Just got a 2-light set (one slave and one master) with synchro cords and umbrellas. Only problem is I have no idea how to use them. Are they pretty easy to figure out? Or does anybody have a great book or website (that would be best) that I could check out on how all this equipment works?
2006-12-21 14:13:30 · 6 answers · asked by zetamomma 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
One light will be used as your MAIN light, and the other will be used as your FILL light. Generally, for portrait photography, the Main light will light the subjects face from a distance of a few feet, and the Fill light is used from the opposite side to diminish any harsh shadows, but not to light the other side of the face as much as the Main light. The Fill light is usually placed further away from the subject than the main light to create a natural looking light on the subjects face. A good starting point is Main-3ft from subject... and Fill about 6ft from subject. You can adjust the distances from there for the desired effect. With electronic flash systems, you may be able to control the output of the individual lights.... one at 100% and the other at 50-70% would be the same as moving the light itself further away. I would also suggest a Hair Light to throw light down onto the top of the subjects head, and create a shine on the hair. Mount this one above and behind the subject. There are plenty of good books out about Portrait Photography..... Check at Barnes & Noble or Border's Books, etc..... thumb through the books they have there and see which ones address your interests, answer your questions, and provide you with the information you are looking for.
2006-12-21 14:40:27 · answer #1 · answered by dathinman8 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check out these two URLs but also consider the suggestion of taking a formal class, where you'll not only learn and practice but also get a lot of feedback from other students and the instructor. Reading is great but the practice you get from a class cannot be beat. Sometimes it gets a little difficult but once you get over the hurdle, you appreciate what you learned a lot more. Don't give up on photography; there's too much fun and enjoyment waiting for you. Good luck and best wishes.
http://strobist.blogspot.com/
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html
2006-12-21 14:51:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are in the same boat as I once was. What I did was I went down to my local library and checked out books on lighting. It took a few weekends to get the hang of things but overall it worked out. As you know, the best thing about digital is it cost you nothing to view the test pics. The library was a good cheap resource for me, I hope it works out for you as well. Good Luck.
2016-03-13 09:29:13 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-09 01:43:38 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to Walmart!
Not to buy anything but to have a look at the way they have their foto studio set up. They may even help you with a couple Professional answers.
2006-12-21 14:16:48 · answer #5 · answered by Rainman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a "portrait" class or "lighting" class at your community college.
2006-12-21 14:29:01 · answer #6 · answered by jcwiechert 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The one above me has some great web site links.
2006-12-21 16:37:39 · answer #7 · answered by Brian Ramsey 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