Three light setup

For the weekend we did have a single portrait shoot setup but due to the snow coming in and road conditions that one got canceled.
We (Emma and I) had been viewing several online videos describing different light setups to create portraits.

One that we liked in particular is The classic three light studio portrait from Pro photo life. Jim Talkington has made several great videos you can find in their video library section.

The three light setup we were going to do would be something like illustrated below.

• One main light at 45/45 (meaning at a 45 degree angle to the camera and pointing down at a 45 degree angle). This main light will be setup to create Rembrandt lighting.


• One reflector for fill in to minimize the contrast.


• One hair light positioned opposite the main light.


• One background light to create separation between the subject and the background.

For each step (inspired by the video) we are taking a single shot to show the progress.

First we position the main light to create a Rembrandt style portrait.


Second we add the reflector on the right side of the subject. After adding the reflector the contrast can be modified by simply turning the main light. If more light fall on the reflector the contrast will decrease. If less light falls on the reflector (or the distance is increased) the contrast is increased.


Third we add the hair light opposite the main light also pointing down 45 degrees.


And last but not least we are adding the background light to create separation between the subject and the backdrop. In this case the backdrop is a grayish muslin but it could be a painted wall or paper as well.



After final light is placed and lights are adjusted the little model of course had to dash off to get a touch of makeup on. So after a good half hour of rummaging around the bathroom I was allowed to take a few more photos.



This setup can be adjusted to fit the subject(s) by fine tuning each light. The setup we did here is pretty sturdy and will give repeatable and consistent results. Now that we have the setup up and running I am planning to put a few markers to indicate where to position the lights in the future making the setup quick to establish next time an opportunity comes knocking on the door :-)

5 min studio shoot

With Halloween we had Uncle Dave and Aunt Linda visiting from Ohio (yeah that's a long drive).

So here is what happens when you have family see the portraits hanging just about anywhere and you are asked the question: "So you are doing those picture here in the house?".

Yep, scramble to do a 5 min setup hoping that you can wing it and get the light just about right in about no time.

With that in mind I did a kind of simple setup with the Alien Bee B800 in a octabox on camera right and the Nikon SB800 in a shoot through umbrella on camera left. A quick measure had the AB coming out with just under f/8.0 and the SB800 at f/5.6 or there abouts ;-)

Here is a drawing of the above description. Sooo much easier on the eyes ;-)



Ok first up is the toned and bw version of the sit down, look at me and ... smile



But that's no fun at all.... So of course there are a few others where it was actually fun and games. Somehow the "relax... this won't hurt a bit" doesn't always work ;-)

But here they are a little less formal.



Soo it was just about 10 min... but a fun 10 min :-)

A few from the studio

So I have been following the alien bee blog (http://www.paulcbuff.com/forums) for quite a bit and recently saw one topic where a simple light setup was the topic.

So had to give it a go and one should think I have enough girls around the house to try it out sometimes ;-)

After Jacki's interview I grapped a couple of quick shots. Here is one that illustrates the simple light setup worked out pretty good (even though I forgot the reflector). You can btw. find the specific topic here

Update Update Update



And here follows the "old" ones



Just for the fun of it I was experimenting with darkening the edges and well ended up adding an overlay with a highpass layer. What do you think?



Just as I was cleaning up tonite Emma got in and wanted a few photos. So we played around for a bit and just for good measures here is one of Emma and Mom playing around in the studio. Not close to perfect but I guarantee it's fun :-)

Studio lights

Found this one on setting up studio lights...
Pretty cool I would say. Now I just need the same space as in the test environment.

But check it out. Makes it look soooo easy ;-)
http://www.lowel.com/edu/foundations_of_lighting.html

Hey all

Here's the first test with a new light setup.


It is very nice having the chance to play with equipment that will get the job done right ;-)

Now I look forward to getting the Christmas pictures done and sending out cards to family and friends.

The setup consists of a white backdrop (botero) lighted by a Nikon SB-800 flash @1/2 power. front camera right I have a Alien Bee AB800 with a shoot through umbrella and everything is captured with my Nikon D70s teethered to a computer capturing the photos with Nikon Camera control and sending them directly to lightroom for a good preview.
Just in case you wanted the technical details ;-)