The use of extra lights, often flash units, in order to make up for a lack of light or to gain more creative control over the image.
24
votes
6answers
2k views
Is it practical to shoot portraits by only candlelight?
Is it practical to shoot portraits in candle lights, only, provided there is no flash around? If yes, then for portrait shots, where and how should one place the candles? Are there any specific ...
6
votes
4answers
437 views
In low light, does it make sense to use a normal house light bulb instead of a flash?
Actually, yesterday I shot a photograph indoors with a tubelight (on the wall) and a flash on. The results were "too" boring. The flash had robbed away all the natural looks of the scene.
Does ...
23
votes
3answers
2k views
What are the best techniques for making great photographs of LEGO creations?
There are better and worse photos of LEGO creations out there. What techniques give better photos? It seems hard to photograph LEGO blocks because they are shiny.
4
votes
3answers
405 views
Why are there multiple contradictory ways to control flash ratio?
I am reading the following introduction to flash photography:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-flash-2.htm
In this article, I came across two seemingly contradictory statements:
...
9
votes
3answers
3k views
How can I improve my photographs taken on overcast or cloudy days?
I'm interested in filters, flash & lighting options, composition, and post processing.
Is it possible to get really vibrant colors or should I give up on that and focus on dreary, muted, or black ...
4
votes
4answers
301 views
Are there any situations in which it makes sense to raise the ISO in bright daylight?
Are there any situations in which it makes sense to raise the ISO in bright day light?
For example, this pic has been taken in bright day light with ISO 3200, f18, 1/1250: ...
3
votes
2answers
599 views
What lighting gear to get after my speedlight?
I recently got a Nikon SB-700, and after spending some time trying (and failing) to take some high-key b/w portraits, I am quickly realizing that I need to significantly modify the light, because ...
7
votes
2answers
263 views
How can I make effective use of single portable strobe with direct lighting for an event?
I've been tasked with some event photography this weekend. Although the event will be held inside, the color of the walls prevents me from using bounce flash, so I have to use direct flash with a ...
11
votes
3answers
996 views
How do I photograph coins with a glossy surface?
I am trying to photograph my coin sets. The coins are encased in a postcard-sized glossy paper that acts as mirror.
I need to position my camera exactly on top of the card coin set. Unfortunately, ...
5
votes
4answers
530 views
Does adding additional strobes cumulatively add to the flash power?
I've been reading articles that talk about using multiple strobes next to each other, all pointing in the same direction: as a means to add more light over what one flash can do.
Does the addition of ...
8
votes
4answers
393 views
To take my portrait photography to the next level, should I get a second flashgun or a monolight?
I am a hobbyist and using a Canon 600D with 50mm f/1.8 and 18-135mm lenses.
I bought 430EX-II flashgun, and it works great as off-camera flash with the 600D's built in transmitter. I also have a ...
18
votes
3answers
1k views
How to photograph smoke?
I have been trying to get images of smoke against a black background has anyone got any advice on the best way to do this and a good lens choice and lighting set up for the job.
7
votes
2answers
691 views
How to create a sparkle in the eyes of a portrait shot?
In this photograph I have been told, that the eyes are looking like "black pools", which I do realize now.
What should be an ideal placement of ONE artificial light source (lamp/flash), so that ...
11
votes
6answers
1k views
What is white or black “clipping”, and how does one avoid it?
I have been told that this photograph has "white clippings"?
What are they, and which light sources should be placed in what way to avoid that?
2
votes
3answers
130 views
Is an artificial external source of light required even with a low-noise high ISO range?
Is an artificial external source of light required even if you have a camera with a high range of effectively noiseless ISO?
Are there some special cases which "need" external lights, at all costs?
8
votes
6answers
538 views
What's a decent lighting kit for getting started with portraits?
I've done mostly nature photography up to this point but later this month a friend is having a birthday and she just had a daughter so I wanted to take some father/daughter portraits.
So now I'm ...
1
vote
2answers
181 views
Is there a good flash for which you can get an AC adapter?
I'm working on a lighting solution for my studio. All of the lights will be 100% stationary and I'm wondering if there's a way to get flashes that I can just plug into the wall instead of bothering ...
8
votes
3answers
3k views
What are the effects of umbrella size?
