Photography question: Lighting

Windchaser

Windchaser

Arachnoking
Old Timer
Joined
Dec 13, 2004
Messages
2,996
OK, this is a question aimed at some of those folks out there that have posted some truly fantastics shots. What I would like to know is what type of lighting setup do you use? I have a decent camera, a Sony F717, and a fairly decent understanding of photography in general. At the moment, I am not fully satisfied with many of my shots of my T's. In all fairness though, I haven't done any significant setup for them. I have basically taken the shots where my enclosures are located, which has marginal lighting at best. I have been using my flash, a Sunpak Super 383, and ambient light. However, for macro light this places the flash at an odd angle to the subject, especially if you are in close. I have been thinking for macro work that I might be better off with a ring flash. I was also wondering if a light box would be a good idea.

For you better photographers out their, what are your thoughts. I would appreciate hearing what you use for lighting.

Thanks
 
J

JohnxII

Avicoholic
Old Timer
Joined
Feb 21, 2004
Messages
899
I'm sure I'm no better photographer than you are... but for macro lightings, I find built-in flash too strong. Try using a small flashlight with holder. My camera has a handy built-in LED assistant light so that's all taken care of.
 
Beastmaster

Beastmaster

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jan 18, 2005
Messages
20
I've never done macro photography yet, but as I got a bellows for xmas, so I'm giving it some good thought. I think that a camera mounted flash, when you're so close to the subject would not work as nice as having plenty of ambient light. I guess this is what a light box is for? I took a beginning photography class a few years ago, and when outside we'd use something like one of those nice windshield sunguards? with the wire frame and silver cloth? anyone know what I'm talking about? :? anyways, an assistant would use it to reflect light onto the subject. Or if you were really cool, you'd have a tripod to hold it for you. The idea is that it diffuses the light rather than having rings from a flashlight lens. Indoors the concept is the same, jsut substitute electric light for sun. Plus, with two windshield reflectors, you could set up a light bulb and reflect light from multiple angles onto the subject thus providing ample light.
 
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