My Mate Tom

cyclone · #1 (**permalink**) 28-04-2008, 09:53 PM

Photographers Comments
I treated myself to some cheap lights today, see if I can work it out.
My mate gave me a hand setting up, while we were making adjustments the cat was making a racket and Tom took the mic out of him and I pressed the shutter at the same time.
I am struggling to blow the white BG out without blowing the subject out with it, if anybody has any tips then be my guest.
BTW I know this aint technically perfect at all, I just like it for some odd reason.

**Photo Phil** · #2 (**permalink**) 28-04-2008, 10:54 PM

Hi Merv,
it is all to do with position and f. numbers.
As an approx. guide the white BG should be lit approx 2 stops faster than the subject. The lighting should be arranged so there is no spill of light to fall on your subject from the BG light.
eg: If your main subject (model) is to be lit at f.5.6 then the BG should be lit at around f.11 This means that the BG light is 2 stops brighter than the subject. Once you have established the correct light falling on the BG then forget it and set your camera and main lighting for the main subject, eg. f.5.6 (This may sound confusing, but it is not really) LOL
attached is a very rough guide drawing, I hope it helps

cyclone · #3 (**permalink**) 28-04-2008, 11:19 PM

Cheers Phil,
not confusing and very helpfull.
I have 2 lights and was trying to cheat, looks like I'll have to use a reflector to fill and one of the lights to blow out the BG, until I can get hold of a 3rd light.

fayswon · #4 (**permalink**) 28-04-2008, 11:42 PM

can see why the cat was making a racket

cyclone · #5 (**permalink**) 29-04-2008, 03:35 PM

He's not usually this scary Fay lol.

Tedz · #6 (**permalink**) 29-04-2008, 04:05 PM

Tom is showing a look of pure constipation

Tco · #7 (**permalink**) 29-04-2008, 04:29 PM

NIce image merv. I'm not going to say anything about lighting yet buddy. I want to see how you progress under your own steam and by playing around. This is an excellent start.