This assumes
you've already looked through (and even read some of) the
'How to use your SLR'
articles. If you like this, bookmark this page in your browser, or with
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Basic gear you need:
Studio flash and reflector
The Aim:
To get the subject
(usually person) to stand out
How:
Settings: Use
iso100, something between f11
to f16, and 1/125 shutter speed. Also, with f11, have the subject sitting further away
from the background (usually a wall), so it's more blurred out.
White Balance: With the flash, be sure
your white balance is set
for the flash you're using. In the examples below, the studio flash was
rated to 5,500K, so the cameras WB was set to this.
Lenses: I prefer to use a zoom
lens. I prefer my Konica-Minolta 75-300mm lens. Other people might prefer
a 50mm or 100mm lens (non-zoom). Often, an older lens is gentler on skin details,
which many women might appreciate more
Light Set Up: Set up your flash to point
from one side, or from above the camera
Modifiers: Have a reflector
to bounce
any light to gently fill in shadow areas, especially under the chin
and on the 'dark side'
Quality Issues: Be sure there's no
distractions, or unnecessary junk in the background. Plan it, so
everything that you see through the lens is there, because it needs to be.
Lights: Some
high-end amateurs consider making do with thousands of watts of fluorescent
lighting, but in my experience, you'll still have blurred subjects. You
really do need to use studio flashes as these 'freeze' the subject, just
because of the lower shutter speed and higher flash speed. I make do with
a single 800watt flash and a reflector. It's the cheapest and most
effective set up money can buy. See more on this point in the
Mini Studios article.
Examples:
Click on these to view them at a
larger size
< F11,
1/125, iso100; 18-70mm lens. 800watt flash
< F11,
1/125, iso100; 18-70mm lens. 800watt flash
< F11,
1/125, iso100; 18-70mm lens. 800watt flash
< Notice the
'shutter release' cable from the man's left hand being connected to the
camera. 800watt (studio) flash (right)
We
especially recommend this particular book, Master Lighting Guide for
Portrait Photography. It has some great advice and ideas, as well as all
the basic techniques.
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Also, go to our forums to
discuss and ask questions.
