I have been moving my flowers all over the place to take advantage of light. This is supposed to be the year that I learn more about light. I am making a spot in the basement (I know but the only place we have room) to set up some shots. I have an old work light of my Dad's that I'm thinking of trying to use somehow.
What would you all suggest lighting wise that won't break the bank??
If you set a custom white balance, you can probably use mixed lighting sources, such as daylight and tungsten, and not have to buy special photo lights. You can also get "full spectrum" lights, but the bulbs/tubes themeslves tend to be expensive. They should give you a daylight balance. http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/create-custom-white-balance-settings-on-a-canon-60.html
If you scroll down in this thread, abirkill made a reference to a website called "the strobist" which has info about using radio-triggered flash guns, which are cheaper than the off-camera flash supplied by DSLR manufacturers and are enjoying a comeback. I haven't looked into it yet, but here's a link to the thread. As I said, scroll down, the initial question is on a different topic. http://365project.org/discuss/general/20289/ok-i-feel-stupid-but-i-can-t-get-my-speedlight-thingy-to-actually-flash
My final input - I can't find a link to this, but I seem to remember that the color of the light is less critical in B&W than in color photography, and that would be easy enough to test. If a color photo with an odd color cast makes a decent B&W conversion, you could concentrate on lighting & B&W conversion for your studio shots while you decide on your permanent solution.
@therubysusan Thank you. I need to read up. I have one flash gun but have never really liked using it - I love natural light. And I manipulate light in LR if necessary. I just need to keep my brain and camera working this winter. We'll go to 10 below tonight so I'm sure I'm in for at least the next few days
Oh, and don't forget reflectors to soften the shadows. Something as simple as a piece of foam core out-of-frame can make a difference in tabletop photography. I used a white acrillic cutting board to brighten up the "face" of a small sculpture last month!
@cdonohoue I hear you! I feel the same way. -12 for us tonight, high of 12 tomorrow - and by Friday we'll warm up enough to get freezing rain! It makes photography by artifical light start to look attractive!
I am working on light, too, and I agree with you about natural light. One thing you can do is use a white foam core board as a reflector. Or, make your own light box using a box, tissue paper and your own lights. I am sure you can google something about that.
A couple of years ago, Hubby gave me a kit from a camera store that included a light box and two lights that adjust in height from one foot to four feet. They have silver metal shades and use full spectrum bulbs. The whole kit cost around $40 I've used it a few times for my hunt shots and have received comments like - "nice lighting!" Good luck!
Wonderful colours and textures!
I use one of those little LED torches you pick up for a few dollars at the supermarket - but they I have to find ways to point it in the right direction etc, so it's possibly not the best option!
I use one of those little LED torches you pick up for a few dollars at the supermarket - but they I have to find ways to point it in the right direction etc, so it's possibly not the best option!