I am currently taking photos of my completed kit’s sitting on a matt cream / white backround with my other half’s EOS 400D, but I am struggling with lighting.
The only options really available to me are the fixed indoor flourescent (energy saying BC replacements), a hobby lamp (multi hinged thing like in the boot of the Space Shuttle) with a 60Watt Tungsten bulb & the cameras built in flash -are any of these suitable & if they are, how should I best use them?
Hi Junkie,
There was a recent thread on taking pics, here’s a link. There are some good lighting setup suggestions from Hawkeye, and I linked one from the FSM website.
Good luck, and be sure an post your pics!!
m@
I wouldn’t reccomend flourescent bulbs for photo taking. They give off a sickly greenish hint, and unles your camera has an option to take that effect away, your photos will look strange.
Long story short I suggest getting some sort of halogen bulb, pure white light at the flick of a switch.
Appreciated Gents!
You can correct the effects of FL with an FL filter on your camera or do it while editing, as most editing software adjusts for it. When you use FL use full spectrum bulbs, not the soft white ones. I use CFL bulbs in my lamps. They are much cooler and use less electricity…ask anyone who has melted a model under bright lamps that cast off heat. John Vojtech melted his AC-130 while he was taking shots of it, left it for just a couple minutes and came back to find it was melting before his eyes…had to redo most of the model!!!
Actually, tungsten lights give off a nasty orange-red light unless corrected with a blue filter or in-camera setting, just as flourescents look green/cyan when left uncorrected.
You will want to use at least two light sources, if you can. One light will help fill in the shadows cast by the first light.
If you can, try not to mix light sources. The previous comments are correct about the color cast caused by the various sources. If you have mixed light sources, that can complicate matters as correcting for one, causes more trouble for another.
This only becomes a factor if your are concerned about accurate color reproduction of your paint job. If your reason for photos is just to keep a record of your builds, then just concentrate on getting a correct exposure and the shots in focus. Color casts are a problem, but pale in comparison to photos that are too light, too dark and/or not sharp.
Just have fun.
I just purchased a small OTT lamp; not sure about the pic part of it, but the modelling part… and eye strain…and true colors…amazing
and pricey
The smallest lamp I could find at Michael’s with their 40% off coupon, still set me back 45$. Wort hit though, I rather get the big OTT lamp than 5 new kits.
Natural sun light outdoors always looks like… natural outdoor light. Even better when the back ground is suited to your model or diorama. With digital experiment and delete all that are not to your taste and standards. A tripod and useing the timer or remote shutter release is manditory for sharp close-ups. A white back drop helps for a studio look with fewer shadows. Take lots and keep the best…post some for the community to enjoy!
Jason
I have a couple of cheap clip on reflector lights with 100w Reveal bulbs (supposedly these give off a better light for photography, than regular incandescent bulbs). I clip those on a book shelf, then swing my light from my work bench around to provide some directional lighting from the front.
For a backdrop I just use a white piece of poster board leaned against the shelf (this makes a 1/4 circle).
I saw a neat trick using cardboard and aluminum foil to make some cheap bounce cards to help get light into darker areas. Just wrap the cardboard with foil, then glue a piece of wood or cardboard to the back for a support. You just move it around until the reflected light gets into the spot you wanted.
This set up works fine for quick photos for a GB or such, if I take my time it can result in really good quality photos too.
They work great for growing plants indoors though! [;)]
I use 100 watt GE “Reveal” bulbs in two flexible arm lamps. The light is pretty true colored and the bulbs are not that expensive.