far as not understanding lighting, I am learning about studio lighting which is why I posted my topic under this section to solicite feedback from some experts in the field.
Though there have been one or two glimmers, I've rarely seen helpful, informed, photography-related comments from this person.
Take the great advice posted from Pale Pictures, CaptainC and hibaldone.
Just ignore cthahn's posts.
Sep 29, 2013 17:27:22 #
Fran wrote:
I have been working with strobes for a short perio... (show quote)
Fran,
I shoot with portable strobes and I tend to bounce the light off a wall or ceiling (white surfaces only, of course). I have a softbox but the light just isn't soft enough for me.
Your first image of your son is great. I love that you used broad lighting instead of short lighting. The other images have hard-edged shadows that I personally don't like only because the shadows dominate the subject. But I do like the casual posing. Great backdrop!
Keep up the good work! Your doing great!
:thumbup:
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