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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> Need help with Lighting
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Nikon D50
 12/03/2002 10:41:45 AM · #1
Hi everyone,

Since I've joined several weeks ago I've seen so many beautifully lighted shots, and I'd really like to improve on my virtually non-existant lighting skills. I think I've fired my on-board flash only once since I bought my camera, and have no equipment in the way of lighting/backdrops, etc. Would anyone be able to give advice as to what kind of equipment someone with a modest to moderate budget should get? And how to learn how to use it? I also don't have lots of space in my apartment for this but I think I can devote a corner of one of my rooms for a modest setup... some place to do portraits/still life shots, etc.

Any information is greatly appreciated!,
Thanks!,

Dave
Canon EOS-D60
 12/03/2002 10:54:32 AM · #2
A very simple light setup I use is some 8 dollar aluminum clamp on work lamps from Home Depot. I use a hundred watt bulb in them as my light source. When using regular household bulbs, set your white balance to the incandescent bulb setting or do a manual set if your cam is capable. Do this to get rid of the yellow tint associated with regular household lights. Backdrops are easy. A piece of non reflective black fabric sold by the yard at either Walmart or a sewing shop. I sometimes use black posterboard too. You can go with either a 1 or 2 light setup depending on the effect you are trying to achieve. I end up using side lighting ( placing the light to left or right of my subject ) alot and reflecting light back onto the subject with a white reflector ( cardboard ) or mirror to fill in shadow areas. All this is pretty cheap and low tech but works great. I use this setup alot even though I do have some photofloodlamp equipment with umbrellas. I have alot of shots in my DA gallery ( link below ) that use the very simple clamp on lite style. Hope this helps..Again this is just some low tech lighting tips that Ive had good results with. :)
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