Learning how to use studio lights

[RobertSchuldenfrei]

Hi Everyone,

For my birthday my good wife Pat bought me an inexpensive set of studio lights from B&H. I am sure many of you have seen the ad that includes three tungsten lights and two umbrellas. Got them assembled, in spite of the fact that no instructions are provided, and they work well. My problem is I don't know how to set them up so as to do a classic portrait. Here is a picture of Pat. Notice the deep shadows in her eyes. In the bottom image you can see how I have set up the lights. How do I get rid of the eye shadows?

Studio03A96.jpg

Setup.jpg

Thanks for the help,

Bob

[robpendragon]

One way is to use a reflector, have her hold it on her lap. You can get a mid sized 5 in 1 reflectors pretty cheap.

Oh I almost forgot, Scott Kelby's new photography book has a great section on studio lighting.http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photog...1534665&sr=8-1

[RobertSchuldenfrei]

Originally Posted by robpendragon

One way is to use a reflector, have her hold it on her lap. You can get a mid sized 5 in 1 reflectors pretty cheap.

Oh I almost forgot, Scott Kelby's new photography book has a great section on studio lighting.http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photog...1534665&sr=8-1

Thanks Rob. That is a great idea. Bob

[MayBayB]

It looks like you have your lights & umbrellas directed toward the ceiling & they should be more toward the subject. You could also try having her sit on a lower stool...have the light coming from a slight downward direction. Try repositioning your lights & keep taking test shots till you get the lighting that works best for your studio. Or try fill lighting.

Don't forget to readjust the white balance on your camera. Anytime you change your lighting, you need to readjust the white balance. If not you will get an image that is too dark, too light or not enough midtones.

[BOBGRUETTER]

Bob, Until you can get to a store , four sheets of printer paper on a piece of cardboard will work as a reflector. I think it should help throw a little light in Pat's eyes.

Bob ( my wife's name is also Pat)

[Teacher617]

I highly recommend the DVD DV Enlightenment for getting a good sense of how to set up lighting for video. I have it and it is excellent and clear.

As for reflectors, go down to an auto store such as Checker Auto and the like, and find the section where they sell windshield covers (to keep out the sun when the car is parked). I bought reflectors there - they are circular and have 1 side silver, 1 side gold - you get some nice effects depending on which side you use. Even if you only find single-color ones, you have found a very inexpensive reflector.

I would also recommend that your wife not wear the white shirt in front of a white background.

[RobertSchuldenfrei]

Originally Posted by BOBGRUETTER

Bob, Until you can get to a store , four sheets of printer paper on a piece of cardboard will work as a reflector. I think it should help throw a little light in Pat's eyes.

Bob ( my wife's name is also Pat)

Hi Bob,

I will not have a chance to work on this until the weekend. I have two ideas for a make-shift reflector. I have a large sheet of foam-core that I have used as a reflector in the past. I can also use foil over cardboard. Will try that out first.

The lights were up higher at first, but that just made the eye shadows worse. But with the reflector, a high light angle might be best. Pat's clothes and lack of makeup are just for my test shots. When I learn how this is done, I will go for the "glam shot." Like everything else in life worth doing, I want to take the time to learn how it is done.

I just remember that I have a very old Kodak publication called Professional Portrait Techniques. If I had not penned this response I would never have remembered that I had this booklet. It was written in 1973 and cost $2.50! It has all kinds of lighting ideas. I think I am well on my way.

Thank you all,

Bob

[JulieM]

Bob, I hope you will continue to post the results of your tests. This will be very informative for anyone wanting to get started with studio lighting.

[BOBGRUETTER]

Bob, I think the use of foil may be too harsh. The form core will serve the purpose and provide a softer light. Also may introduce a catch light in the eyes. If your residence has an eastern exposure, try morning shots using the studio lights as fill and kickers. White balance may be a problem though. Play with it, I think you'll enjoy. Keep us posted.

Bob

[vawitt]

Hi, Bob. A loooooong time ago, I worked for a couple of years for a school photography studio. We always had our front lights up higher than you show, and the light was tipped at about a 45 degree angle. I'm about 5'6" and if I recall, the lowest part of the light was about level with my chin (for elementary-aged subjects). If we had subjects with glasses, we would raise the light a little bit, or tip the umbrella a little higher, to get rid of glass glare.

We also had a string at the end of the light that measured to the subject's nose (but I don't recall the length of the string...so that info probably isn't too helpful)...if I guess it was probably 5'??

Lights were about 45 degrees from the seating area. Subject pointed knees toward light and we moved face towards camera.

Don't know if any of this is helpful, but it's bringing back some memories!!!

~Val in rainy IL