Project 57: The lighting angle

This project required a slightly more complicated setup, as access was needed to move the light source around. So I set up a separate background made up of a bedsheet draped over a clothes airer. I set up my still life on a stool covered with another bedsheet. The camera is located at the same level as the still life, and the light is moved around in various positions. The results are really interesting, and each photo is quite different. I found this project to be really useful and eye-opening!

All photos have the same settings;

68mm, f/4, 1/30sec, ISO200, tripod, Genesis 200 flash with umbrella,

Photo 1: Light same level as camera, next to camera. This has an element of the 'caught in headlights' look, very two dimensional, even lighting across subject, but flat.

Photo 2: Light same level as camera, from right side. More texture is seen on the duck, shadows and highlight reflections seen on the dog.

Photo 3: Light same level as camera, from rear right side. Shadows on the front are more pronounced, slight halo appears on the ducks head. Catchlights on shiny surface move around towards the light.

Photo 4: Light same level as camera, from behind (umbrella & stand are in the photo). Halo effect all around, not a proper silhouette.

Photo 5: Light at 45deg pointing down onto setup, from behind (stand in photo). Tops of surface lit up.

Photo 6: Light at 45deg pointing down onto setup, from rear right side. Shadows are dark and prominent.

Photo 7: Light at 45deg pointing down onto setup, from right side. More evenly lit, needs fill in shadows still.

Photo 8: Light at 45deg, pointing down onto setup, next to camera. Headlight look again! Two dimensional. Catchlights are better than in photo 1.

Photo 9: Light directly overhead and pointing down. Fairly even lighting, though dark shadows from toys onto the surface of the table.

Photo 10: Light overhead, slightly in front. A bit two dimensional.

Photo 11: Light overhead, slightly behind. Shadows are stronger.