1ST Studio Light!! set up ????

VayCayMom · May 1, 2011

I splurged at O.co and got a floorstand studio light from Lumiere with 4 light bulbs in a big round dish.
Today I plunked a teddy bear in a chair and played.

Tomorrow I have some NEW clients coming that got my number from a friend, that got it from my friend. For whatever reason I think they might be a little up the ladder toward the clients I am aiming for.

I am to do the usual family stuff PLUS grandparents AND a headshot for husband and wife for business use.

I am not sure if I have the best arrangement in the room. I am using the new light facing into an umbrella that bounces the light back. I have a portable white backdrop I plan to use. The large window faces North, but there is a tree outside that is beginning to hamper the light a little. The funny markings are for the large shutters that I open to let in as much light as possible. I will be using a chair...which way should it face? Which way should the subjects face? Is that a good spot for the backdrop? the new light to my left, is that good?
I think these are individual headshots but what should I do if it is with BOTH of them?

I want to make a good impression, the grandparents are also coming so it's a big payday for me due to a lot of extras.
Please excuse the horrible method I used to provide a "sketch". The straight line to MY left is the umbrella and light. I am worried the lighting is too flat BUT that is an issue I have never approached until... umm tomorrow !

Thank you in advance !!!! :bow:bow:bow I plan to use my 50 mm 1/4 or I could use my 24-70 , all nikon on my d 700.

r3t1awr3yd · May 1, 2011

With one strobe, I have two favorite setups...

1) 45* to right or left of camera, 45* above subject through umbrella feathered to taste.
2) Butterfly lighting (though this requires a reflector also). One light above camera 45* over subject with reflector to bring light back into the subject's face.

Good luck!!

VayCayMom · May 5, 2011

r3t1awr3yd wrote: »

With one strobe, I have two favorite setups...

1) 45* to right or left of camera, 45* above subject through umbrella feathered to taste.
2) Butterfly lighting (though this requires a reflector also). One light above camera 45* over subject with reflector to bring light back into the subject's face.

Good luck!!

Thank you soo much !!!!!

r3t1awr3yd · May 5, 2011

Wait till you get three! Diagonal lighting with a backdrop light is perty!

ziggy53 · May 5, 2011

I suspect from your description that you purchased one of these lights?:

http://www.akicom.com/images/big/L60197-1.jpg

If so, it is an improvement over some alternatives but I am not a fan of the color that this lighting provides. Fluorescent light is not a very continuous spectrum and flesh tones may appear a bit odd in color and tone.

Still, these provide a fairly broad source and they are pretty cool running. I do suggest additional diffusion using a translucent shower curtain or white bed sheet. This will serve to reduce glare for your subjects as well as provide softer shadows. Ideally you would mount the diffusion material on a frame of some sort.

"r3t1awr3yd"'s suggestion of a reflector is excellent advice. In addition to the diffuser use an additional white sheet for a reflector fill. An automotive/truck window shade, one of the pop-open or folded variety, can also make a very nice reflector, especially those with a white surface. Foam-core board also works very well.

For any group images be very aware of how the shadows are cast by the subjects. Make sure that any shadows cast by a foreground subject are pleasingly placed with regard to a subject behind. Also be aware that group portraits will probably need some light "feathering" in order to even the spread of light from the source.

Some links to explore:

http://www.diyphotography.net/homestudio/blz/soft-light-panel-frame
http://www.diyphotography.net/homestudio/blz/cheap-diy-reflector-stand

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/how-to-take-a-perfect-head-shot-with-a-single-light
http://www.photographers.co.uk/html/improve-your-portrait-photography.cfm
http://cameradojo.com/2010/12/15/single-light-portrait-setup/

VayCayMom · May 6, 2011

Thank you Ziggy!! I am excited to build from here. Best of all I tossed the ugly floor lamps with the flexible long necks and white plastic shades I WAS using!!

1ST Studio Light!! set up ????

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