First use of DIY "hot" lights

[thegarageblog]

I usually shoot outdoors (motorsports) and so I don't have a studio or studio lighting. Nor have I had occasion to learn how to work with strobes. As the cold weather is approaching, I am getting more requests for inside portraits etc, so I decided to start playing around with lighting.

I have built a light fixture from inexpensive MDF board, 2 IKEA fixtures and a couple of flourescent bulbs. My diffuser screen is frosted mylar that I got from an artists supply store.

For this shot, I used my new light with an indirect bounce of my flash, on camera.


IMG_7697.jpg by gravlguts, on Flickr

I have a few refinements to make with the diffuser and then I will post pics of the light.

[ccting]

Originally Posted by thegarageblog

..

Excellent. But I can't see pic from flickr (been blocked by firewall) ... perhaps attach the pictures ..? The prices of speedlight and wireless remote triggers will be dropped significantly for YongNuo.. waiting..

[thegarageblog]

Why can't you see Flickr?

[ccting]

Lets me describe your light:

a) Shadow : dark, hash ==> uncomplimentary shadows distracting / unharmony of tone
b) pronounced skin texture resulted by small light source
c) fail to get good lighting starting point, that isThe key triangle extending from the eyes, through the cheek, to the lip line
d) The placement of the lightsource is too low and looks unnatural
e) Brightness of left is too strong washing out..perhaps light source too near?
f) The light source put too far to the left causing the key triangle unseen.
g) broad lighting?
h) fill light to the right?
i) Looks like polarized reflection, light source within family of angles?
j) adding lights to pop up yourslef?
k) your head does not reveal the shape, perhaps hair light or rim lighting?
l) your nose does not show 3D, perhaps kicker?

Just guessing, i am still a noob.

[bhursey]

Originally Posted by thegarageblog

I usually shoot outdoors (motorsports) and so I don't have a studio or studio lighting. Nor have I had occasion to learn how to work with strobes. As the cold weather is approaching, I am getting more requests for inside portraits etc, so I decided to start playing around with lighting.

I have built a light fixture from inexpensive MDF board, 2 IKEA fixtures and a couple of flourescent bulbs. My diffuser screen is frosted mylar that I got from an artists supply store.

For this shot, I used my new light with an indirect bounce of my flash, on camera.


IMG_7697.jpg by gravlguts, on Flickr

I have a few refinements to make with the diffuser and then I will post pics of the light.

This is actually great for your first photo. Its definitely rembrant lighting. I like the feel of it. If you wanted to add some fill you could put a reflector to the right but he has that expression on his face so rembrant/cross light is good if you were going for that feel where its sorta low key on part of it.

[Rentham]

Not bad at all. I think your light is too low, however. Raise it up a few inches so it casts a shadow under the chin and strengthens the jawline.

[NathanFranke]

Really impressive for a first try. My one nitpicky think is the Adidas logo--it helps prevent the shot from being a disembodied floating head, but the fact that it's a corporate logo just seems kind of off. Breaks the mood of the image. Don't get me wrong--I love capitalism and greed is good, but it just breaks the mood of the photo.

Something to experiment with: try a hair light to separate the subject from the background. There are tutorials everywhere for how to do this.

[thegarageblog]

Thanks folks!

Nathan, you are the second one to mention the logo - this was really an impromptu shot. My son was helping me with the diffuser and I made him sit as my subject.

Rentham & bhursey these were the shadows I was after for this shot. I have another box light waiting to be assembled to even out the light and am going to get a reflector to play with that too.

As for height, I'm going to work out some sort of adjustable height stand. This was just sitting on a stool for the test.

[ccting]

i feel like it is extremely hard to learn lighting... feel down...Unlike lenses, speedlights and triggers are still young..
Perhaps your son can sit on the floor ;D

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by thegarageblog

Thanks folks!
As for height, I'm going to work out some sort of adjustable height stand. This was just sitting on a stool for the test.

David's stuff from Kitchener is quite well built & affordable.

TWO 10FT HIGH AIR-CUSHIONED LIGHTING LIGHT STAND STANDS NEW | eBay