Makeshift Lighting

[bogleric]

Ok, So i have my backdrop now from ebay. Only $35 instead of $400 what a deal. Decent quality and so far no complaints. Since I don't normally do a studio type shoot as my focus is ususally the outdoors and outdoor events I don't have the standard lighting. Therefore I am looking for ways to create some good light without buying the special stuff.

I thought about halogen work lights but I don't think thos will quite work. I have 3 of them and could eliminate shadows, but I think they will be either too bright or wack out the colors even with a custom white balance. Although it could work. I would really appreciate your thoughts.

 

[rangefinder]

Been reading in other forums where people are using shop lights from sears and home depot, successfully. A lot cheaper than a new set of mono-lights.

 

[Hertz van Rental]

To use lights successfully you have to understand light. If you know how light works then you can use anything. A grat Ad photographer I used to know once lit a studio shot with torches. It won an award!

 

[doxx]

brighten up shadows etc. is not a problem, since one can solve that
visually (think reflectors, fill light etc).

The main deal is color temperature - different light sources have a
certain color temperature (measured in Kelvin) and produce a
different color cast that shows on color film and digital sensors.

Most common color films/digital camera sensors are optimized for
daylight (around 5500k) - any other light source will throw off the
color balance.

With a digital camera you can simply change the white balance,
with color film you'll need to use a film that is optimized for the light
source or use compensating filters.

key is to use lights with a similar color temperature to get decent
results. hope this helps