Digital Photo Technique

Digital Photo Technique – Studio Lighting Techniques

Digital Photo Technique

Executive Summary about Digital Photo Technique by Thomas Luttig

If you are new in digital photography and want to practice photography in the studio, you need to be aware of some common errors that can occur when you are using strobe lighting fixtures. The most common error when using strobes is unwanted background shadows and the infamous red-eye effect. Both of these problems are typical when using a single strobe mounted on the camera. – Move the subject away from the wall.
- Try bouncing the flash. Because you are spreading out the light, any shadows will be much softer.

‘Red-eye’ is the result of of the strobe light actually reflecting off of the blood vessels that line the back of the eyeball. If you have a moderate size strobe unit, you may not have had any issues because the light is far enough away. Strobes that are built into the camera are of greater concern. Many newer cameras have a feature which flashed a pre-flash light in order to constrict the iris and keep the flash from being reflected back into the lens. The next issue that sometimes occurs when bouncing your flash is deep eye shadows. This problem occurs because the light is bouncing at an angle that directly over your subject’s head. For a solution, move the light farther away so that more diffuse light is able to reach the subject. Number three on our list is the dreaded “Scary” lighting effect. The simplest remedy is to remove the strobe from the camera and place it so that your subject is lit in a more flattering manner. If you set up your light correctly, you can move your camera to any location and get a good shot.

Mirrors, window panes and glossy painted walls are often associated with this problem. A subject that wears glasses offers the most common occurrence. If you fire a strobe directly into the glasses, a reflection will bounce back into the lens.

This tilting ‘cheats’ the glare from the strobe by directing it slightly downwards away from the camera. Reflective glare can also be a problem when shooting through a window pane or other glass surface. Many photographers really enjoy the challenges of working with various studio lighting techniques. If you are looking for a way to showcase your talent for working with light, make sure you avoid these common errors.

Get further information about digital photography tips and tricks HERE.