Project 56: Softening the light

The aim of this project is to learn about how to diffuse a raw light source, and the effect it has on the resultant image. I chose a simple still life scene, and took a series of photos, the first just with raw light, the second with a diffuser in between the light and scene, and the third with the light reflecting off the umbrella. For these projects I have bought a Calumet Genesis 200 which has been very simple to learn how to use, and also a Sekonic L-358 light meter which has also proved quite easy to learn how to use. It is clear in the photos below that using a diffuser in some form is essential for softening shadows and highlights.

Photo 1: Light pointing roughly downwards on the setup, raw light only. Here the shadows are quite harsh and the light is very strong and bright.

66mm, f/8, 1/20sec, ISO 200, tripod, raw external light source

Photo 2: Diffuser in between light and subject. The shadows have much softer edges, the light is less harsh, and the black in the shadows is more diffuse.

66mm, f/8, 1/30sec, ISO200, tripod, external light source, diffuser

Photo 3: Umbrella to reflect light back towards subject. The shadows have even softer edges, and the black is almost totally diffused from the shadows. The surfaces are less reflective in the latter two photos also.

66mm, f/4, 1/30sec, ISO200, tripod, external light source with umbrella