how do i light a fashion shot?

Question

I am using 2 250W halogen photog bulbs in industrial aluminum dish clampable flood lights with a canon dig. pwershot sd450 and still getting dark images.
All this aside, what is the best way to get a crisp indoor shot with this camera and not spending alot of money?

Answer 1

Go to a camera shop and rent a set of monolights with stands and umbrellas. Most of these have a provision for slave operation. Use your on-board flash to trigger them. You might also rent a camera that would be suited for this type of photography.

Answer 2

Since this is a digital camera, play around a lot; you can always delete them. Use your imagination. You want you're subject well lighted from the front if you are getting dark images. You have two lights so try different things. Don't just put the light where it hits directly in the face. Use them on both sides, maybe one aiming up towards the face or down from the top of the head and these can be from the sides too. I don't know how far your lights will extend. If they're not high, have her sit down.

Like I said, play around and see. That's the best way to learn and have fun with it instead of trying to get a certain look before you know how to.

The use of umbrellas and reflector cards (white) will help a lot to cause the light to spread more evenly. Play with the distance and positioning of them. Just have fun and keep in mine your viewfinder and vantage point.

Answer 3

I would say that to best light your shot, make sure that your subject is well lit enough for the camera, make sure the exposure is high enough to get a good picture, and that the background is as well lit as the subject. Take a look at a few magazine ads, the recent Canali line is a good example. Side lighting is good, adds mystique, but make sure there's enough total light so that everything is exposed properly.

I'm not familiar with your camera, but that should provide a satisfactory shot. If you're going for the stereotypical fashion shot, fontal lighting along with your flash should do it nicely. However, be sure to keep your artistic eye. If you're not constrained for time, take numerous shots and play with the lighting a bit. Don't let your artistic eye be dampened by how things should be done. That's all the advice I've got for ya, good luck with your shot!

Answer 4

you need the largest umbrella you can get and place your subject as close to the umbrella as is possible. the larger your light source the better. the light will appear softer and there should be no harsh dark areas in the subjuct. you will also only have one highlight in the reflection of the eye. a 72'' umbrella with your fashion subject almost standing inside the umbrella would be the best.

Answer 5

Take the lens off.