More poorman's studio lighting (with mono example!!!)

JMitchell · 24-03-2008, 14:32

Tried to yet again improve my super-botched studio lighting with a new background, and some new ideas....Would like your thoughts on these. The only thing I know is bad are the catchlights, which are just complete cr*p

Also tried a Dave-alike mono conversion.
Thanks again to my dad, looking a little more jolly this time

Set these up tethered with Camera Control Pro, so I could see them straight away on the comp to check lighting properly. Also used an orange filter on the flash to balance out the warmness from the (high quality professional studio type) table lamp

TFL,

Jack

***Steve*** · 24-03-2008, 14:36

I think the colour temperature is a little warm (unless his shirt really is pink/purple?). I would tone it down to be more natural and see what you get then.

For a quick fix you could use the medium grey picker of Photoshop in the levels tool and click on the 'white' of his shirt

Davetherave · 24-03-2008, 14:41

You could have had a proper shave first Jack or was that rough and ready look the shot you where looking for

I like the mono better but wondering if you could have just positioned yourself a little more central, that collar just leaving the shot keeps catching my eye.

Whats this about Capture One Pro
" so I could see them straight away on the comp to check lighting properly."

id be interested to know more on this

Dave

JMitchell · 24-03-2008, 14:57

btw Dave, that's not me, that's me dad

(have a look at my profile for my age

)
I agree about the collar, must buy me that 50mm lens, cos you do not want to see what I call the studio, there is no room to move, and was using the 90mm so was slightly restricted for space...

I made a mistake in my first post, and said Capture One rather than Camera Control, but actually there is a similar feature in Capture One Pro, so I'll continue:
Camera Control Pro is a Nikon software that, when you tether your camera to the comp with a USB cable, allows you to control all the mechanical functions of the camera from the computer (if you so wish), so you can change all the settings, and even do 'AF-and-shoot' just by clicking. I did not do this.
However, it also allows the images to download immediately straight into a folder of choice (bypassing the CF card). It has an option where you can set it to open the recent image immediately in Nikon View [NX] (in my case), so you can see it full size on the screen seconds after you've taken it. This is great for checking focus, lighting etc etc.
HTH

Summerleft · 24-03-2008, 15:02

I want to see what you call the studio....

JMitchell · 24-03-2008, 15:13

I'll leave you lot to work out what's what.....I'm a student...leave me alone

Boofers · 24-03-2008, 18:06

Looks like you need to hang them twangers on the wall (in your room), best thing I ever did. Your Dad looks good from this end. I made a cool control for my lighting that I can turn up or down. But fold everthing up to walk in or out.

Summerleft · 24-03-2008, 18:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boofers

Looks like you need to hang them twangers on the wall

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMitchell

I'll leave you lot to work out what's what.....I'm a student...leave me alone

If it works Jack who cares, think thats a bed on the right though?

JMitchell · 24-03-2008, 20:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boofers

Looks like you need to hang them twangers on the wall (in your room), best thing I ever did. Your Dad looks good from this end. I made a cool control for my lighting that I can turn up or down. But fold everthing up to walk in or out.

lol, I was planning on getting wall hooks for them, but to find space for six guitars on a wall isn't that easy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Summerleft

If it works Jack who cares, think thats a bed on the right though?

Yes, and I am quite proud of what I have managed with this set up. You are quite right, that is my bed, and on it is my 'softbox' with a flash inside. The background is leaning against my amp, so all my subjects have to sit on the floor, and hold the fill light themselves

Boofers · 24-03-2008, 20:30

I know the thread is about Dad, but,,

,,I have three pickers on one wall and one picker on a stand, just rotate them. For people like you who need space,(and me). Whats 6 of them for, sounds?,,

JMitchell · 24-03-2008, 20:46

Well....The acoustic was my very first guitar, and is of reasonable quality, so that's a keeper, behind it is a Spanish guitar, which is different sounding, but nice. Then to the left of that are two guitars which I don't really like, but one was my first electric, so I'm keeping that, and the other can be useful for parts or luthier practice

Then the Ibby headstock you can see sticking up is my pride and joy, the Radius 540R LTD, which is just brilliant. The one at the front is a Vintage V6 Icon, which does sound very different, strat type tone, rather than basswood type scream.
So I hope that helps you understand my plight, now in return, comment the images more, or get someone else to

24-03-2008, 21:30	#12 (permalink)
Boofers Feet under the table Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: 40 miles south of St. Louis Posts: 2,672