Project 58: Contrast & shadow fill

Contrast is the different between light and shade in a photograph. In this project we are to learn about how we can 'fill' in the shadows that are created from having the light on one side of the still-life or setup. The camera is set up on a tripod at the same level as both the object and the light source. It is interesting to see the dramatic changes from using the reflector at its various positions. The silver reflector (which is shinier), makes more of a difference than the white reflector.

Photo 1: No diffuser, light only. The lighting is very strong on the right side (where the flash is located), and there is a strong shadow on the opposite side.

57mm, f/8, 1/180sec, ISO200, tripod, Genesis 200 flash (raw light)

Photo 2: With diffuser (ie umbrella) on light. The lighting is more even, and the shadows less pronounced, though there is still a shadow on the left side.

57mm, f/4, 1/30sec, ISO200, tripod, Genesis 200 flash with umbrella

Photo 3: With diffuser on light, on opposite side a white reflector is held about 3ft away. The light is lifted on the left side.

57mm, f/4, 1/30sec, ISO200, tripod, Genesis 200 flash with umbrella

Photo 4: With diffuser on light, on opposite side a white reflector is held about 1.5ft away. The light is lifted further on the left side.

57mm, f/4, 1/30sec, ISO200, tripod, Genesis 200 flash with umbrella

Photo 5: With diffuser on light, on opposite side a silver reflector is held about 1.5ft away. The light is lifted further on the left side, to the point where it is almost totally even.

57mm, f/4, 1/30sec, ISO200, tripod, Genesis 200 flash with umbrella