A Bum's Setup

[tenlientl]

Here is a few pictures I took out of 50+. I'm currently trying to learn how lighting works and I'm in need of help. I would appreciate a real C&C to help improve.

All shots are with D90, 50mm f/1.8

1- ISO 250 with 1/40 @ f/2. I am trying real hard to get that shadow effect with the others, but can't seem to reproduce. I noticed the higher the ISO, the more I can see the shadow. But I don't want to up the ISO too much because I dont want it too bright. I actually tried to go lower than 200, but the shadow disappeared.

2- 500 ISO with 1/40 @ f/5. I like the composition here, but the shadow is too weak. I used flash because I wanted the background to be a bit brighter. I've tried putting paper infront of my built-in flash, angled it, etc. but I have no clue what I'm doing

3- ISO 400 with 1/40 @ f/6.3. i like how bright the background(Wolverine) is here, but I lost the shadow. flash was also used. i forgot how strong/weak the flash ive used. next time ill write it down.

4. ISO 320 with 1/40 @ f/3.2. i brought the 3 comics closer, which i like more(composition wise). i like how "darker" the whole image is, i like the shadow. i wish Wolverine was a bit brighter. is it impossible to do that?

If you would like to see a photo of the setup, go http://imbty.zenfolio.com/p588393023/h79bac76#h14893331 . The red chair/50mm is where I was positioned. The lamp is a weak one that my sister uses to read o.o You see on the couch, there's a remote with a cookie box and some cardboard. I TRIED to get the flash to bounce, but like I said, i have no clue what im doing.

 

[stsinner]

I looked at your setup pic, and I was taken aback by the 2.5 decades old stereo and turntable sitting next to the huge flat panel TV.. I'm guessing you like video games more than music..

Anyway, I like the clarity of the second picture.

 

[tenlientl]

the opposite actually. i love music, and havnt touched the ps3 nor the wii in months.

any other thoughts? any advice?

 

[chrisburke]

if your looking for lighting help, I highly recommend checking out www.strobist.com neat pics though, I really lie the ones where the spiderman comic POPS

 

[kundalini]

Since you don't mention an external flash, just the on-board, I'm going out on a limb and guess you have a directional lamp (or similar) as your main light source. I don't know the D90, but there should be a way you can control the ouput of the on-board flash. Knock it down to 1/128 or so. This will act only as a fill, leaving your main source to create the shadow you are after. Adjust as necessary. Keep your diffuser in place.

Secondly, consider a solid background and lighter in color that's not reflective (a bed sheet).

Be mindful of cutting off your subjects, unless that's where you're headed.

 

[tenlientl]

yea, its the built in flash. i can control the flash.

i can go up to +1, or -3.0. i'm not really sure what 1/128 is o.o.

and yea. it is a lamp. here is a picture of the setup http://imbty.zenfolio.com/p588393023/h79bac76#h14893331

i think im gonna create a small-mid lightbox.

 

[kundalini]

Does the D90 have a Commander mode for flash?




[EDIT] I just looked at the manual.... yes, you do. Have a look on page 188.



.

 

[tenlientl]

thanks.. so. no one else can help me out? c&c would be appreciated.

 

[DRoberts]

Use something (cardboard will work) in between your subject and your light source to create the shadow you want, then use your flash as explained above for fill flash.