7
\$\begingroup\$

I've just about used every cent I can afford on my DSLR and an extra lens and a tripod and a friend of mine suggested I come along and do a casual photo shoot of two bands that are staying at her house in the next few weeks for some gigs in town. I was wondering if anyone had any cheap lighting tricks or gear they've gotten away with in case we get a bit more serious during the shoot?

For example, would a couple of cheap lights / flash lights be helpful as well as those black, grey or white sheets of material?

I've never done anything more than spontaneous non-portrait photography and wanted to at least have a few things I could try.

Improve this question
\$\endgroup\$

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
\$\begingroup\$

If you can borrow a camera mounted, TTL-enabled, flash (i.e. an external one, not the pop-up) that can point sideways/backwards it's pretty useful for some basic but effective improvement in lighting. A big white sheet or just the walls if they're light and neutral-coloured are great as reflectors — have them off to the side or behind you and you'll get some nice even lighting from one direction (and the TTL means you're not fiddling with settings/learning too much as you go).

Set up is particularly easy because you just need someone to hold the sheet and move it around a bit (no big lights on stands and power cords).

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
2
  • \$\begingroup\$ Thanks. Could you use something like a thick black bed sheet as a background at all or are there better materials to more fully absorb any flashes etc? \$\endgroup\$
    – Nick Bedford
    Sep 2, 2010 at 5:22
  • \$\begingroup\$ Can't say I've really done much with black backgrounds, but I'd imagine the more cotton/wool the less reflective it'll be... should be easy enough to try out well before you go too. If you've got a big enough black sheet, then putting it further away will mean it gets a lot less light on it and is also easier to make it out of focus so it blends together better, even if there is a little reflection. \$\endgroup\$
    – drfrogsplat
    Sep 2, 2010 at 7:11

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.