What is causing this blue spot?

RMThompson · Feb 2, 2009

ARGH!

In my last few sessions, I am having this blue spot glare that I cannot seem to beat. It's not the end of the world, and usually very editable, but STILL I'd like to get rid of it.

See an example in the photo below and let me know if you know a way to eliminate it.

The set up was D50, wirelessly triggering two lights with umbrellas in front of the model, and lights behind to blow out the back (which weren't configured by the studio owner right...

)

Anyone that can offer advice, let me know.

Captain IK · Feb 2, 2009

Does the blue spot appear in the same frame location every time? If so, I would think it is something to do with the camera sensor

RMThompson · Feb 2, 2009

Captain IK said:
Does the blue spot appear in the same frame location every time? If so, I would think it is something to do with the camera sensor

No no, it's definetly something with the lighting. My first guess is that its the light being so bring it's reflect off the wall behind her, and then back into my lens.

Captain IK · Feb 2, 2009

Oh okay Sorry I misunderstood.
Maybe try a few test shots, each one eliminating one light. That way you can at least find out which source is the problem.

Just a thought

craig · Feb 2, 2009

Lens flare. The expensive large lens hood could eliminate it. Also removing any filters helps. If you are shooting with a tripod you can use black cards to flag the lens. More then likely you will have to flag the strobes with black cards.

Love & Bass

Hertz van Rental · Feb 2, 2009

Yep. Lens flare.
But a lens hood may not cure it.
What you need to do is to find it's source. Move around with a piece of black card and watch the effect on the lens. Maybe take some test shots.
When you find the source use a flag to block it or move the lights a bit.

BTW this Forum is for non-technical matters.

KvnO · Feb 3, 2009

Are you sure it has nothing to do with her shorts?

RMThompson · Feb 3, 2009

Hertz van Rental said:
Yep. Lens flare.
But a lens hood may not cure it.
What you need to do is to find it's source. Move around with a piece of black card and watch the effect on the lens. Maybe take some test shots.
When you find the source use a flag to block it or move the lights a bit.

BTW this Forum is for non-technical matters.

oops. Your right, wrong forum.

Can someone describe the black card a little bit more? I am wondering if I was less straight on, it might help. I think from angles worked best.

gsgary · Feb 3, 2009

You have light coming in from the side so you have to place a board between you and the flash or step back a bit, i have used my hand before

Mike_E · Feb 3, 2009

RM, if you do a search for DIY light diffusers and find one that is stand alone, you can replace the diffuser material with black felt or other heavy black cloth and save yourself a ton of grief and expense. One on either side of the camera and in close works wonders.

Oh, yeah, if you prefer to buy try here... http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&Go.x=28&Go.y=12&Go=submit

Ejazzle · Feb 3, 2009

phone number?

craig · Feb 3, 2009

Basically if you are using umbrellas you have light flying all over the place. Soft boxes are a little easier to deal with because the sides are black. The black flags would be placed as illustrated. Depending on the size of the flags and the position of your lights you will move them around so that you are never getting stray light. Let me know if that makes sense.

Love & Bass

RMThompson · Feb 5, 2009

craig said:
Basically if you are using umbrellas you have light flying all over the place. Soft boxes are a little easier to deal with because the sides are black. The black flags would be placed as illustrated. Depending on the size of the flags and the position of your lights you will move them around so that you are never getting stray light. Let me know if that makes sense.

Love & Bass

Best photo ever.

You captured my good side!

i Kandi Photography · Feb 6, 2009

looks like hot spots to me. Did you try moving the 2 back lights away from the background a bit?

RMThompson · Apr 20, 2009

Ugh. This his happening again. The studio I rent from seemed to think it was the shirt material, but I really think its from the backlights blowing out the white. I can get rid of it by removing two of the lights, but Im going to have to try turning them down next time, since I didnt have a full BLOW out in this case.