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Originally Posted by Nikonfreak
What I'd really like to see more of is if you guys are posting an image and showing results, I'd love to know what the lights metered out to individually and collectively...settings for strobes, etc.
Some of what we see here is personal preference and the photographer's own style; however, it'd be good to also know the distance from the light / reflector to the subject that was used in the creation of the image as well as the height of the light source. This especially when using strobes and showing diagrams....
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I'll try and remember to include some set info every now and then, Your right, it's really helpful to see how different shooters solve problems and achieve results. With respect to ratios and distances, I don't really measure them on the actual takes. I check them as I prepare the set to get in the ballpark and then move, flag, scrim and feather the lights to get the light and shadow play I want.
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Originally Posted by Nikonfreak
I also like to see the effects of whether or not shadowing plays a part of the image...where it's thrown, in or out...etc. Why...
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Duuuuude! For my money, shadow is as important as light. One of the things that makes us photographers is the ability to see and anticipate the effects of shadow on a subject. I'm preaching to the choir though aren't I... I've seen your web portfolio, you understand the value of shadow as well as anybody. I think your statement/question is rhetorical rather than interrogative.
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Originally Posted by Nikonfreak
In the thread of the "building light" setup, I was curious as to why the preference for the rim lights vs just putting a light on the backdrop to create the separation of the model's hair rather than creating hot spots on the hair. For shots like this I have a preference for a softer look and avoidance of too much light to create a sexier look to the image.
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In that thread, I think he was going for a technically inclusive shot to illustrate some concepts. Rim lighting seems to be a popular technique with glamor, not so much for the background separation as for the interesting highlights it adds to the shadow side. I see it as a trick in the bag to get a more professional looking image... like a hairlight. It does make images all look the same though if it's overused.
I've been wanting to try some softer, actually, very soft looks on head shots to get that exquisite look you see from some of the really great beauty photographers. I like soft too.
One of the best things about forums like this is learning how other photographers translate the visions in their heads to recorded images ... there seems to be no limit on creative lighting and photography. The more we share, the more we advance technique and ultimately elevate photography as art.
Chip