Lighting question

dkoyanagi

I recently shot these for another challenge. They're ok, but I'm wondering how I might improve them. I don't have any photographic lighting equipment so I had to improvise with desk lamps, clamp lights, flash lights, etc.

ISO 64, f/8.0, 1.6s, no flash


For this one I had a halogen desk lamp to the right side, slightly forward and above the subject. I had a smaller lamp to fill the left side.


ISO 64, f/3.5, 10/13s, no flash

For this one i set up the halogen lamp above the shoebox. I used a piece of cardboard with a hole cut out to give it a spotlight effect.

Any suggestions on how I might improve these? I think the first photo might be a little too evenly lit. Perhaps more contrast between the left and right.

I found that I really like doing still lifes, and I plan to do a lot more. Is it worth buying lighting equipment? If so, what type of equipment would you recommend? Any good sources on lighting techniques?

wxwax

I think the lighting's kinda harsh, dkoy. I don't see the richness of the texture of the items. Softer light (i.e. bigger light source) gives you a much nicer effect.

If you have a fast internet connection, click on this link for a series of short movies about lighting technique. Fascinating stuff.

dkoyanagi

Thanks for the link Sid! That's really great information. You're right about the harsh lighting. I'll try to rig up some soft lighting and see how that works. Thanks

Tim Kirkwood

http://www.ezcube.com/


Your best bet if your wanting to do this more offten.

Tim

dkoyanagi

Tim Kirkwood wrote:

http://www.ezcube.com/
Your best bet if your wanting to do this more offten.
Tim

Thanks for the info Tim!

TristanP

I have so many links for this stuff, here are a couple good ones:

http://www.webphotoschool.com/Lesson_Library/index.html

http://www.sonycams.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2398

http://www.studiolighting.net/Studio-Lighting-Tips.php

http://webs.lanset.com/rcochran/flash/default.htm

My suggestions - get a couple lighting stands, umbrella brackets, and umbrellas and an external flash to mount on each. You can even get away with a single set (stand, bracket, and umbrella) plus a reflector if funds are tighter.

More info here: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1009&message=11629948

and here: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1009&message=11155475

From what I've seen you do with homebrewed equipment, moving up to the next level should produce some incredible shots.

dkoyanagi

Thanks for the links, Tristan, and the words of encouragement. I've been playing around with lighting all day and I'm starting to think that I definitely need to invest in some equipment. You're links will be of great help. Thanks again!

ian408

Your improvisation is impressive! You could try using a white sheet to soften
the light cast from the halogen. Just don't put it too near the source

A little back light might also help the bowl/cup. The brown seems to disappear
in the black background.

I think you're just about there with what you have going. A light box and
photo lights would make it easier but you're so close!


Ian

wxwax

Great links, kids.

Let's have some more, if you have 'em. I'd like enough to put this in the Hall of Wisdom, but I reckon we need a few more.

Anyone?

TristanP

Another DIY Softbox design:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/A18/

Cheap Tabletop studio:
http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/tips/tabletop.html

Gene Rhodes has done so many DIY projects, it's not even funny:
http://www.photoprojects.net/index.html

"Photo Acessories on the Cheap":
http://www.phototalk.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3570&highlight=lumiqwest

Brian Zimmerman's projects:
http://fototime.com/ftweb/bin/ft.dll/pictures?userid={0C537F65-5D2E-4921-A34D-346C4244F0AC}&inv=19218D41258C6FE&userid={0C537F65-5D2E-4921-A34D-346C4244F0AC}&AlbumId={40EED9A5-7703-11D5-AB2C-00400542FB64}&inv=19218D41258C6FE&GroupId={A4074786-91B9-4474-837C-59B54CF9867C}

Some of Mike Fitzgerald's flash stuff:
http://www.pbase.com/fitzdocs/flash_stuff

More home studio on the cheap ideas:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1025&message=5164557


By the time you get through all these, we'll have 14MP P&S camers with 15x optical zoom that fit in your palm. ;-)

wxwax

Good links, Tristan.

I'm also hoping for more "how to" links for lighting tips and set-ups.

dkoyanagi

Thanks for info Ian and Tristan! This is really fantastic.

patch29

ian408 wrote:

Your improvisation is impressive! You could try using a white sheet to soften
the light cast from the halogen. Just don't put it too near the source

Ian

You can find a lot of diffusion materials through Rosco lighting that are designed to work near hot lights (they may still melt) that are fairly cheap and easy to use. One I use often is Rosco Tough Spun, find more info here. They also will have a neutral color balance or you can gel it to correct a color problem or to add color.

Another very handy product they make is cinefoil. It is heavy duty black aluminum foil that is very handy for flagging light off the camera or in your shot.

I would count both of these products as inexpensive and very good for a DIY lighting kit. If you look around Rosco's website they also have a lot of other products you may find useful.

If you do not have a local dealer that can get these often theatrical lighting rental/sales house will carry gels and accs. B+H and others should also carry a lot of them too.

wxwax

Chuck Gardner tips.

http://super.nova.org/PhotoClass/index.html

Need more links on lighting. Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?

lynnma

wxwax wrote:

Chuck Gardner tips.

http://super.nova.org/PhotoClass/index.html

Need more links on lighting. Anyone? Bueller? Anyone?

thats a real good one for the Hall sid.. (specially as I'll keep losing it)

wxwax

Thanks Lynn. I just keep thinking it needs a few more linkies to put it over the top..

dkoyanagi

This link has some good info.

http://www.ephotozine.com/techniques/index.cfm?subject=4

dkoyanagi

Second try.
Well, I took all the great advice and gave it a second try. What do you think?

ISO 64, f/2.5, 1/80s. Flash bounced off the wall.

ian408

The colors are much nicer. Much more warmth in this shot.

This one doesn't seem as sharp (or maybe it's just me?) to me. Is there
some way to get rid of the reflection on the lip of the cup? Also, the table
isn't level

Ian

spockling

wxwax wrote:

Thanks Lynn. I just keep thinking it needs a few more linkies to put it over the top..

This one any good?

http://www.fredparker.com/nuseful.htm

wxwax

dkoyanagi wrote:

Well, I took all the great advice and gave it a second try. What do you think?

ISO 64, f/2.5, 1/80s. Flash bounced off the wall.

100% better, nice adjustment.

wxwax

spockling wrote:

This one any good?

http://www.fredparker.com/nuseful.htm

Yup, thanks, good one.

wxwax

And one more link on how to light. Andy originally provided this link to Sony Talk Forum, back before he got his Canon tattoo. It has ton of info.