 Pete H |
Why Studio Lighting? I don't often ask questions here; but now I have one. LOL Is it just me, or does there seem to be a lot of questions concerning studio lighting lately? Maybe it's the winter weather keeping many indoors? What to buy? I won't pick on anyone or mention names; though after reading these posts; I look at their galleries. Perhaps I'm old fashioned in my teaching methodology; perhaps not...but I think it a very bad idea to attempt studio lighting w/o some solid foundation and success in natural light. I've taught studio photography to a few, but not until they understood some basic concepts such as Exposure, light types, form of light, color of light, shadows, modeling, DOF, grain/noise, reflectors, diffusers, scrim etc..etc... Studio lighting is not complex; (neither is calculus) but w/o an understanding in these basic concepts, it will no doubt overwhelm someone who starts there. I have no intention to open a can of worms here, but C'mon, let's be honest here a minute. How often do we see questions like; "Why does the skin look pasty? How far should I place my lights? How high? What angle? How many? What color should the walls be? Why is my subject blurry? How do I get rid of reflections in eye glasses? Why is the color off? Soft box or umbrella? How many watts? Yada..yada..yada Practice and a study of natural light would have answered all these questions. My friends; if you are fairly new to photography; allow me to be bold...Stay away from studio lighting for a while; you'll be glad you did for a host of good reasons. Pete
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W. Smith VIII |
"Why studio lighting"? For the same reason some people have their car pimped with 'aggressive striping': it makes them feel like Michael Schumacher (while they usually can't even properly park a pram in a garage!). It's also good for a hearty laugh now and then.
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- Dennis Flanagan Contact Dennis Flanagan Dennis Flanagan's Gallery |
I don't see a correlation between studio and available lighting. To me, that's comparing apples and oranges.
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Debby A. Tabb |
Godd Day, After years of this I beleive it is just easier for people to just ask instead of research. And though I understand this I wonder why they don't realize that it much more time consuming to REWRITE all the info that goes into discussing lighting . Thats why I just keep copying and pasting links to the Studio Photography Thrads. And Just FYI, I had someone write me with more questions(which I usually don't mind) But when I asked "I sent you a link to a thread that all these answers and suggestions,didn't you read it?" Her responce to me was"I don't have time to read all that?" "I figured I'd just ask you again" I also believe it has alot to do with all those wonderful Holiday Toys as well. Have a great day, Debby
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Oliver Anderson |
I believe Pete is referring to me and my work...jk I get calls from friends that buy kits and just ask me to tell them what to do so they can start shooting right away.hahaha I have a friend that even bought ProFoto (I'm gonna buy that later this year since he hasn't used it in 4 months). There are positives to inexperienced people getting in over their heads unfortunately.
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Pete H |
"Her responce to me was"I don't have time to read all that?" "I figured I'd just ask you again"" yep..There it is Deb. Many just don't want to put in the effoprt any longer. I often think I am doing little to really help these people if I answer one of these questions. To the contrary; I am most likely contributing to their continuance of poor photographic skills and further reinforcing their lack of desire to do any real work. Hmm?
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John H. Siskin |
Granted it would be nice if everyone really understood their camera before they turned to studio lighting. However that is not going to happen. Some people are only really interested in portraiture. They will get to studio lighting quicker. I often have to work harder with students who are not well prepared for a lighting class. But, this is important, that is what they pay me for. Thanks, John Siskin
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Pete H |
John, I understand your point, however; "Some people are only really interested in portraiture. They will get to studio lighting quicker." They may well "get" to it quicker, though I fear their understanding of it will either take much longer or lack essential understanding for future learning growth. I can take anyone with no photographic knowledge whatsoever, ( I bet you can too)... give them a camera, some light gear, draw a few diagrams and provide them with a step by step to take a great portrait. What have they learned? Probably very little. I am not an advocate of (cookbook) setups..To me it is not teaching; it is mimickry. (sp) I feel I am a pretty good shooter. I as well as many here have paid their dues with hours in a dark room, shooting WITH regard to film use, reading and researching good shooting techniques and yes, trying to mimick the masters etc...Perhaps we (I), object to this instant on genseration that is exploding on the scene with far less than acceptable work. I maintain, even people interested only in portraits, should start with natural light, reflectors etc; so when they arrive in time to the studio setting, they will be much better prepared. Besides, outdoor portraits can really rock! This analogy may be a little excesive, but if I desire to drive at Indy, I will certainly not jump into a car, pay my entry fees and drive 200 MPH at the brick yard. The (why not) is easy. No experience and I would probably kill myself. Also, the professional people who oversee this race have a responsibility to others. We as professionals should be held to similar standards of responsibility in coaching, mentoring and teaching upcoming shooters to insure a quality crop of new photographers. I think new photographers "drive into the wall" themselves when they jump into studio lighting w/o proper understanding in fundamentals.. It may be my opinion, but I have seen this happen, and bet you have too.
Pete
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Oliver Anderson |
I will certainly not jump into a car, pay my entry fees and drive 200 MPH at the brick yard. The (why not) is easy. No experience and I would probably kill myself. The entry fee to the Indy 500 is only $15,000, but the engines to for the cars is $300,000+. The cars are totally safe so you essentially would live after riding too high into the turns during time trials....what I'm saying is you would be better off spending the money on Studio Lighting Equipment...like ProFoto, Broncolor or Normans
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John H. Siskin |
Except for the movie King Ralph, I can't remember hearing of a terminal lighting experience. Thanks, John Siskin
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W. Smith VIII |
""I don't have time to read all that?" "I figured I'd just ask you again" People with an attitude like that apparently and extremely stupidly think arrogantly that they can (ab)USE you as a little slave.
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