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Studio Lighting...My Way

In the past few years I am doing more and more photographing in the studio. There are several reasons for this. One, I find that I can set up a subject, light it the way I choose and photograph it until I get a negative precisely the way I want it. Second, I can photograph when I want to without regard of natural lighting (time of the day). Lastly, I can create subject matter that pleases my aesthetic without restrictions (unwanted people, telephone wires, etc.).

Presently I am engaged in two projects in the studio that are my full-time obsession. I have always been an admirer of August Sander in particular his photographing people of different professions. His photographs really give one insight into German life in 1920-30s. I am photographing friends with some representation of their profession/occupation.

For this project I am using strobes (Norman) with a large (48"x72") Chimera soft box and a hair light to separate the head from the black background. The main light is set at 45° to the subject. The hair light is very subtle and pale in comparison to the soft box. I prefer simple lighting. Remember natural light is almost always from a single source and is the most believable.

Flowers have been a favorite subject of mine particularly Calla Lilies and French Tulips. Photographing them is the ultimate in simple lighting. It is a simple small box directly over the flower. It is a beautiful look and gives a sensual and mysterious image.

One last lighting tip - a beautiful lighting technique is to use two strobes pointed at one another in front of the subject but not pointed at the subject. This presents a wonderful wrap-around luminance that gives a soft and pleasing result without distractive reflections.