New Studio Need a few tips

Carrie76

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Hello, I've been an "on location" photographer for quite a while now, I recently invested in some portable lighting equipment and have been experimenting.
I made my husband be my model and we shot about 200 photos, and I swear not a single one was as in focus as I was looking for.
I tried different exposure settings, and different ISO's.
I guess any nudge in the right direction would be appreciated.
I use a Canon Rebel XT
Glass Canon Lens EF 35-105mm 1:3.5-4.5
Canon Lens EFS 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6
Two white umbrella Smith-Victor lights, if you need more technical info on that let me know I'll look.
Thanks, Carrie

Here is the link to 4 of the photos.
http://www.zylkaphotography.com/Zach.html
 
Also, it is continuous lighting.
 
Your shutter speeds are too low. You were shooting at about 1/100th of a second.
 
might need a faster shutter...but still...I get crystal clear shots with 1/60...
Focus manually and see if that helps.
Focus on his eyes.
Also, you may increase the depth of field with a smaller aperture f/8 or f/11 or something.
 
Was the autofocus turned on? Manual focus?

Also in time you will find the angles and light intensity levels that work best for you. I was going to add that you were also likely shooting a little too slow. For hand held and studio lighting, around 1/125th works well.

This is a reason I prefer strobes for my studio setups. Flash synch speeds are 1/250th and the lighting is a little stronger.

Also you may want to get to know the WB numbers for your lights. In general all were too warm and one was too cold.
 
Was the autofocus turned on? Manual focus?

Also in time you will find the angles and light intensity levels that work best for you. I was going to add that you were also likely shooting a little too slow. For hand held and studio lighting, around 1/125th works well.

This is a reason I prefer strobes for my studio setups. Flash synch speeds are 1/250th and the lighting is a little stronger.

Also you may want to get to know the WB numbers for your lights. In general all were too warm and one was too cold.


I will have to play with the shutter speeds, it's something I have not played around with too much.
What are the pros and cons to strobe lighting? I am not too familiar with them, does everyone reccomend them over continuous lighting? Any good tutorials anyone ca point me to?
And, if there are a bunch of people who promote strobes, what are the specs of the ones you use?
Thanks!
 
In general, the results are superior and there are no heat issues like with constant on lighting.

Might I suggest a book for you? Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting is one that I am going to be ordering soon, and I heard it was excellent.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/02...TF8&coliid=I256E0M8XQ2XYR&colid=39VWSI6QPLH2C

As for me, I have two options, my 110volt strobes for in house shooting (that are WB balanced for 5600Kout of the box) and my SB-800 that I can mount on an umbrella for places and times that I want to get portable (I ned to get another SB-800 or 2 to be optimal for me, IMHO).

Another good place to start online:

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html

Enjoy!
 
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In general, the results are superior and there are no heat issues like with constant on lighting.

Might I suggest a book for you? Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting is one that I am going to be ordering soon, and I heard it was excellent.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/02...TF8&coliid=I256E0M8XQ2XYR&colid=39VWSI6QPLH2C

As for me, I have two options, my 110volt strobes for in house shooting (that are WB balanced for 5600Kout of the box) and my SB-800 that I can mount on an umbrella for places and times that I want to get portable (I ned to get another SB-800 or 2 to be optimal for me, IMHO).

Another good place to start online:

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html

Enjoy!

Excellent and thank you!
I will have to put the book on the old Christmas list. I would like to utilize the equipment I have and probably switch over to strobes instead of the continuous lighting, like you said it sure does get hot quick!!!
And there is just nothing more unatractive than a sweaty girl with a camera...lol
 
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Excellent and thank you!
Very welcome. And yes, I understand your desire to use the setup that you have invested in. In a very short time, you will learn how to best exploit your setup and get some nice pics out of it. Don't be shy to post a few for us to see!

And there is just nothing more unatractive than a sweaty girl with a camera...lol

That depends on what side of the lens she is on... lol.
 

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