I keep seeing shoot thru an reflecting umbrellas in sizes around 33", 36", 42" and even larger. Many of the kits (stand, clamp, umbrella) I see around have the smaller size umbrellas. Strobist.com ...
3
votes
3answers
541 views
What are the possible artificial light “sources”?
Few which I know are:
Light bulbs with umbrellas.
External flash.
I have also heard about reflectors and diffusers. Under which conditions should they be preferred?
What are the other artificial ...
3
votes
3answers
942 views
How do I best take pictures of paintings?
I am thinking of purchasing a AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm F2.8 for my Nikon D5000 in order to shoot food and paintings.
Regarding paintings I am unsure how this should be done :
Lighting : pro'lly no ...
9
votes
3answers
7k views
What is flat light and how to counter that?
I have often heard people saying that the light in the picture X is appearing "flat". I want to understand what exactly does that mean, and what are the possible ways to counter that?
11
votes
3answers
2k views
How do I eliminate green-screen bounce?
I've got a vehicle green-screen room. Generally speaking, it works great. However, on candy-apple red there is a noticeable problem in post production:
See the green outline on the trunk and hood ...
4
votes
4answers
4k views
What non-studio lights are best for photography?
I don't have a studio, nor I want studio lights.
I am interested in knowing which "kinds" of light "bulbs" should I purchase for my "table lamp" for indoor photography?
Are there some particular ...
8
votes
2answers
446 views
How can I affect color of a water droplet shot?
Experimenting with water droplets today. Pretty fun! I'd like to ask how can I improve upon it. First of all a picture of the setup:
Water is contained within a plastic bag that is taped to a ...
1
vote
3answers
162 views
What flash unit should I choose for taking photos on a night boat cruise?
I'm going to a boat cruise tonight in London. With the following kit to choose from:
Nikon D7000
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8
Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6
Nikon SB-400
Yongnuo YN-465
I need to make a choice ...
4
votes
4answers
860 views
What's the best way to take cityscape photos on a night boat cruise?
I'm going on a boat cruise tonight in London. What's the best way to take photos of the riverbanks from the boat at night?
My kit includes:
Nikon D7000
Nikkor 35mm f/1.8
Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6
...
3
votes
2answers
407 views
What advice would you give for taking photos on a boat cruise at night?
Tomorrow I will be going on a boat cruise in the evening in London. I will no doubt be looking for photo opportunities on the boat, both of people, as well as the landmarks/surroundings. I'm pretty ...
1
vote
3answers
153 views
Alternative to 8-9' light stand, or a light stand extender?
I am shopping for a light stand and find that while 6'4" (200cm) stands are affordable, 8' (240cm) and 9' (260cm) stands are double the price.
Have you used any alternatives? I just want to be ready ...
4
votes
2answers
909 views
What is a light meter, how do I use one, and for what sort of digital photography do I need one?
What is a light meter?
How do I use one?
What sort of photography will fool a digital camera's meter? Hence for those you do need to meter.
11
votes
7answers
5k views
How do I properly do shadowless product photos?
My friend asked me to create a photo like this. I noticed that its shadowless and my first question is whether it was setup to be shadowless, or was it made shadowless in post? How many lights are ...
2
votes
2answers
771 views
How do the ePhoto and Cowboy Studio beauty dishes compare for a newbie learning the ropes?
I'm wanting to buy a beauty dish and I'm on a tight budget, I can't find reviews comparing the ePhoto vs Cowboy Studio Beauty Dishes and was hoping one of you might help me choose.
I'm looking at ...
11
votes
4answers
635 views
How were these “Mysterious Dutch Light” photos made?
I stumbled on this photo on flickr. The complete "The mysterious Dutch light" set has a strange feeling about it. I'm not even sure if it is a photograph or painting.
So my questions, what is so ...
1
vote
3answers
611 views
What lighting setup is used to get this skin glow effect?
What lighting setup would need to be used to get the glow on the skin as in the sample linked below? Not in photoshop, pantyhose or heavy oils, but the proper lighting? The skin is very well lit, with ...
8
votes
1answer
259 views
What steps do I need to take to deconstruct the lighting of a portrait?
In general, what steps should I take to deconstruct the lighting on a portrait that somebody else took?
