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

Assignment 2A: Passive versus Active NATURAL Light

Shoot many more, but plan to turn in 20 images total on Monday, 8/30

Shoot outdoors, natural light, daylight conditions, camera RAW

• 10 images should clearly feature active light (light events)
• 10 images should clearly feature passive light
• Strive to make strong examples for each category

Examples, below. Which ones are Passive? Which ones are Active? Why?

© ©Christopher Jordan

©Christopher Jordan

©Christopher Jordan

©Christopher Jordan

©Christopher Jordan

©Christopher Jordan

Assignment 2B: Passive versus Active STUDIO Light

For Monday, 8/30

Using the studio setup from class/demo, set up a simple still life situated fairly close to the grey background. The still life arrangement should be "tall" versus "wide", to be shot in a vertical (portrait) orientation. Please choose light tone/color object(s), avoiding shiny plastic, metal or glass. 

Possibilities: Gallon of milk, doll/figurine, flowers, etc.

Create two versions of this still life, one with active lighting, one with passive. Keep composition and framing same for both. Using tripod can help with this. See examples, below.

The active light will use a faux blinds "gobo," with direct light, while the passive example will use diffuse light (light diffused with tracing paper). 

Use the light meter to determine correct exposure, as demonstrated in class. Remember to re-meter, and adjust the power of the strobe, for each version.

Let's use ISO 400 for this exercise, and f11, white balance set to strobe. Make sure camera and light meter setting match.

Active light

Passive light

F-stops!

Here's a handy chart that shows the main, whole, f-stop numbers, as well as the (often confusing) 1/3 or 1/2 F-stops that you camera is capable of. To keep things simple in the studio, I find it easiest to aim for whole f-stop numbers (the left column). 

Reading Assignment 1

Reading
Due: Monday 8/30

Chapters 1-2

Please have a solid grasp of the main topics covered in the reading. Be prepared to discuss intelligently, if called upon. These are the important ones:

• "Light" versus "lighting"
• Principles of light
• What is light?
• How can light described? (3 main ways)

Overview of Course

Creative Awareness and Use of Light

The course will present foundational skills in photographic studio lighting. Both natural and artificial light sources will be explored for producing aesthetically and conceptually engaging artworks. A wide range of applications will be explored including still life, portraiture, classic lighting problems, and open creative projects. Experimentation and improvisation are highly encouraged. Topics will reference both historical precedents and contemporary practices. The course will culminate with a portfolio of work.

Examples of student/group work from recent years: