Challenge with lighting...

[Mike_E]

Photo shop.

Bad suggestion. Bad PS work is as nasty as bad shooting and PS is no easier to learn than shooting. So, if you want to be a photographer, learn to shoot first and PS second.

Not only that but, although this wanted shot may not be the easiest to achieve by someone with limited knowledge, with a little bit of practice and a couple of gelled (as suggested by D) speedlights, it will come out just fine. Could actually maybe be done with 1 speedlight a a reflector.

True but you can get a months free trial of PS and with youtube tutorials can manage this to get the shot.

As to the reflector, It was my thought that he wanted a twilight/ in the dark shot which means either PS or shooting in the dark but he stated in the OP that he doesn't "own any lighting equipment" or a 10 stop ND either I guess. It's really hard to get good with equipment you don't have.

 

[c.cloudwalker]

I have been given the opportunity to shoot the album art for a friends upcoming CD that is being released early 2012. The artist wants a shot of him sitting at the fire pit in my backyard, roasting a marsh mellow off the flame of burning shoe boxes and record covers. I don't own any lighting equipment but a good friend of mine has access to a lighting kit from the school he goes to. I do not have an external flash either, but could probably get one.

Looks to me like he can get some... And a sheet of foam core is what? $2?

 

[Mike_E]

just offering choices.

 

[Derrel]

Shoot with a very warm, orange gel over the flash...mixing flames + bare flash looks like crap. Shoot it like an accomplished photographer would shoot it: gel the flash, so that its color temperature is at LEAST WITHIN the same general hue as the flames are. Otherwise, it'll look like a beginner made the shot. Warm ambient light, like that created by the flames from a fire and then cold, 5,100 to 5,500 degree strobe light thrown together looks terrible.

what do you mean warm, orange gel??

Take a look here at this page of the Roscolux filters web site Rosco US : Filters : Roscolux

Notice the #2002 filter color is described as "Roscolux #2002: Storaro Orange
Flattering Firelight (Transmission = 23%)."

 

[n.hubb22]

I have been given the opportunity to shoot the album art for a friends upcoming CD that is being released early 2012. The artist wants a shot of him sitting at the fire pit in my backyard, roasting a marsh mellow off the flame of burning shoe boxes and record covers. I don't own any lighting equipment but a good friend of mine has access to a lighting kit from the school he goes to. I do not have an external flash either, but could probably get one.

Looks to me like he can get some... And a sheet of foam core is what? $2?

yeah i have a buddy who goes to the art institute and we are going to get a light kit from there.