Just sharing a little media content here brought to you by a killer Photographer named Chase Jarvis. Here he gets into a killer interview with the ever so popular Sir Mix-A-Lot. So take some time, get ya snacks and chill for an hour as these two guru’s share their insights.
When faced with the challenge of light, many of us photographers simply reach in our trusty camera bag and grab another strobe or two to throw more light at it. We accept the challenge and attack. I’ve been challenging myself lately to modify the light and add detail or texture and change the focus of the image.
Years ago, I was at a Marty Rickard seminar and was amazed at what he was doing with simple light modifiers; reflectors, mirrors and gobos. He could light up a barn at sunset and make it look like high noon. And on the flipside he could take full daylight and shape it, give it depth and texture and make it look like he was shooting at sunset in a wooded glen.
You can put as much production into modifying light as you like or keep it simple with one or two units to keep it fun. As far as light modifier we have many tools at our disposal:
In the example photo above I’ve used three different techniques to modify the light.
Photo 1, this is natural light coming through the window about an hour before sunset. Beautiful color and direction but a little harsh. While the dark shadow on Celia’s left cheek may be the perfect look for a leading man or athlete, it’s a little harsh for a girl of 11 years.
Photo 2, I added a white piece of foam core about 18 inches from Celia’s face, right next to her shoulder at 90 degrees to the camera. You can see how a simple reflector that cost less than $3 opens up the shadow and makes a more pleasing portrait.
Photo 3, a lace curtain is placed about 18 inches from Celia’s face and we still have the reflector to Celia’s left. I’ve done this before with brides using their lace from their veil projected on a seamless background. It’s a nice, low-cost alternative to projectors or focusable studio lights and templates.
Photo 4, I placed the same lace curtain about 6 feet from Celia with the reflector still on her left shoulder. You can see how this will soften the lines of the pattern on her skin creating fun and interesting shadows. Playing with and mixing patterns, distance-to-subject and opacity of the fabric can make the portrait unique and fun. The easy thing about this technique, if you’re using window light is that you can hang the lace from the window and double up the lace in spots with clips and lets you play with the texture and shadows without an assistant.
One of my favourite techniques is to use a honeycomb grid over a studio spot and use lace to project on my subject and use one or two gobos to feather the light managing the shadows with a little detail.
I look forward to seeing any images you may have with light modifiers.
Cheers,
~fotodog
Short Light vs Broad Light
In the example you see here, the photographer who shot this cowboy portrait, chose to use broad lighting, placing the light to photograph into the broad side of the face (or shooting into the cowboy’s ear). The image of the rollergirl was shot with a modified short light as depicted in the diagram.
Short lighting occurs when we place the light to photograph into the persons face – lighting for the back half of the face and the front side (closest to the camera) will fall into shadow.
In this example of the rollergirl, Pippi Van Whalen of the North Star Roller Girls we’ve modified the short lighting by placing a reflector on the shadow side to reduce the shadow just a bit.
The benefits of short lighting:
gives you great catchlights in the eyes. Makes ‘em sparkle
The ways to control the shadow:
Now don’t get me wrong, there are times when broad lighting is the best choice for the subject, but for portraits I’ve found the rule of thumb to ring true and use short light or modified short light for your best portraits.
I look forward to seeing your examples of short lighting.
Thanks and have a wonderful day!
~fotodog
I had a really cool blog post ready for you all today. I was typing it out after I wrote it out. While I was reading everything I typed I went to attach the image, the… GONE… All gone! My laptop battery went on me without any warning. Serves me right for not paying attention to the pop-up bubble warning! I’ll type it out later this week!
Have a Happy Easter Everyone!
Happy New Year from us here at Urban Grafix Designs & JayRodPhotos.com. May all the best you hope for work out well for you from here on out!
P.S. don’t tell Kelby that I’m using his 2010 balloons…LOL
We just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas to all. Be safe, party smart and thanks for being a part of our life.
