Lighting...Where do I learn?

[akm3]

I know Lighting is a MAJOR technique we use (particularly in studio shots) to achieve our results.

I'm not having much luck finding where to LEARN the lighting tips and tricks.

I have a SB-400 flash on my D40. I can flip it up 90 degrees and do bounce shots.

We have exhausted my lighting knowledge.

Where do I learn about all the fancy stands, strobes, fills, umbrellas, tents, boxes, diffusors, gels and which ones are useful in which situations, what to buy, and other general goodies?

I have no idea what I need and don't need, because I have no idea what light 'tools' are useful in which situations.

Any guidance would be appreciated!

-Allen

[Nicole]

Have you tried Strobist? Lots of info there to get you started with off camera flash.

[akm3]

I was recommended there before; it is a wealth of information. But I need something more basic first.

This is a "xxx", it is used by setting it "xxx" under "xxx" circumstances.

I know ART doesn't follow those hard and fast rules, but there are basic guidelines to any art, all meant to be broken by the experienced artist later.

[Nicole]

Have you tried their Lighting 101 section? It seems to cover many of your areas of interest and shows you exactly what things are and how to get started using them and it tells you when it's good to use the particular techniques. It doesn't provide any settings, but if that's what you're after I think it will be more trial and error. I'll let someone more experienced with flashes help you out with that

[clockdoc]

Hi Allen,
Do you have the manual for your SB400? That will give you the basics. What is it that you want to photograph with the SB400 as your light source? I assume you will be using it on the camera and not as a remote flash? Have you experimented with it in any way? If so have you posted any of your test shots anywhere I can see them? Do youunderstand how to use the flash in the manual mode and the automatic mode? Are you interested in other light sources or just the SB400? Tell me a little more about your experience with the SB400 and I may be able to better help you.

[akm3]

Originally Posted by clockdoc

Hi Allen,
Do you have the manual for your SB400? That will give you the basics. What is it that you want to photograph with the SB400 as your light source? I assume you will be using it on the camera and not as a remote flash? Have you experimented with it in any way? If so have you posted any of your test shots anywhere I can see them? Do youunderstand how to use the flash in the manual mode and the automatic mode? Are you interested in other light sources or just the SB400? Tell me a little more about your experience with the SB400 and I may be able to better help you.

Oh, the SB400 has been great! I'm looking to move beyond that with light boxes and strobes and tungsten and spots and gels and stuff that I don't know when or where to use.

The Lighting 101 on the strobist has been helpful, but I need something even more basic (remedial lighting)

[jassed]

I'm currently studying in tv broadcasting and had lessons regarding lighting for the tv studio. Does lighting for motion pictures differ much from those applied in photography in terms of principles or equipments?

[clockdoc]

The basic principles of lighting are the same. In TV and motion picture work you are generally lighting much larger areas. Back in the days of lighting for film, the film speeds were relatively low and sets required a considerable amount of light. Today's TV studios and movie sets that use digital equipment can light a set with lower levels. There is still a lot of light required but not as much as in the old film days.

One of the difficulties of lighting a TV or movie set is that the camera rarely remains in one place. With the use of "Steady Cams" you see lots of hand-held shots being used. So the lighting has to accomodate this movement through a scene. Some of the better examples of pure set lighting, IMHO, can be found in the old black and white films.

The bottom line: more lights on the sets, bigger lights, use of special screens to control contrast and light falling on the set, more varied conditions with which to deal in outdoor settings and difficulties in lighting large structures or rooms, particularly exteriors at night. Hope that answers your question.

[jassed]

Thanks doc! I was amazed when i learn not too long ago about the lighting demands on shooting in b&w, its as equally (if not more) complex as settings for shooting color.

[mdwsta4]

look at strobist's lighting 102 guide. it is more basic than the 101 session.
it starts from the most basic settings and gives you assignments to practice with. if you read them, and perform the assignments, but still cannot understand what you're doing.... well, then flash lighting wasn't meant for everyone.

seriously, check out lighting 102. it's as basic as you can get and very helpful.