The following is a direct copy and has been Pasted in for future reference from the Art of Photography coursework PDF Doc. (pasted in Maroon)
2 photographs
Set up a still-life arrangement, with any object or group of objects. The lighting direction will depend on your subject, and you might like to experiment but, if in doubt, fix the naked lamp more or less overhead, pointing down. (I am assuming that the camera is aimed at a slight angle downwards.)
Using a diffused light source to soften the shadows and highlights take two photographs, one with just the naked lamp, the other with the translucent material held between the lamp and your subject (but out of view). The two exposure settings will be different. Look at the results, and write down exactly what you see as the differences.
Look, for instance, at the strengths (blackness) of the shadows, their extent, and the hardness of their edges. Look also at the highlights, and at the contrast. Finally, was the diffusion an improvement? Record your answer.
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Equipment
Nikon D4
Remote Trigger
24/70 – f2.8 lens
Camera Tripod
Nikon SB-910
Softbox
Light Stand / Boom
Black Velvet – Backdrop
Method & Approach
I deliberately chose this subject to differentiate between the effects of a hard shadow, opposed to that of a soft shadow. In both pictures we will see the different types of shadow projected onto the green base of the models stand, the variation coming from taking a picture firstly with a diffuser-softbox and secondly without the diffuser-softbox fitted.
Please see pictures and captions below.
Note – all pictures have been compressed hence there might be a quality reduction when enlarging
Picture 1 – With diffuser-softbox fitted
Picture 2 – Without diffuser-softbox fitted
Picture 1 – Vincent – motorcycle model on stand
Camera Details
Camera Nikon D4 (camera positioned on a tripod)
Speed 1/60th sec
Aperture f16
ISO 400
White Balance Setting Temperature 6150°K
Lens 24/70 mm
Focal Length 70 mm
Picture 2 – Vincent – motorcycle model on stand
Camera Details
Camera Nikon D4 (camera positioned on a tripod)
Speed 1/125th sec
Aperture f16
ISO 400
White Balance Setting Temperature 6150°K
Lens 24/70 mm
Focal Length 70 mm
Comments – Both pictures were taken with the light source positioned directly overhead at ninety degrees looking down, with the camera positioned at approximately thirty degrees above the subject and mounted on a tripod. Firstly looking at the base of the model in picture 1, we can instantly see the difference of hardness in the shadow cast upon the green base material. Looking closer we also see that in picture 1 the colour definition is far more in keeping than that of picture 2 taken without the diffuser-softbox. Just comparing the green base colour in both pictures is enough to tell us that one light condition is harder than the other and we further compare the models details we see that the softer light condition has brought out much more due to the lack of intensity and glare from the models chrome and shinny surfaces.
What have I learnt from this exercise
This exercise has proved an interesting point as I never knew how hard the lighting was and could be from a light source when positioned and utilised in a direct / un-diffused fashion. It also proved that the diffused light source produces a more balanced colour cast and without the glare more detail. The shadow cast beneath the subject in picture 2 has a much stronger shadow and this also tells us that in relevance of hardness the lighting conditions are much harsher, its like comparing brilliant sunshine to that of only slightly blocked sunlight. With regards to the exposures of each picture it transpires that there was a difference of two stops.
Thoughts and Reflection
I often use a diffuser-softbox for this very reason when taking pictures inside and to some extent outside. Obviously if the subject is too large or too far away there is not much one can do other than choose a suitable time according to the light when photographing. To summarise and in general, using a diffuser-softbox the pictures offer and include more of a comforting and pleasing effect. In a round about way if we were to compare the warmth and sound of valve amplification to that of digital we are in direct comparison but with our ears opposed to our eyes.
stingray493 