A studio portrait using bright studio lamps to reflect the light mood.
Altering the lighting on a subject matter can create dramatically different photographic images. From creating dark, ominous shadows by using a single light, to creating warmly lit photos by utilizing several studio lamps and reflective umbrellas, lighting can be the key to creating different moods in images. Whether you are using a professional studio or your spare bedroom, using lights can make still life's dynamic, portraits evocative and product shots more professional. It may take lots of adjustment to get the effect you want. But through trial and error, you can create the shots you need in one day.
Instructions
1. Construct the backdrop stand and place the black muslin backdrop over the frame. Make sure that the muslin is of an equal length either side so that it does not slip off of the frame.
2. Affix the studio lamps to the lighting tripod by screwing them onto the fixtures at the top of the tripod. Plug the lamps into a power outlet. Attach the reflective umbrellas to the lighting tripod and open them up.
3. Set up the camera on the camera tripod. Place the photographic subject matter in front of the black muslin backdrop. Position the lights so that the lamps face away from the subject matter. Turn on the lamps. Move the lamps around to create a variety of different illuminations on the surface of the subject matter.
4. Use the camera to record images of the subject matter with the lighting in different positions. To create darker, moodier images, move the lamps further away and switch off one of them in the process. This will create more shadows and a dark atmosphere. To take pictures of the subject matter in a brighter more dynamic light, move the lamps closer towards the subject matter, illuminating all the sides.
5. To change the look and the feel of the photos, change the muslin backdrop from black to white. Repeat the shooting process of the previous steps. Move the lighting around to create more or less shadows.
