Lighting and backgrounds.

[blindabyss]

Since my last couple of attempts at taking portraits have been a train wreck, I'm going to spend a fair amount of my time (and the dark, cold, slippy nights) inside practising. Without having to heavily invest in a studio style lighting rig how would you go about lighting in the average home with only incandescent light to work with?

I have a 100watt upright spot lamp, which I could soften with some tracing paper as a start. maybe balance that with a 25watt table lamp so I don't end up with gly shadows? Also, what would you use as a background (mainly to hide the junk)...different coloured sheets...or am I thinking too much in very simple terms?

[Chris Hawkins]

Ross, there are a whole bunch of issues in here. I used walls and sheets for backgrounds and although I have a proper background now I still use walls - they're pretty convenient - don't need ironing, but it's difficult to move them around. Re lighting - just experiment - you have a digital; so it won't cost. I did the attached which I shot with a 500w halogen lamp (£10 from B&Q) and a wall. When I posted this many moons ago on this forum it got quite a few compliments - it's still one of my fav pictures of all time. Cheers Chris.

[Renee Marquis]

Hey Chris I am in the same boat as you I dont have any lighting equipment. Or many back grounds, I use big sheets, and have a pop out big back ground that is two sided, blue on one side and brownish on the other. I am looking to buy a soft box that can use with same flash system as what I use canon 580 flash. That way for in church group formals I would have more light.... and could use when at home to do photos at my home. Any one have any thoughts on this and what are you using?

[blindabyss]

Chris, firstly that's a beautiful image mate, the edit really suits the little one. :)

I would happily use the walls. But unfortunately I live in a council house in the land that time (and the council) forgot, so there's rising damp and all sorts of unsightly things. I'll have a play with a few ideas, and see what I can come up with. :)

I'll also take a wander down to B&Q and see what I can find in the lighting department.

Cheers

[LTJ]

have missed this one really lovely image - is it a bit soft tho? Thats what happens with natural light it is harder to get a sharper image but it def gives a softer feel to it.