BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Cool Lights (constant light)

	Angie Shutter priority, F/5, ISO 200, Cool flo constant light, no flash Jeff P.

the problem I am having with using the umbrellas is the photos seem dull looking. Here is an example
http://www.vcomm.net/agirl.jpg

I used 2 umbrellas, camera is canon 20D with the US 28-135mm IS lense.

Are the cool lights just not good enough? the umbrellas are black inside, did not use a liner.

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June 09, 2006

I have never owned or used the new compact florescent lighting equipment. I like the idea because it is not possible to exactly see what and how you are lighting, with electronic flash. Electronic flash equipment requires a modeling lamp system. This is a small incandescent lamp installed adjacent to the flash tube. It's on all the time and helps you position and adjust the lighting. That being said, nothing yet beats electronic flash, it is the indispensable staple our industry. I am also doubtful that compact florescent output a light that will be fully compatible with modern films and sensors.

However, none of that is your problem. You need more zip and to achieve this you need to adjust your lighting a little.

1. Fill is placed near the camera at camera lens height. Do not allow this lamp to stray much from this position; you are filling shadows from the cameras prospective. The umbrella modifies the light by causing it to radiate out from a broad source which is highly diffused. This makes the fill location far less critical. OK to move fill to the left or right to avoid casting a shadow of something (camera etc.) on the subject. Fill must be subordinate. Adjust to be weakest by placing it further from subject than the main. With meter, adjust it to be one f/stop dimmer. This establishes a 3:1 light ratio. Next setup, move it further back so that it is two f/stops dimmer. This establishes a 5:1 ratio. Next three f/stops dimmer, this is 9:1. The 5:1 is probably best for your type of work, the 9:1 may be a little too dramatic.
2. Now place the Main high and off to the side. The work you are doing will require careful attention to main placement. Lighting the face is one thing, lighting the whole body is another. Start with the main set high. Thy thinking about the scene as if you were a fly on the ceiling looking down. The subject is at the center of a clock. The camera is at 6 O’clock. Place the main at 8 O’clock or 4 O’clock. Fill is 7 or 5 O’clock.
3. Buy an extra bulb or two and place it behind the subject, blocked from the camera view. This lamp moved toward or away from the background will set the background shade (light or dark).
4. In camera metering, unless you use as gray card target, will tend to render the skin tone too dark. Adjust exposure by trial and error for a better tone.

Try some shots with the main umbrella removed. You might be suprised by teh resuslts.

Alan Marcus
ammarcus@earthlink.net

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June 10, 2006

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June 10, 2006

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August 02, 2006