Are there certain things I should look for that provide visual clues?
What can I look for ...
12
votes
4answers
469 views
Is there a difference between a large, far light source, and a small, close one?
As I was doing my reverse engineering of the lighting for this question, I wondered whether there's any discernable difference between a large light modifier far away versus a small light modifier ...
1
vote
0answers
255 views
What should I do to take good jewellery pictures with a Panasonic FZ45? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How can I capture both sparkle and detail when photographing jewelry?
I want to take good jewelry pictures with my camera (Panasonic FZ45). I currently have two stand ...
6
votes
3answers
459 views
When shooting a scene with a LCD or Plasma TV in it, is there a way to avoid a blueish tint on the screen?
I've been searching but I can't find relevant info. I'm actually filming, but figured the problem's still there in photography. I also don't know where else to ask.
Does anyone know what can be done? ...
6
votes
4answers
324 views
Is there a product which provides super-bright continuous light in a small package?
I met a friend of a friend last night who used to be a pro photographer. He had this gimmick that he said was kinda home-made by some shop owner in Singapore. I wish I took a pic of it, but I forgot. ...
9
votes
6answers
2k views
What is the best approch to photographing a mirror or other highly reflective surface?
I have been asked by a client to take some product photographs of some vintage mirrors that they would like to sell and I am struggling with getting good clear shots of the mirrors. As such, what is ...
1
vote
2answers
810 views
How should I position my lighting for photographing books?
This is my setup for photographing books:
.. but I have issues with glossy books and magazines. I need help understanding the best place to position the lights so it covers the entire cradle (120 ...
3
votes
3answers
349 views
How can I reproduce the style shown in this tea cup photo?
I tried the flash and ISO and the Aperture, but it's hard to produce such effect. I am wondering that is there any tricks here? Please suggest...
My camera is Canon 500D in M mode.
The picture is:
...
13
votes
7answers
545 views
What do I need to take really great shots of wedding cakes, including on-site?
First let me say I appreciate all answers and your time ... I just upgraded from a point and shoot (Olympus Stylus 7.1mp) to the Canon Rebel T2i and WOW am I excited and wow I just jumped into a big ...
8
votes
1answer
237 views
What continuous light technology gives light most suitable for photo lighting?
I have started to look around for a flashlight (a handheld torch, not speedlight) to selectively light scenes during long exposures, but the wide selection of technologies used in bulbs puzzles me. ...
5
votes
3answers
296 views
Why doesn't narrowing the aperture have the same effect as lowering the flash power?
I have a small doubt here. I'm no strobist and just got my first flash (Canon 430ex II Speedlight). While I was playing around, I found that narrowing down the aperture DOES NOT have the same effect ...
15
votes
5answers
2k views
How can I handle two extremely different brightnesses in the same picture?
I am the fresh owner of my first DSLR (a Canon EOS 600D, as far as I know called Rebel T3i in the USA). I'm a total newbie, and the camera is a lot smarter than me most of the time. But I'm trying to ...
0
votes
1answer
147 views
Advice needed for equipment and How-To material for taking pictures of items for ecommerce site? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What equipment is needed for a basic product shoot studio?
I have a DSLR camera and I consider myself a newbie photographer. I want to take photos of items like pottery, ...
5
votes
3answers
185 views
What should I do to prepare for a glass factory visit?
I will soon have the opportunity to visit a glass factory. Since I will likely not go there for a long time, I'd like to make sure I get the most out of my shots.
I hope to take pictures like this ...
16
votes
4answers
755 views
How does histogram shape affect the aesthetics of a picture?
For having more contrast in an image, it's good to have a wide range (i.e. difference between highest and lowest) of light intensities in a picture; and for keeping details, neither highlights nor ...
8
votes
2answers
256 views
Is there software which can identify the lighting in an existing photo?
Is there an application that will take a selected region of a photo, and return its estimate of the lighting parameters required to emulate the lighting conditions in the selected region of the photo?
...
11
votes
5answers
15k views
How to take pictures in a dark room?
I'm a total newbie to photography. I have a Nikon D90 and at the moment I'm trying to learn how to actually use it.
I've noticed that whenever I shoot in a dark room with the on-camera pop up flash, ...
