Tagged Questions
8
votes
2answers
200 views
Does this RGB-patterned reflector have benefits for digital photography?
B2Pro has announced a parabolic umbrella reflector for photographic lighting. The surface of the umbrella is printed with a hexagonal array of red, green, and blue spots:
The manufacturer makes the ...
0
votes
2answers
120 views
How do i set up lighting to photograph a bunch of shoes for a website?
I have a couple of shoes I need to shoot- what would be the most effective way to set up my lights to get well lit products. Many of the shoes are highly reflective which adds an additional challenge ...
10
votes
4answers
182 views
Having difficulty lighting various reflective product packaging- use dulling spray?
Beginning photographer, first post- I'm trying to merchandize and shoot a product composition with a lot of beef jerky packages. The crinkly reflective packaging is proving really difficult to light. ...
7
votes
1answer
368 views
How can I light someone to make him look evil or Machiavellian?
What would be the best way to use light to make someone's face look evil, creepy or Machiavellian?
4
votes
3answers
431 views
How would I setup a portrait of a boxer like these?
A friend of mine has asked me to do some promo shots for a boxer he knows.
It's not usually my style, but I have been researching types of shots and wondered how to go about getting these types of ...
6
votes
1answer
369 views
What is the difference between active and passive fill light?
What is the difference between an active and a passive fill light? I have an assignment that states to "use active or passive fill light" in a picture, but I need some clarification to understand what ...
7
votes
5answers
4k views
What's the technical difference between artificial and natural light?
Comments like this one got me wondering...
Assuming two light sources of equal size and relative intensity (let's say as an example monolights and the sun) and assuming that you're shooting raw to ...
1
vote
1answer
110 views
What does “Open-N-Use” mean?
In the description of a softbox kit it says "Open-N-Use as studio umbrella. More convenient than traditional soft box." What does that mean exactly?
Here's the product
...
1
vote
2answers
321 views
What Kind of Lighting Rig is This?
I saw this lighting rig on a music video and it has had me intrigued as to what it is called. I am looking into building one but I would like to do more research before I jump into anything.
It looks ...
2
votes
2answers
320 views
How to do lighting for product photography of scrapbooking stuff?
I have tried to do some simple product photographing. It is mainly some scrapbooking stuff my wife has produced, like candles and gift cards. Up until now I have been using my Nikon SB-700 for ...
1
vote
2answers
1k views
How do I light a full length portrait?
I've built a basic home studio that includes a gray paper backdrop, 3 speedlights, 2 light stands with umbrellas, a tripod (to use for self shots or as an extra light stand if in a pinch), and some ...
3
votes
4answers
625 views
How can I get good results from a one-light portrait setup?
Is there an optimum one light setup in terms of lighting the subject, providing fill (i.e through reflectors) and possibly lighting the background as well?
If you are armed with only one light, how ...
4
votes
1answer
740 views
How much distance between subject and backdrop?
When photographing a subject in front of a backdrop, how much distance should there be between the two?
Just wondering if there is standard rule (I've heard some say at least 6ft) or if it's ...
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.
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 ...
2
votes
2answers
204 views
How bright should a flash be?
Is it common/wise to invest in multiple flashers for different situations or can you use one given it has enough intensity? Another way to read this is: can a flash be too bright?
9
votes
4answers
3k views
What software can I use for 3D lighting simulation?
I've got a shot in mind that's going to require precise lighting (sources & angles).
I'd like to do a lighting simulation. I want place objects & light sources in some sort of 3D virtual ...
5
votes
2answers
267 views
Flash gun or some other light source?
I'm looking for some piece of advice from more advanced fellow photographers with regards to the artificial 'daylight' sources.
I'd like to be able to some pictures of kids at home. Unfortunately the ...
6
votes
5answers
4k views
What should I consider when choosing continuous lighting vs. strobes for studio photography?
If one were to want to get started with studio photography (I'm thinking things like portraits, headshots, perhaps pets, etc) what would be the considerations in choosing whether to go with continuous ...
12
votes
1answer
5k views
What are standard lighting setups for 2-3 people?
What are some standard lighting setups for two or three people in a group? I just can't think of non-complicated setups that would apply some previously discussed (short, broad, butterfly, split, ...
9
votes
1answer
363 views
What are the difference between using a pack and head system versus monolights?
Among mains-powered lighting systems, you can either get a kit with a central power pack, and attached heads, or monolights, each with its own power supply.
What are the advantages and disadvantages ...
14
votes
2answers
4k views
What is a kicker?
In lighting, what is a kicker and when should I use it? (And is it any different from hair light?)
7
votes
3answers
3k views
What is clamshell lighting, and when should it be used?
I've heard of Clamshell Lighting. What is it, and when should it be used?
19
votes
3answers
6k views
What is butterfly lighting, and when do I use it?
I often hear the term 'Butterfly Lighting' used when discussing high-fashion and glamor photography. How do I set up Butterfly Lighting, and when do I use it?
13
votes
1answer
4k views
What is split portrait lighting?
Ok, so I got interested enough in the other lighting setups, what is split portrait lighting and when is it appropriate to use?
45
votes
4answers
27k views
What is Rembrandt lighting, and when do I use It?
I often hear studio photographers talk about 'Rembrandt Lighting' when they're setting up lights and doing studio portrait photography. What is Rembrandt Lighting, and when do I use it?
61
votes
1answer
5k views
In portrait photography, what is 'broad' lighting? What is 'short' lighting?
What are 'broad' and 'short' lighting when it comes to studio portraiture, and when should I use each?
8
votes
1answer
401 views
How do I compare these two lighting systems?
I'm looking into getting a light system.
I have been reviewing the light packages on the Elinchrom website, and mostly looking at the D-Lite 4 vs the Quadra Ranger. Besides the price, I would like
...
8
votes
1answer
262 views
6
votes
4answers
796 views
How do you set the power for a flash in manual mode?
How do you calculate the flash power fraction, assuming you want to keep constant the other variables of ISO, aperture, and distance from subject to flash?
The Guide Number formula for a flash ...
13
votes
2answers
3k views
What is “feathering” a light?
When I read instructions about lighting setups, I often see reference to to "feathering" this or that light.
I have some ideas what that means: for example, I imagine taking a flashlight and ...
10
votes
2answers
1k views
What lighting equipment do I need for a high contrast portrait photo?
I am an amateur photographer, and I have little to no experience in shooting studio photos. There is one subject in particular that interests me more than others in that area - high contrast portrait ...
6
votes
5answers
603 views
How do you light the background for chroma key work?
How do you use flashes to achieve an even, well-lit background when photographing a subject against a green or blue chromakey background? One flash, two? What position? What about light modifiers, ...
11
votes
3answers
701 views
Why do hotshoe flashes use fresnel lens, but studio strobes do not?
I notice that hotshoe flashes (e.g. Nikon SB-800) typically have a Fresnel lens system to focus the light, but studio strobes (e.g. Photogenic Powerlight 1250) do not. What's up with that?
13
votes
5answers
565 views
What are the pros and cons of using an optical trigger for external lighting?
I have been reading up on the different kinds of lighting kits out there. I read about using optical triggers for external lighting kits. This would allow me to use my on-camera flash (or a mounted ...
