I love shooting in natural sunlight. Unfortunately, since I work in the daytime, I do most of my shooting in the evening. For lights, I angle regular lamps with plain old bulbs to get as much light as possible. However, this method is quite flawed and causes numerous problems. I would like to buy a simple, easy to use and maintain light for shooting, but I get so overwhelmed when I look into it because there are so many different kinds and a bunch of technical stuff that flys over my head. Any recommendations for nice quality, simple and not too outrageoously priced lighting? THANKS!
Posted by Toetapper (Member # 6473) on :
What? No advice from anybody?? I was rather hoping that I might pick up a couple of pointers for myself!
Posted by Hal (Member # 3484) on :
I could give you advice but don`t know how to express myself technically in English. Sorry. (I live in Germany and have special lighting in my studio...but don`t even know the English term for it)
-Hal-
Posted by sofatater (Member # 4209) on :
maybe try bouncing the light off of white poster board. Not the shiny stuff just the flat matte finish. It will evenly disperse the light. I'm not a professional but, Hal might be referring to something like that. Defused lighting ????? Just trying to help. It's been 20+ years since I've done any semi serious photography.
Posted by HailyWood (Member # 25294) on :
I was wondering if anyone would ever respond to this. Thanks for trying guys:) Now that summer is rolling around I am content with natural light. But I would eventually like to pic up a light that can give the same effect as natural sunlight.
Hal - if you happen to see the type of light you use while online sometime, I would love a link!
Posted by RPM (Member # 2895) on :
well.. though i take pro like pics (from time to time). i'm not a pro in that i don't have a studio myself or work in one.
that disclaimer aside.
there is one of those new bulbs that are very energy efficient at home depot that reproduces a rather nice light. depending on the camera, it will throw the color a bit blue or green.. but that can be easily adjusted for in photoshop.
the bulb ranges from 5 to 15 bucks depending on the expected life span. i've used this with a metalic reflecting housing (5 bucks) and it has helped me in my earlier days of shooting.
also.. when pressed.. i do use my flash rather extensively, but bouncing the light off a white surface.. and adjusting the white balance of the camera for the flash. (many of my posted pics are that way). <the white balance adjustment for the home depot bulb works the same way too>
sadly, because i'm writing this super late at night (around midnight) and i've got to get up in less than 4 hours.. the name of the bulb and make is escaping me.
sorry i didn't reply earlier.. but i rarely visit this part of Wu's.. ......
hope this helps a bit.
RPM
p.s. the sunscreen used in cars have great reflective surfaces to disperse light. you can use a white one like that, plus that bulb.. and that will help with evening shoots without complicating things such as studio lights.
Posted by Toetapper (Member # 6473) on :
Thanks for the start, RPM.
Any advice out there for those of us who are amateurs and armed with a modestly good digital camera? If I'm going to share a picture, I want it to be satisfying for those who take the time to view it.