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Easy repeatable light set up for portraits.
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Jan 24, 2013 05:31:54   #
rpavich Loc: West Virginia
 
I got an ebook about portraits and one main message that struck me was this...find a simple, repeatable light set up that will work in many situations. Don't keep reinventing the wheel each time you shoot.

His advice in the book was this:

One shoot through umbrella at 45 deg to subject; that is 45 deg up and 45 deg to the side.

One umbrella opposite of that umbrella behind subject.

Both flashes on same power (or I should say putting out the same power at the same distance.)

Front umbrella at 3 foot distance

Rear umbrella at 6 foot distance (which effectively cuts the power in half.)


Simple, easy to understand, and repeatable.

Here is my "before work bath robe portrait" sample.



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Jan 24, 2013 06:16:12   #
Danilo Loc: Las Vegas
 
I agree 1000% with what you're saying, rpavich. Once someone gets a basic lighting arrangement, it's easier to make small changes to accommodate a particular subject without "getting lost". What you've arrived at here is a classic "Rembrandt" lighting, my favorite.
On this particular subject (you), I would like to see a comparison of the light coming first from camera-left (as it is in the photo) and coming from camera-right, which I suspect would make a slightly better photo. Probably the easiest way to express it would be: I think your left side is your better side. I may be right or wrong, but it might be interesting to see the comparison!
Great post!

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Jan 24, 2013 06:32:32   #
rpavich Loc: West Virginia
 
Danilo wrote:
Probably the easiest way to express it would be: I think your left side is your better side. I may be right or wrong, but it might be interesting to see the comparison!
Great post!

Well...that gives me something to do this weekend!

I set it up this way because this is where I had the most room in my living room :)

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Jan 24, 2013 06:56:06   #
rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida
 
Very good information and demonstration!!...wish we had more of these!!

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Jan 24, 2013 07:16:28   #
rpavich Loc: West Virginia
 
rlaugh wrote:
Very good information and demonstration!!...wish we had more of these!!


No problem...here is a diagram.



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Jan 24, 2013 07:21:12   #
rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida
 
rpavich wrote:
rlaugh wrote:
Very good information and demonstration!!...wish we had more of these!!


No problem...here is a diagram.


That is fantastic...keep this kind of stuff comming..I'm sure it helps many!! :thumbup: :thumbup:

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Jan 24, 2013 09:02:08   #
hlmichel Loc: New Hope, Minnesota
 
Now that's a nice self-portrait!

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Jan 24, 2013 09:04:16   #
Perilin Loc: Ohio
 
Thank you for this information. It will help me tremendously!

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Jan 24, 2013 09:09:59   #
rpavich Loc: West Virginia
 
hlmichel wrote:
Now that's a nice self-portrait!


Thanks!

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Jan 24, 2013 09:10:16   #
rpavich Loc: West Virginia
 
Perilin wrote:
Thank you for this information. It will help me tremendously!


No problem....glad to do it. :)

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Jan 24, 2013 10:45:58   #
john blue Loc: Lowndesboro, Al
 
better than one the other day, like this one

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Jan 24, 2013 10:51:30   #
Emm5
 
thanks for the info! Can't wait to try it.

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Jan 24, 2013 10:57:05   #
rpavich Loc: West Virginia
 
Emm5 wrote:
thanks for the info! Can't wait to try it.


Great! Post it when you do.

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Jan 24, 2013 18:36:19   #
Erv Loc: Medina Ohio
 
Nice info. I use this setup a lot in my little studio in the basement. I put one more smaller light on the the other side for my Harrison pictures.
Erv

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Jan 24, 2013 18:41:31   #
ftpecktim Loc: MONTANA
 
rlaugh wrote:
rpavich wrote:
rlaugh wrote:
Very good information and demonstration!!...wish we had more of these!!


No problem...here is a diagram.


That is fantastic...keep this kind of stuff comming..I'm sure it helps many!! :thumbup: :thumbup:


:thumbup:

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