Umbrella or Softbox - Video

Last week our video was about a one light setup. Well maybe you really liked the idea of exploring studio lights? Next you would have to decide if you want to try an Umbrella or a Softbox to start. Here is a little video to help give a little better explanation of the differences between Umbrella's and Softboxes.



Want a more in depth reference? Try this POST!

One Light Studio Setup - Video

I know that most of you are natural light photographers and don't get me wrong, so am I but I also think it's important that we still understand studio lighting as well. Sometimes I get the feeling that some photographers are trying to claim this whole idea that studio lighting in the equivalent of socks in the bra and they are just blessed to be all natural when in reality they just have no idea how to stuff their bra properly. Well, for all you flatty's (I can say that because I've been referred to as mosquito bitten, flat-as-a-board, and a member of the I.B.T.C. ) who want to learn the correct stuffing techniques, here is a video for a simple one lighting set-up. 

Here is a link directly to You Tube in case you are having trouble viewing this.

Sunny 16

With summer just around the corner there's going to be a lot going on under the bright sun.  To ensure you're always properly exposing those sunny shots remember the Sunny 16 Rule.  With the sunny 16 Rule you'll never need to carry around a light meter.  When the sun is at its harshest set your aperture to f/16 then change your ISO and shutter around the same number, and for a bright day that number would be around 100.  So Aperture f/16, ISO 100, 1/100 or 1/125.  This rule came about with film.  Because you bought your film with a predetermined ISO you couldn't change it so if you needed more light you could only compensate with your aperture and thus changing your shutter speed.  Here is a chart to help us remember what proper settings to use when it's bright and sunny out.  I know if we can remember these formula's we can take more properly exposed photos, in a timely manner and then we can stop having to check our camera after every couple of shots to make sure our photos look good.  We'll just know it does.  And while we remember these numbers that work, going out and shooting will always be the best way to get better.

Lighting 101 by Leroy Hamilton

So I know you've all been jealous that we were the lucky gals who happened to be on the escalator with Leroy Hamilton at WPPI, well we're sharing the love today! Here's a little bit of learning from the master... 

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This image was created with natural light. No added reflectors, just the light bouncing around in my backyard. Spots like this are out there everywhere. The trick is to find them. The rest is easy photographically.

Same subject. This time with studio light. One umbrella to camera left and another light inside a  Lastolite HiLite Illuminated Background. This is a great tool when you want a high key look and only have a limited space to work in. The subject can be a foot away and still no shadow on the background.

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... And that's how Leroy lights it! I'm totally spoofing off of Glee, did anybody get that cause I thought it was hilarious! If you found this at all helpful, please take a minute and leave a comment to say thank you to Leroy!