Playing with Lights

[moeuy]

Me and my friends decided to shot inside a bus garage. is the placement of the lights ok? cuz we had a rough time on placing the lights just to minimize the shadow...tnx

[clockdoc]

Can you elaborate on how many lights you used? I can tell that you used at least 2, one for the background which may have been a bare bulb (no reflector). The front light appears to be placed at a low angle. Typically this is not the most flattering position of lights for illuminating a portrait, especially a young woman. Depending on the type of lights used, you may want to incorporate the use of some dimmers to better control the intensity of the lights. Dimming the light will affect their color temperature (that is, the lights will give off a warmer or more yellow light) but you can do some correcting in post production. I look forward to hearing about the type of lights you used and how/where they were placed as well as the problems you encountered in doing so.

[scrivna]

Hi,
I really like the idea of shooting in "industrial" surroundings, warehouses and your idea of a bus shelter is great. I like the first shot, and how you've got her posing, however i think they're both a bit dark, but that's understandable given the surroundings. I find the seats are a bit distracting in the 2nd image, maybe you could make it B&W or darken them a bit?

[moeuy]

Hi,

@clockdoc : we had only 3 lights. 2 floodlamps and a lowel light.
1 at the back 1 at the front and the lowel towards the subject. is the placement and set up ok or we need to add more light in that scenario.?


@scrivna : hmmm...i guess your right sir..ill try to darken the seat or convert to B n W..

Thanks guys for the CC..

[clockdoc]

Hi,
Thanks for the update on your light situation. The fewer lights you can get by with, the better. Is the Lowell light a more "harsh" light that creates hard shadows or was it used with a diffuser? My best advice would be to try to get some 'modeling' detail on the girl's face. Experiment with positioning the light at different places but start with the light higher than her head and pointing somewhat downward. From there observe how the shadows fall using the nose as a guide. Are you familiar with the names used in portrait lighting such as "butterfly". "loop", paramount or "Rembrandt" and finally "rim"? Check for some online tutorials using these lighting terms. You may also need to use your front light as a "fill" light if the Lowell light causes too harsh a shadow. The fill light is best placed at the camera, just above the lens. Experimentation will be your best guide as you have instant feedback using digital equipment. You can use foil to act like mini barn doors on the lights(just becareful where you place it to prevent accidental shock or injury). In the TV studio we use a spacial black foil but anything that you can put in the path of the light to keep it from falling where you don't want it will work in a pinch (such as on the seats). I'll be happy to try to answer any questions as they come up. Good shooting!