First Self portriat with AB800 C&C please

[boywonder27]

Well this was my first use of 3x AB800. 1x AB800 Front with large Photoflex softbox 1x AB800 Med Softbox 45 degress to left of camera 1x AB800 pointed at backdrop.

Used bleached white Muslin Fabric bought from Jo-Anns 9' x 15' $29.00

Questions:

1) How to get ride of rinckles in fabric to make seamless.

2) I used Sek-359 meter, with radio transmitter for my PW. When metering with meter do you have to meter each strob first, meaning turn one on the others off and take reading? or Can I point the meter at the strob with the dome recess with all strobes on and meter? Then use the dome extended point at camera for my appature reading.

First pic: Canon 40D Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 lens, f/11 1/125 ISO 100, Main AB800 meter @f/11 2nd AB800 metered at f/8.0, 3rd AB800 full power at backdrop with ROCCO blue Gel

Second Pic: Canon 40D with Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 lens, Main AB meter @f/8, 2nd AB800 meter @f/5.6, 3rd AB800 pointed at back drop meter at f/5.6

[bvaughn4]

Hey BW

I'm pretty variable when it comes to metering. Sometimes, I "block" the fill light while metering the main and vice versa and sometimes I turn them off. You should acquire a knack for it soon. Unless I am mistaken, I believe the dome should be up for all measurements. Check the manual. I think it says using it in the recessed position is primarily for copy work. I may be remembering incorrectly.

Good luck.

[boywonder27]

I thought it was dome out for all readings, but saw someone do it with recess, I will have to check

[boywonder27]

If my main light (key light) is metered at f/8.0, what should my fill light, and my background light with gel be meter at?

I understand it depends on how drastict you want contrast to be, but for general ballpark? I am curious how to how much I should meter background light with and without a gel?

[Jim K]

If you're trying to get the blown (white) b/g, this is my method and it works for me. You want your b/g to meter 2/3 to 1 full stop above your main. I start metering my b/g lights (2 x AB800s) one at a time for about f/11. Turn one on, then the other, but separately. After metering the b/g separately for balance, turn them both on and re-meter. It should now be about f/13 or so. Turn them off and go meter for your subject. I try for about f/8 for the main most of the time. If you're using a fill, go for about f/6.3 depending on your modeling.

When that's done, turn on everything and try a test shot while metering at your subject. At this point, I'm usually at f/9 or so. Set you camera to manual; 1/250 @ f/9 and shoot. It should be very close. These readings give you a full stop between the main and the b/g. You can fine-tune from there.

Good luck...

[boywonder27]

Thanks Jim, I will try that next again. I also have seamless paper, but was trying to use the Muslin Fabric from Jo-Anns do to it is easier to carry and pack.

[boywonder27]

This is were I saw using the L-358 you can meter each light with the dome recess by pointing at the strobe to measure, and do not have to tun off the other strobes. I knew I saw it somewere. I always metered one at a time, with the others off.

Her is the link: http://www.studiolighting.net/digital-photography-one-on-one-e002-using-a-light-meter/

Not sure if this is the right or wrong way.

[bvaughn4]

This is from the Lumisphere website and the L-358 instruction manual located here:
http://www.sekonic.com/images/files/L-358.pdf

1. Incident light measurements can be performed with the lumisphere fully extended or in the retracted position. You can switch between Lumisphere in the up position or retracted position by firmly rotating the Lumisphere retracting ring q until it clicks.
2. When the Lumisphere is raised
This is used to photograph people, buildings, and other three dimensional objects.
Measurements are basically made by the method of measuring with the lumisphere aimed in the camera direction (more precisely, in the direction of the light axis of the lens) at the position of the subject.
3. When the Lumisphere is lowered (flat diffuser function)
This is used to photograph manuscripts, paintings or other flat copy. It can also be used for measuring illumination levels (see page 25), or brightness difference (see page 23).
Lumisphere Retracted Lumisphere

[boywonder27]

Yes, I re-read the manual, and it says to measure with each light separte, with all other sources off and dome retracted. Then once all done dome extended and pointed toward camera and measure for your f stop.

[galladanb]

boy wonder, greetings from Tenn...

My 2 cents worth...

You can use a steamer on the wrinkles and then use some method of
tightening on the drop horzintally, I use six total, 3 per side...

Also, your subject needs to be 5 or more feet from the drop for shallow
DOF to mininmize backdrop wrinkling and sharpness...

I might also suggest that you lower the power output of the AB's so that
you can open up yourapeture for even less DOF! It works for me most of the time.

Of course, you can always use PS masking and Guassian blur in post processing,
gives a lot of extra control...