Questions tagged [studio-lighting]
From simple to complicated setups, if it involves the techniques and equipment necessary to artificially light objects or people within the studio environment, it is generally considered to be studio lighting.
218
questions
117
votes
1
answer
19k
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?
- 26.7k
84
votes
4
answers
84k
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?
- 26.7k
33
votes
6
answers
16k
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.
- 431
23
votes
3
answers
36k
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?
- 26.7k
21
votes
1
answer
2k
views
How do I create a (good) Hair Light?
My attempts at creating a hair light have been less than successful; I can get a hint of highlight but nothing like I see in the pro shots. What are the things that I should be adjusting in terms of ...
- 11k
20
votes
2
answers
28k
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?)
- 13.3k
20
votes
5
answers
9k
views
How can I photograph a reflective convex cylindrical trophy without reflections?
What I need to do:
Take a standard "Product Shot" of an old trophy/cup with writing on that doesn't look a complete mess thanks to reflections
What I have available to do it:
Two radio triggered ...
- 397
19
votes
2
answers
9k
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 ...
- 3,852
18
votes
2
answers
24k
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?
- 26.4k
17
votes
1
answer
24k
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, etc)...
- 26.4k
16
votes
3
answers
2k
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?
- 3,852
15
votes
5
answers
2k
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 ...
- 1,393
14
votes
2
answers
3k
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 ...
- 243
13
votes
7
answers
7k
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 ...
- 21.4k
13
votes
5
answers
4k
views
How do I get rid of this orange tint and reflection while keeping my label well lit and visible?
Image results and studio lighting set up
Linked are the images of my set up (2 grid strip boxes, 1 softbox, and using 3 x800 white lighting strobes). I'm using the large softbox as my background ...
- 133
12
votes
5
answers
3k
views
How to get started with strobes?
I have a Canon Rebel T2i With a Kit lens and a 50mm 1.8 prime with me. I want to get started with strobes. Now the thing is, I don't have any idea about all the stuffs I'd be needing like the remotes, ...
- 1,320
11
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Are mirrors viable as replacement for light sources?
I'm thinking about making a macro photo setup with many light sources (up to 10). It's not viable to buy 10 flashes, even cheap ones. It's more viable to buy 10 cheap lights, but it would lead to such ...
- 161
11
votes
1
answer
4k
views
What lighting effects do the various surfaces of a 5-way reflector produce?
I have a '5 Way Reflector' that I want to use in my photography, which includes the following 5 options:
Gold reflective
Silver reflective
Gold/silver alternating pattern reflective
White
Scrim/...
- 26.7k
11
votes
7
answers
10k
views
How does TTL flash work when there are multiple flashes?
I've been watching a lot of deconstructing videos on how the light is setup. Often times there are 2-3 flashes at the studio. The photographer will say that they are all set to TTL. But how does that ...
- 3,278
10
votes
2
answers
4k
views
What is a cyclo wall?
I've read photographers write about using a cyclo wall instead of a seamless background. What is a cyclo wall?
- 5,058
10
votes
2
answers
556
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 ...
- 7,378
10
votes
5
answers
4k
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. ...
- 201
10
votes
3
answers
13k
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 ...
- 11k
10
votes
1
answer
2k
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 ...
- 4,260
10
votes
2
answers
7k
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 ...
- 101
9
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Why is there a bright edge in my photos even though my studio lights provide even coverage?
I have shot in natural lighting before this. I am just getting started with studio lighting. I just got my Alien Bees Lighting hooked up to my Canon Rebel T3 with Cactus V6 II radios. It was a process ...
- 93
9
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Shooting glass product with embossment
Have been going crazy trying to wrap our heads around our problem for the past 2 weeks trying to find the right equipment settings, position our camera and lights for photoshoot. We need to take ...
- 191
9
votes
3
answers
7k
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?
- 10.9k
9
votes
1
answer
428
views
9
votes
2
answers
14k
views
What are the 5 basic lighting setups used in studio portrait photography?
In this great answer, the person explains “one of the 5 basic lighting setups used in studio portrait photography”—Rembrandt lighting.
What are the other four? Where should they be used? What are ...
- 4,388
8
votes
5
answers
21k
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 ...
- 26.4k
8
votes
4
answers
1k
views
How was this Penelope Cruz photo by Peter Lindbergh lit?
(published in this CNN article).
The catch light seems to show us a big window with people standing in front of it. But wouldn't window light produce a more flat lighting? There is a clearly visible ...
- 83
8
votes
5
answers
2k
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, ...
- 3,852
8
votes
1
answer
396
views
Photographing glass - light 'quality'?
I've read many articles on how to shoot clear glass objects. They seem to be very concerned with how you light it, but not so much how to determine the 'quality' of that light.
