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A couple of my students have asked me to post this article. They have assembled and used the following lighting arrangements with some great results.
The key to getting good ‘modelling’ from a photographic lighting set up is to get the light source off the camera, be able to move its position and to be able to modify the light. For most portrait and figure work this means softening the shadows a little.
Developing and equipping a professional studio can be very expensive, the equipment I use for teaching has probably cost me in excess of £20,000 GBP over the years, and that does not include the running costs of the studio. This is beyond the means of most people, and far beyond the means of a typical student. Therefore I was asked to source and assemble the ‘cheapest’ equipment that I felt could give reasonably professional results.
The outcome of the project was a portable, inexpensive and flexible system that cost us £57.00 GBP (around $100.00 USD) or under £300.00 GBP ($500.00 USD) including a DSLR! Don’t get me wrong, the system has severe limitations and drawbacks, but does give pleasing results for the 6 main lighting set ups. Either for portrait or figure work.
BE warned there are a few images containing non-explicit nudity in this instructable. Please do not continue if you are likely to be offended by this material.
The image of Jess below was shot using this set up.
The key to getting good ‘modelling’ from a photographic lighting set up is to get the light source off the camera, be able to move its position and to be able to modify the light. For most portrait and figure work this means softening the shadows a little.
Developing and equipping a professional studio can be very expensive, the equipment I use for teaching has probably cost me in excess of £20,000 GBP over the years, and that does not include the running costs of the studio. This is beyond the means of most people, and far beyond the means of a typical student. Therefore I was asked to source and assemble the ‘cheapest’ equipment that I felt could give reasonably professional results.
The outcome of the project was a portable, inexpensive and flexible system that cost us £57.00 GBP (around $100.00 USD) or under £300.00 GBP ($500.00 USD) including a DSLR! Don’t get me wrong, the system has severe limitations and drawbacks, but does give pleasing results for the 6 main lighting set ups. Either for portrait or figure work.
BE warned there are a few images containing non-explicit nudity in this instructable. Please do not continue if you are likely to be offended by this material.
The image of Jess below was shot using this set up.
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Signing UpStep 1The Camera
What you need to have in advance .....
Pre-requisites: You will need a working space of at least 10 feet by 10 feet, with a plain wall or background as your back drop. You will also need a camera capable of fully manual operation with a standard ‘hot-shoe’ fitting.
We bought a second user Fuji S2 Pro with a 28-105 mm zoom lens for £150.00 GBP( around £200.00 USD). Other brands are available at this price second user for a 6-7 Mp DSLR.
This will give excellent results, using any of the major brand names.
Pre-requisites: You will need a working space of at least 10 feet by 10 feet, with a plain wall or background as your back drop. You will also need a camera capable of fully manual operation with a standard ‘hot-shoe’ fitting.
We bought a second user Fuji S2 Pro with a 28-105 mm zoom lens for £150.00 GBP( around £200.00 USD). Other brands are available at this price second user for a 6-7 Mp DSLR.
This will give excellent results, using any of the major brand names.
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-Olaf