Some more portrait testing

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, life has got a bit hectic.  What with applying for and changing jobs and many busy weekends (mostly at weddings) there hasn't been much time for photography.  Something I hope doesn't become a habit.

Anyway, I think it was my previous post where I talked about using a speedlite/flashgun as a studio light.  Well I took the plunge and decided that I needed a second light set up and a light meter to help me out.  Whilst I didn't hate the photos I took I felt that I could get more consistent results with two lights.  Luckily this was something I had always planned to do, so when I originally bought the remote triggers for the speedlites I bought one that could trigger two lights.  This did bring the cost down when buying the second light, stand and diffuser.

As I had an old school friend visiting this weekend, I used the opportunity to get some snaps and here are some of the results.

First of all we went for some standing shots:

Whilst I wasn't too upset with the lighting, I did feel they felt a little awkward.  My beautiful model Beth did make the suggestion of leaning on something, which I felt the results were much better (if a little corporate at times)

And then we moved to sitting and lying on the floor.  This is definitely my nemesis as I really can't figure out the lighting

And finally I have a few arty shots.

I definitely think I am getting the hang of using lighting for portraits and did learn that I need to experiment with poses and what works best with which body shape.  I guess I have to rope more friends into modelling for me ;-)

Making a cardboard lightbox

One of my many issues with trying to take photos at home and usually of an evening is that I find I am not happy with the light.  From a bit of google and blog searching I discovered I could make what is called a light box from a cardboard box and just a few other items.  I could have bought a light tent but then that wouldn't have been a budget option.

So to start, you need a cardboard box, some tracing paper (A4 size), some stiff white card and some desk lamps.  All items are very cheap to get hold of and the most expensive item was the lamps, although I don't think I even spent £20 in total.

 When I went to my local craft shop (Hobbycraft) I couldn't find any A4 tracing paper and I only needed 3 sheets so I opted for an A1 sheet which my wonderful model, Stav, is folding and cutting for me.

 We then cut the top and bottom flap off from the box, but left the left and right ones on so that there was a little light hood there.

 Next was to cut out 3 holes/windows, one on each side and one on top.  They need to be smaller that the A4 sheets so we can tape the sheets over the holes on the outside of the box.

 Now it's time to attach your white card, it's needs to be quite thick but I don't think my sheet was long enough.  I sellotaped it to the inside of the box but so that it overhung it doesn't quite reach the top of the box.  Luckily this is something that can be changed at a later date.

 I just got a couple of cheap desk lamps and placed them outside but shining through the tracing paper.  A light can also be placed through the top window too.  It's entirely up to you.  The idea is that the tracing paper diffuses the light.  And as you can see the object you want to photograph is placed inside.

 And voila!  Ok I need to look at my white balance and play a bit more, but the sky is now my limit.

 Oh and when you are done you can roll up the white card (which is still taped on the inside) and store the lamps inside the box too.

Now as I stated at the start I didn't create this invention, I used other sources so please feel free to check out their blogs too:

LeavesnBloom
Jay Grice
Photo tuts

Hello

Hello

Well I'm new to blogging, I tried LJ a few years ago and unfortunately that was more about somewhere for me to compile my gripes than anything useful.  I am also a member of photoblog but that isn't actually a blog so I thought I might use this site to kick me up the backside with my photography and maybe some tips I have learned along the way.

I hope to have some more interesting posts in the future,

Dannii
 

PS, if anyone is reading this, how safe are my photos on here.  If I upload them is anyone able to download them or use them as their own without my consent?