Here’s the latest in a series on lighting in the studio. Wood is the subject and we are building depth and dimension by lighting from behind.
This was assigned by Dr. T from Platypod. Note that I am a Platypod Ambassador and have been given gear with which to work. Here’s a link to the metal lighting and glass lighting shoots.
The set
Here’s an overview of the lighting and supports for the wood photograph. A scrim is used to create a larger light source from camera left. The right side has an RGB panel light with diffusion material to create a specular rim from behind. This serves as the main light. It is partially masked off with a gobo to keep light from flooding the set. In addition, a small flashlight is kicked in to the front of the wooden bowls and shadow area to keep it from being blocked up in the shadows.
The gear
I used an OM System OM-1 camera with a 12-100mm M.Zuiko f/4.0 lens. It was mounted on an Elite Ball head. I placed it on a bar stool verses using a tripod. I find that the less legs from tripods and light stands keep me from messing up my set. The Platypod gear makes it easy to keep a very clean set.
My favorite RGB panel lights are from Falcon Eyes. F7 Pocketlite. They have a high Color Rendering Index (96) and the power can be adjusted down to one percent. I added some 1/8th inch plastic diffusion material to spread the LED lights out. Using battery powered lights helps keep the set clean. I remember when I was working with powered lights in the past and found that it somewhat limited light placement and the cords added tripping hazard.
There’s a flashlight which is wrapped with some Cinefoil. Cinefoil is a thick black aluminum foil that makes it possible to create custom snoots to direct the light.
Finally, the background color comes from an RGB strip light. To get the rich deep color, I used black paper and underexposed the light a little. A black card flag was also used to keep the light from glowing back on the product
Final thoughts
When you are building up your lighting, I recommend setting one light at a time. As you add each light, make sure it is only enhancing what you want. Look at lighting angles and keep some science rules in mind. These include the Inverse Square Law, which says the intensity of the light decreases as the distance from the source increases by the square of the distance. Another solid one is the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence (The Law of Reflection). It may sound a bit complicated but getting the science of light understood makes it easier to create the light you want.
Yours in Creative Photography,
Bob
