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< 1. Set up.
Mount your camera to the tripod and make sure all bits are set tight.
Attach your remote shutter release. Set your camera to:
:: 'M' for Manual
::
F11
:: iso100 (for lowest
noise)
:: White Balance on 'Cloudy'
(never auto), and
:: Shutter speed: set it to
'Bulb'. ('Bulb' will hold the shutter open for as long as you've got
your finger pushed down on the button)*
:: Set your camera to shoot
in the RAW (see 'Post Processing' below)
* You can use the timer to
trigger the shutter, but set the shutter speed to the slowest you can
possibly go: between 15 to 30 seconds |
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< 2. Make a
simple snoot and fix it to your torch. I've used a plastic shopping bag,
though something black might be more suited. (cost = $0) |
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< 3. I use a
bicycle lamp, only because it happened to be there. I'm sure most
torches will be fine. Experiment, as the colour of the bulb will affect
the outcome. (additional cost = $0) |
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< 4. Focus
onto your subject (not 'auto focus'). Turn off the lights, and then hold
your torch ready |
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< 5. Push
the button on the shutter release and hold it down. I don't know how
strong your torch is, but with mine, I've counted to between 24 and 32.
Since the first few shots are test shots, you'd first count to 12 and let
go. If it appears dark on your little camera screen, count to 24, and 30
and so on. |
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< 6. Keep the torch moving,
and don't have it shining on one spot. Most torches have a 'pattern' in
their light, and you usually want to eliminate that. You often want a clean 'global
light' kind of look. |
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< 7. Clean
and simple is often the best, and with that 'no definite light source'
look, too. |
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Create your photo book now!
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Post Processing |
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< 8. Usually
I use Adobe Photoshop Elements to process my RAW files, but I've had problems in
controlling the White Balance, where white must look white. |
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< 9. For
this, I use my camera's own bundled software 'Dimage' (from
Konica-Minolta) |
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< 10.
Importantly, getting the White Balance right is key. I've found 'Cool White Fluorescent' to gives
the best balance with my torch; crucially making white white. |
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< 11. I
might, on occasions, increase the contrast, too. |
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< 12. And
you're done. |
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< 13.
Experiment, and see what you can come up with. |
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Create your photo book now!
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< Unfortunately, glass and
other shiny objects don't work well with this technique. I suppose a
small light box (and regular studio flash) would work better instead.
Also, avoid over doing it on some parts; you can see the 'o' and the area above
it (on the label) are 'burnt out'. Oh, and set your camera straight. |
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