#14 - Lighting to Isolate Subject. Resubmit.

Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2006 12:29 pm

Here the attempt with a more conventional subject.

I must be honest I did a little bit of PS on it. The base where the rose was on was black stone with sharp edges and the edges refected in the flashlight, so I marked them out. I thought that was not realy cheating because I didn't have another base. Not cropped, only resized and than sharpened. This subject was a lot easier.

I also tried another subject. This one I found more difficult because of the white. This one is only resized and a slight sharpening after resizing.

I prefer the rose. Btw an injection needle is also very helpful in placing a drop of water or mineral oil on the spot where you want it.

Posted: Sat Nov 25, 2006 3:24 am

Did this one slip your attantion?

Posted: Sat Nov 25, 2006 9:36 am

peninna wrote:

Did this one slip your attantion?

No. Thanksgiving's big meals make me lazy.

The first is better, and very good indeed. I think that you have to like that shot.

The second has the light too hot, that is you have blown out the detail in the left side of the shot. What was the plate resting on? If you have it quite a bit raised above the background (on a tall, narrow box for instance) you will have an easier time keeping the light from spilling onto the background.

You can also isolate with light using window light and a gobo or a large piece of cardboard with a hole in the center to direct the light.

Isolating with light is a very useful tool. It is used less than it should be. If you use your speedlight off camera as described in the assignment this is an exceptionally easy technique to master. I would suggest that you give a go at the flash method if you have a flash that can be removed from your camera.

Nice job.

What do you think of these?

NOTE: The closer you move the light source to the subject, the softer and more "wrap around" will be the light effect, even if you are using a flashlight. If you are using a flashlight I would move it so that it is just out of the frame of view. Not only will this yield a softer light, it will allow a smaller f/stop and higher shutter speed.