Assignment 3: Active versus Passive (ii)

Top light, no diffusion, no fill, gradient sweep backdrop

Top light, no diffusion, with fill, gradient sweep backdrop

Top light, with diffusion, no fill, gradient sweep backdrop

Top light, with diffusion, with fill, gradient sweep backdrop

Active side light, background controlled/blocked

Due: Wednesday, 4th, by class time

Read: Chapters 1, 2 and 5 (only pages 85-104 (thru "stopping flare"). Be ready to discuss main points.

Create:

Based on the in-class demo and exercise, create an aesthetically strong set of images that explores active versus passive lighting using studio modeling lights.

• Choose an inspiring table-top subject.  (Your decision about what to shoot should inspire you. Do go beyond convenience). For now, avoid overly shiny or glass objects, as these present special lighting concerns we will cover later
• Shoot RAW, low ISO (200-400), with a tripod. Use the camera self timer or remote to trigger the exposure, to avoid camera shake. Also, when using a tripod, be sure the lens stabilization is off.
• Use a gradient sweep backdrop (for image with top-light)
• Use a middle range f-stop (f5.6, f8, etc.)
• Focus critically on the subject
• Use hand-held incident light meter reading. Set camera to manual mode so that f-stop and shutter speed can be manually set. Use the combinations indicated by the hand-held light meter.
• Use the following lighting designs to create an aesthetically pleasing image. While some factors, like lighting design, are pre-determined for this study, other considerations like camera angle, composition, zoom/in-camera crop, proper exposure, are all in play for you to optimize

Lighting designs:

1. Top light, no diffusion, no fill, gradient sweep backdrop
2. Top light, no diffusion, with fill (using reflector), gradient sweep backdrop
3. Top light, with diffusion, no fill, gradient sweep backdrop
4. Top light, with diffusion, with fill (using reflector), gradient sweep backdrop
5. Active side light, background controlled/blocked

Assignment 2: Active versus Passive (i)

Which of the images above displays active light? Passive? Why?

Due Wednesday 8/28

Shoot a variety of images (approximately 36 exposures) that very clearly demonstrate:

• Active Lighting—where the light itself becomes a "lead character" in the drama. Think: "light event"
• Passive Lighting—where the light simply reveals the subject and doesn't draw much attention to itself. Here the light is more of a "supportive character," rather than the "lead"

Use natural light this assignment.

Lecture

Assignment 1

For 8/26 (Monday)

Shooting:

Find instances of natural light that are truly unique events. Go beyond just recording subject matter. Look for interesting effects of light on surface, reflections, shadows, etc. Make pictures that isolate these things. Keep distractions out of the frame. Go on a visual adventure. Morning and late afternoons (a.k.a. the "golden hour") can be nice times to do this. Prepare to discuss what you've found. Shoot many images (50+), plan to show 10. 

Welcome

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 work from recent years: