 Lorraine Jones |
Using colored filters on an AC slave strobe I recently bought a background lighting kit from Backdrop Outlet (http://www.backdropoutlet.com/product_info.php?cPath=47_54&products_id=2205)that came with 4 colored filters (I read somewhere that professionals call these filters "gels" although they're actually plastic?). When I tested the light the first time using a red filter, I was able to achieve a red effect on a light grey background I was using. After that though, I just couldn't get the colors to show on my background. I don't know what happened. I thought when using these things, all you had to do was project the light towards your background and the background should change somewhat depending on what color filter you're using. I was so excited to get this light, but I can't seem to get it to work the way it's intended to. Has anyone here used this type of lighting, and can someone shed some light as to what's going on? I would appreciate it very much. Thanks in advance.
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Michael H. Cothran |
FYI - Years ago, these filters were actually made of gelatin, hence the term "gels." I believe your problem is that the light on the backdrop is simply not strong enough to register properly. The gels are going to rob your light of some power (maybe 2-3 stops), and the main light on your subject may be too bright in comparison. Try cutting down on your main light, or if it's stronger to begin with, switch lights. Michael H. Cothran www.mhcphoto.net
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BetterPhoto Member |
Lorraine One other thought in addition to Michaels: you need to make sure that none of your other lights are spilling on the background. If you are using a light grey background and trying to make it saturated in red, blue, green etc., you are making this light grey darker. So if your other lights are hitting the background they are washing out the color. Try shooting test shots of the background with only the background light with gels on it and adjust your backgroundlight power settings and/or f-stops until you have the desired effect. Make note of those settings, then bring in your other lights and make sure they dont spill onto the background.
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Lorraine Jones |
Hi, Michael and Charle. Thanks for the response, I was so excited to try all your suggestions; however, when I tested again nothing happened :-( My home studio has a northern-facing window and when I was doing my testing it's still pretty light out and I didn't use any of my lights--only the background light with gel and my flash gun. I tried to position the background light closer, farther, sideways to the backdrop but I still didn't get anything. I don't understand why the first time I tried it, I got it to work. I re-positioned the background light the same way I did the first time I got it to work and duplicated all camera settings, but still nothing. I only tested on the backdrop itself, no subject. Any more thoughts? Thanks so much.
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BetterPhoto Member |
Lorraine What is your f/stop shutter speed combination? I syour camera set to M for Manual or on A or P? Set it to M and set your shutter speed at the fastest flash sync speed that the camera can use. Probably it is between 1/60 - 1/250 depending on the model. Next and again using only the background light (you are synced to the background light so it flashes, right?) shot at f/4, 5.6, 8, 11, and f/16 and see if any have the desired result. Let me know what you get.
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Lorraine Jones |
Hi, Charlie. I have a Digital Rebel and I had it on P the first time I got the background light to work (1/60, 5.6). I tried your suggestions above but I still got nothing and the background light doesn't actually flash. I don't know...I am about to give up on this light. Have you tried my link above to see the kind of light I have? Maybe this one is just a cheap one which doesn't really work well? Thanks.
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BetterPhoto Member |
Lorraine I checked out the link and could find zero info about. If it is not a flash unit then of course it will not fire like a flash. I can only guess that you must have successfully achieved that first colored background by your camera taking a long exposure when set on P. Check out Alien Bees strobe lights. You can get the smallest unit for twice what you paid for that background light. I use White Lightnings who also make the Alien Bees and I like them so much I got WL to put together packages for my Lighting Course students at a discount. So I can highly recommend their products. Good luck finding the right solution.
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Lorraine Jones |
Thank you, Charlie. I am returning the item and will be looking at Alien Bees/WL. I guess you really get what you pay for :-)
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