Studio Lighting More...
A very interesting question arose in our mailbag last month, it came from Paul Richards who hails from Queensland Australia. It's a simple question, but one that sent us into turmoil in the office.
Dear Eugene I have read and reread your articles on lighting, colour temperature of light, using a light meter, setting up studio lights etc. I can now say I certainly understand how light works, what it does and how to use my light meter, but there is one thing I still do not understand. Using light, what exactly am I trying to achieve? What I am using the light to do? Does that make sense. Yes I know how to position lights, but what exactly am I trying to make the light do????
We had to read this through several times before we understood what he was asking. It is true we have given you loads of information on how to use light, how to read it, how to make sure your film will read it the same as your eye. So you pick your spot, or in the studio set your lights up as you want them to fill the scene. The aim is a nicely lit model, clear and bright with no colour casts. Yet that's not what he is asking. Here we have moved on another stage. What we are talking about now is moving on to get the lighting so that it caresses your model, so it shows the curves and shape, making her 3D. Allowing the viewer to apperciate and enjoy the sensous curves and softness of her form.
Yet perhaps the question we should be asking with regard to glamour pictures is do we require art lighting. Obviously there can be no doubt a beautifully lit picture will stand head and shoulders above the rest, but getting too tricky with the lighting will detract from the subject matter.
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The best place to see and study subtle lighting in regard to glamour is the new breed of magazines for younger men. Usually they manage to aquire big name celebrities and the photo shoots are a very high standard. I have given you a very small selection that show a variation of style. |
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This last picture shows standard well lit studio work. |
We have covered lighting this way, that way and upside down, however without actually having you in the studio to show you, it's down to you. Even having one to one tuition, it will still come down to this one answer. The only answer to how to achieve different lighting effects is to practice, practice and more practice.
©Glamour Photo OnLine 2001
