Comments on: using video light .. (model – Amy)

By: Robin Horton

Robin Horton — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:17:31 +0000

For those that may not be able to afford the Lowel I use a Paglight C6 with a 30watt bulb, cost £200 for light, 2 bulbs and battery pack with belt clasp.

By: Neil

Neil — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:43:23 +0000

Lafyaette .. that portrait looks fine to me, even with the color cast there. What bothers me more is the pipe coming out from behind his neck.

But send me the RAW file via email, and I will have a look if I can process it differently for you.

Re the choice of WB. It is just better to have the approximately correct WB. This makes it easier to judge exposure on the back of the LCD. And it will also allow you to see if you are blowing out one of the channels more than RAW can fix for you.

Neil vN

By: lafayette

lafayette — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:56:05 +0000

I have both a 5D and a 40D; I prefer to shoot with the 5D. When shooting I usually shot in almost any WB mode because I’m shooting in raw; unless I am gelled. Is this a mistake on my part?

By: lafayette

lafayette — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:53:24 +0000

I have both a 5D and a 40D; I prefer to shoot with the 5D. When shooting I usually shot in almost any WB mode because I’m shooting in raw; unless I am gelled. Is this a mistake on my part? Below is a link to a photo I shot while practicing. Notice how reddish his skin tone is, this is not what I am looking for.

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs185.snc1/6172_522291637228_101702708_30825799_2412851_n.jpg

By: Stephanie Toolsie

Stephanie Toolsie — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:40:23 +0000

Beautiful work as always, Neil!

By: Neil

Neil — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 05:40:23 +0000

Brian, I do direct the models somewhat at the start of each section. And in this case, you just had to be there to see my languishing like that against the wall in a dramatic fashion. ;)

Neil vN

By: Brian Hurdle

Brian Hurdle — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:42:25 +0000

Neil,

I love this shot of yours. The lighting is perfect and the pose is great. I remember our workshop here in Austin but do you ever have to direct your models?

-Brian

By: Neil

Neil — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:40:51 +0000

No modification to the video light, but I do adjust my WB as part of my normal raw workflow.

What WB do you set your camera to? And what camera are you using?

Neil vN

By: Lafayette

Lafayette — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:31:29 +0000

Neil,

Once again great shots! I also own a Lowell ID video light but for some reason the KV temperature of my light and its quality of light does not look anything like yours. Did you gel and or modified your light in some way? In addition, how do you deal with mixed lighting situations when dealing with your video light? I was thinking maybe changing my bulb out.

Thanks,

Lafayette

By: David

David — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 02:34:36 +0000

Hi Neil,

Thank you for your kind words and for displaying the edited version, I’m pleased you like my retouch, after reading your comments I thought I would try and make it look as if an extra low powered fill-in light had been used.
To try and achieve this effect I lightened most of the important shadow areas on Amy, the side of her nose (as you mentioned) under her nose and bottom lip, down the side of her face, her neck and lastly her arms.

It’s a shame its not possible to do a roll over before and after. Wait! What am I saying, just remembered this is your photography blog not my image manipulation blog (not that I have one!) :-)

Also if it is helpful for others. Instead of Photoshop I used GIMP portable (open source software) it’s almost as powerful as Photoshop but is free for anyone to download and use plus it doesn’t need to be installed.

Kind regards,
David