There also seems to ...
- 22.1k
8
votes
4
answers
644
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 ...
- 183
8
votes
1
answer
480
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
...
lou1221
8
votes
5
answers
648
views
Lighting on highly reflective surfaces - chromed Dobro guitar
TL:DR - is there a better/smarter/easier/more convincing way to light this?
I've taken on the challenge of photographing a friend's guitar collection.
I don't anticipate difficulties with most of it. ...
- 22.1k
7
votes
5
answers
3k
views
How can I keep light from reaching the background in low key photography? [duplicate]
I'm now at the point where I walk around and see light; its direction, strength, softness, casted shadows etc.
Now I'm almost at the point where I also understand it; i.e. the science behind what ...
- 327
7
votes
4
answers
19k
views
How can I get a pure white background in studio photography?
I am a natural light photographer that is venturing into studio/backdrop portraits at the request of some of my clients.
I have a portable studio for my needs with a white muslin backdrop.
I am ...
- 155
7
votes
1
answer
2k
views
High-Key Image Processing
I just came across a great photographer on Facebook and I was literally stunned when I looked over his albums. He had some portraiture work that I would call as "Freaking Awesome"! Here's the gallery:
...
- 1,320
7
votes
3
answers
464
views
Home Studio Exercises/Studies?
I have a basic home studio setup now, and I want to get better at using it. So far I've just been shooting away at the dog, and a couple stuffed animals.
I really don't have any feel for lighting ...
- 18.7k
7
votes
1
answer
1k
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?
- 2,013
7
votes
2
answers
2k
views
What does UV coating do for a flash tube?
For studio portrait lighting, is it better to have a UV coated flashtube, or a clear flashtube, and why? Does it make a difference what ambient light there is?
- 3,852
7
votes
1
answer
11k
views
What are the connectors like on a "standard light stand"?
I am trying to buy some equipment for placing a camera and some lighting over my desktop. And having no physical shops in range and no friends or places to go and ask, all my "research" is via the ...
- 225
6
votes
3
answers
827
views
What is the best setup to take skulls / bones pictures?
I need to take pictures of bones (about 40cm) for my study in anthropology but I have too much shadows under the bones, what is for you the best way to take this kind of pictures?
I have a DSLR ...
- 173
6
votes
4
answers
2k
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 (...
- 3,852
6
votes
5
answers
3k
views
How does the inverse square law relate to the softness of light for portraits?
I am a bit confused. I understand that if you want soft lighting for portraits, you need to use a large light source compared to the size of your subject. So, I thought by bringing the light source ...
- 61
6
votes
3
answers
612
views
Who was the first to introduce a beauty dish?
Who and when first introduced or used a beauty dish? Also known as a softlight reflector.
There's a lot of articles on the net on how to use a beauty dish, and on how it is important for fashion and ...
- 168
6
votes
5
answers
2k
views
How can I best photograph white powder so I can later cut it out of the background but keep natural shadows?
I need to photograph white powder in a circle shape and still retain the shadow.
I've tried photographing on different coloured backgrounds as shooting on white is too tricky to cut out. The ...
6
votes
2
answers
145
views
Understanding the lighting on Peter Lippmann's noble rot series
I'd like to understand how Peter Lippmann lit his noble rot series. The grapes are exposed but the light falls away towards the sides, to a very black background. Could anyone explain to me how he ...
- 61
Hot Network Questions
- unit converter (3 days of C#)
- Currency Converter (calling an api in c#)
- Tikz: Different line cap at beginning and end of line
- What is the best way to set up multiple operating systems on a retro PC?
- Moderation strike
- How to check if a string ended with an Escape Sequence (\n)
- Why is the 'l' in 'technology' the coda of 'nol' and not the onset of 'lo'?
- speech to text on iOS continually makes same mistake
- QGIS: Potholes, lengths and percentages
- Why is C++20's `std::popcount` restricted to unsigned types?
- Old style union and intersection symbols
- Meaning of exterminare in XIII-century ecclesiastical latin
- Does Intelligent Design fulfill the necessary criteria to be recognized as a scientific theory?
- Redefined `epsilon` to `varepsilon`
- "The Kaf" meaning in Greenmantle?
- Relocating new shower valve for tub/shower to shower conversion
- Is it bigamy to marry someone to whom you are already married?
- PostgreSQL partitioned table data model
- Can we use a custom non-x.509 cert for TLS?
- What were the Minbari plans if they hadn't surrendered at the battle of the line?
- Power sources on Babylon 5
- Playing a game as it's downloading, how do they do it?
- Testing closed refrigerant lineset/equipment with pressurized air instead of nitrogen
- Comma separated list replacement