Assignment 3: Using the Characteristics of Light

This demonstration and exercise will explore the following four characteristics of light.

• Brightness (and exposure)
• Contrast: Low versus High
• Direction: Explore at least two directions
• Color (and white balance)

Remember that light and lighting are not the same. Light is a thing, while lighting is an activity, what we do with the light. 

Lighting = Choices!

This exercise will also explore simple, single-plane still-life setups, proper use of  strobes, light stands, tripod, modifiers, and light meter.

In class assignment for Wednesday, 9/1

(Bring small still life object(s) to class)

Note: Use ISO 200

1. With a partner, book a three-hour slot to work in the studio
2. Select a small, three dimensional object that can easily fit on a table-top, such as the bunch of bananas below. The object should have these characteristics: 

• Have personal meaning
• Not be made from shiny metal or transparent glass

1. Select a bright surface, such as white or bright color paper, (or similar, as long as it is a bright surface, such as the wallpaper below). 
2. Build a single-plane still-life, example below
3. Position the camera on a tripod, pointing down onto the table and cropped close so that you do not see the edges of the table
4. Once composition and framing are optimized...(try some variations first), build the lighting designs as follows. Keep the same composition for all variations

• Lighting direction 1: 
1. High contrast with direct strobe. Determine correct exposure with the light meter. Make the picture.
2. Same as above, but add bounce fill to brighten the hard-edged shadows. No need to re-meter because the light has not been modified. Make the picture.
3. "Light Event" variation with faux blinds (not pictured below). Exposure settings can remain the same as above. 
4. Low contrast with diffused strobe (tracing paper). Re-determine correct exposure with the light meter (because the light has been modified). Make the picture.
5. Same as above, but add bounce fill to brighten the soft-edged shadows. No need to re-meter because the light has not been modified. Make the picture.
• Lighting direction 2: Change the direction of the main light and go through the same sequence for the new light direction

Each partner should go through the complete exercise with their own object, with the other person assisting. Be sure to use the correct white balance on your camera (strobe setting), and meter every time the main light is moved or altered in any way.

Examples:

Direct strobe; note harder edge shadows

Direct strobe with bounce fill; note harder edge shadows, but lighter.

Diffused strobe; note soft-edge shadows.

Diffused strobe; note soft-edge shadows, but lighter