Inspired recently to try some garage lighting with my 2 year old daughter. These were taken with an 85mm, f1.4 lens at f2.8. No reflector used, just an open garage door in the middle of a sunny day. Any comments?
Garage Door
I am glad you gave this style of lighting a title.."Garage Door"..of which I have used a number of times this summer for a few neighbors and friends "posed candids.
Here in Oregon the interior of the garage keeps the subject dry and if the sun is shining the driveway bounces soft light onto the subject's face.
Great idea with the only work involved is cleaning up some of the clutter; so many people put $200 dollars of junk in their garage and park their $15,000 car in the driveway.
Oh, the child is priceless in the charming photos!
Really, really nice. Great catchlights and adorable smile. How do you get her to cooperate?
Virginia
Thanks, Virginia. The one problem I find with this lighting is that the catchlights can be odd shapes and look peculiar. I'm just used to the standard umbrella type of catchlight.
Don't be fooled. She's not actually cooperating here. These are just 3 shots culled from about 100 which were taken over a 5 minute period!! There is no cooperation, just a lot of luck in numbers!
I've enjoyed all the great shots of your kids...and this one is no exception. I, like u, always look for that light opportunity, and the garage is as good as any. The shots are cute and bring out her personality. Thx for sharing. I'd love to look thru your photo album at all the shots of your kids.
I am glad you gave this style of lighting a title.."Garage Door"..of which I have used a number of times this summer for a few neighbors and friends "posed candids.
Here in Oregon the interior of the garage keeps the subject dry and if the sun is shining the driveway bounces soft light onto the subject's face.
Great idea with the only work involved is cleaning up some of the clutter; so many people put $200 dollars of junk in their garage and park their $15,000 car in the driveway.
Oh, the child is priceless in the charming photos!
Check out the fantastic work by Kevyn Major Howard. He is a prominent Hollywood photographer who does incredible head shots. I believe most of his work is done with garage lighting style. His lighting and poses are truly inspirational.
The lighting is very nice- thanks for posting I will look towards trying that myself since the Arizona sun is often overpowering.
I stuggle with this in Florida all the time. The sun is so strong for most of the day that outdoor portraits are impossible. I've done some portraits with an assistant holding a large umbrella for shade.
I'm now gravitating towards this garage lighting which produces a really nice, soft effect with interesting catchlights.
Check out the fantastic work by Kevyn Major Howard. He is a prominent Hollywood photographer who does incredible head shots. I believe most of his work is done with garage lighting style. His lighting and poses are truly inspirational.
I would like to point out that what you describe as "garage" lighting is simply a form of indirect lighting called "open shade".
Open shade is a technique that dates back to earliest photography and it can produce excellent results. I do suggest the use of light modifiers to augment and direct the light in appropriate ways.
Looking at the Kevyn Major Howard site I note that he does make use of natural light, but he does not accept the light without control. From his site:
I would like to point out that what you describe as "garage" lighting is simply a form of indirect lighting called "open shade".
Open shade is a technique that dates back to earliest photography and it can produce excellent results. I do suggest the use of light modifiers to augment and direct the light in appropriate ways.
Looking at the Kevyn Major Howard site I note that he does make use of natural light, but he does not accept the light without control. From his site:
"Once Kevyn starts shooting and adjusts lighting ..."
Feel free to use reflectors, scrims, diffusors and flags to control the light to your purposes.
Ziggy, as usual, you are correct. When I look critically at my own shots here and then at KMH's, mine seem more flat.
The effect I have achieved is essentially a gian softbox directly in front of the subject. Perhaps a large scrim on one side would give me better shading and more directionality with the light.
Comments
clean garage too
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I am glad you gave this style of lighting a title.."Garage Door"..of which I have used a number of times this summer for a few neighbors and friends "posed candids.
Here in Oregon the interior of the garage keeps the subject dry and if the sun is shining the driveway bounces soft light onto the subject's face.
Great idea with the only work involved is cleaning up some of the clutter; so many people put $200 dollars of junk in their garage and park their $15,000 car in the driveway.
Oh, the child is priceless in the charming photos!
Virginia
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Thanks, Virginia. The one problem I find with this lighting is that the catchlights can be odd shapes and look peculiar. I'm just used to the standard umbrella type of catchlight.
Don't be fooled. She's not actually cooperating here. These are just 3 shots culled from about 100 which were taken over a 5 minute period!! There is no cooperation, just a lot of luck in numbers!
http://clearwaterphotography.smugmug.com/
My truck ain't worth that much but I have way more than $200 in junk!
Aaron Newman
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Check out the fantastic work by Kevyn Major Howard. He is a prominent Hollywood photographer who does incredible head shots. I believe most of his work is done with garage lighting style. His lighting and poses are truly inspirational.
http://www.headshot-photography.com/portfolio.htm
http://clearwaterphotography.smugmug.com/
I stuggle with this in Florida all the time. The sun is so strong for most of the day that outdoor portraits are impossible. I've done some portraits with an assistant holding a large umbrella for shade.
I'm now gravitating towards this garage lighting which produces a really nice, soft effect with interesting catchlights.
http://clearwaterphotography.smugmug.com/
Mitch,
A truly adorable subject and very good execution.
I would like to point out that what you describe as "garage" lighting is simply a form of indirect lighting called "open shade".
Open shade is a technique that dates back to earliest photography and it can produce excellent results. I do suggest the use of light modifiers to augment and direct the light in appropriate ways.
Looking at the Kevyn Major Howard site I note that he does make use of natural light, but he does not accept the light without control. From his site:
http://www.headshot-photography.com/directions/
"Once Kevyn starts shooting and adjusts lighting ..."
Feel free to use reflectors, scrims, diffusors and flags to control the light to your purposes.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Ziggy, as usual, you are correct. When I look critically at my own shots here and then at KMH's, mine seem more flat.
The effect I have achieved is essentially a gian softbox directly in front of the subject. Perhaps a large scrim on one side would give me better shading and more directionality with the light.
http://clearwaterphotography.smugmug.com/