Ugly Hedgehog Newsletter

Hi,

I take a lot of nature photographs, some outdoor portraits. But I want to learn to use Photo lights, for portraits.

But I am confused, as in my search for the Photo Lights I want to purchase they have some listed as for Digital photography/video. I am Shooting all digital now.

Do I need Digital photo lights? And what is the difference? Will so appreciate your help.

Lynn

Jameszr1

A flash box light is good for portraits. Keep in mind Lynn that if your shooting against a studio backdrop, you'll want good lighting. Lighting is the most important thing in composing a good shot. If you have a lighter backdrop you won't want any shadows (amateur sign) so you would need some soft flash back lights one on each side to wash out the shadows. Your soft box or umbrella main flash beside you should be a couple feet minimum. You'll also want them remote controlled. I suggest looking for a kit to suit your needs.

Michael
Illinois

tinosa Loc: Grand Rapids Michigan

Here is a link to a great introduction to portrait lighting

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/portrait-lighting.htm

Scubie Loc: Brunswick Georgia

Here is the set up for gorgeous portraits, and one I use all the time...CaptainC actually explained the lighting ration very well.
I will repeat this later.
I position my softbox about four feet away from the subject, from the camera view, that is too the left. The fill light is slightly behind the camera, to the right.

CaptainC's explanation is this. The fill is set one stop less than the softbox key light. His explanation was this, and the best I have ever heard. The fill is one unit of light added to the softbox's two units of light, gives you a one to three lighting and is great for portraits. You need a light meter to set your lights though. Just set the key light at twice the light, one stop difference.
Realising many do not have expensive light meters, you have to do a little experimenting to get something close to the 1 to 3 lighting. Make sure the fill light and key light is not too high or you may end up with awful hair shadows. This takes a little experimenting but it's worth the trial and error. Digital makes experimenting much easier. I use my dogital to check the lighting and then take my final image with a medium format camera. No waiting....hope this helps you make a gorgeous portrait.

Scubie Loc: Brunswick Georgia

oops, forgot something....a nice umbrella was on the backdrop gives a gorgeous separation light. I use a satin sheet for a backdrop. Add a small hair light and you will be cooking....