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Flat lighting
Old 03-15-2004, 12:21 PM   #6 (permalink)
riosun
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Shadows add depth to a photo.

Try using only one head in an umbrella or softbox and put it at an angle to the model. Say 45 degrees. Or imagine she's at the center of a clock and you are at six o'clock. Put your light at 7 or 8 o'clock or at 4 or 5 o'clock.

Resist the temptation to use a fill light. Just because you have a second flash head, don't put it out front. Use it above and behind her and point it at her head for a light to separate her from the background.

Oftentimes, we are so anxious to shoot, we just turn on the lights and start blasting. Take the time to experiment, move the lights around. Find a model who is patient and eager to learn with you. Wives and girlfriends are good for this. Children can be good for this (it's the only reason I can think of to have any ... other than having them fetch Uncle Bruce a Diet Mt. Dew from the fridge.)

Can't find a model? Get one of those styrofoam wig heads. Watch the lights on it's face. Or even just use an egg or a piece of fruit.

Steal ideas from the people on this forum and others. That's what they're all doing.

Study Old Masters paintings and watch how they use light. Most of them used window light. With a flash system, you can move your "window" wherever you want.

Bruce
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