Dealing with problematic ambient lighting

[zarekr]

Hi all,

A lot of people have read the other post I wrote about retaining ambient light and it seemed to be quite a popular one on my site, so I have written something similar but with a slightly different slant this time which deals with the problems I came across on a recent shoot where retaining the ambient light was really important for the corporate branding.

In short, I was shooting a drinks reception for a mobile phone company whose corporate colour is blue, so the room was lit completely blue. I used the old trick of setting my camera's white balance to tungsten then gelling my flash with a full cut of CTO to warm up the subjects. My post also deals with a few other issues that came up, including taking photos of mirrors and an ice sculpture that were also in the same room.



You can read the whole thing here:

Problematic ambient lighting and flash | How I Shot It | ZAREKRGRAPHY – Photography by Zarek Rahman

Thanks for looking and comments are always appreciated.

[Glayva]

Hi Zarek
I have read your technical notes and congratulate you on a superb write up. Flash is one of those subjects in photography that frightens the hell out of many experienced photographers. You really are an expert - this would have sorted the "men from the boys". I believe the only way to master flash is to practice and practice. Yes, if you have a methodical mind you, perhaps, might fathom this difficult shot out but to have some prior experience with flash is essential. Giving yourself time, even as you have done, is again absolutely essential.
Brilliant images and a very informative "how to" I would suggest anyone who wants to master flash keeps looking at your website.

[zarekr]

Tony, thanks for your very kind words. It is comments such as yours that inspire me to keep writing! I am glad to have contributed something useful to this community.