Single light photo studio setup vs multiple light setup?
Asked by
Kade13 (
185
)
December 2nd, 2009
I use a single light setup for photography, its a 1000w light diffused with a white umbrella, sometimes a reflector is used to give the impression of a secondary light source or to deal with shadows and exposure issues. This has thus far provided some good results but i was wondering what studio setup has worked for you and in what situations more is better. Does a multi light setup provide a huge difference in images that can’t be replicated with photoshop?
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3 Answers
Welcome to fluther!
I usually use a two light setup, but part of that is simplicity (rather than adjusting a reflector, you’re just adjusting another light source).
This first shot, you could probably do without a second light, but the background is hard to pull off without it:
Headshot
This one is impossible without a second light:
Lighting test
I’m not saying you need a second light, but that it expands your options =)
We’re doing these: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21941661 with a single light, an umbrella & some foamcore.
Yes at least a second light.
3 point lighting is the only way I would go
Key, main and fill.
Flat lighting is never a good thing. Easy but not right.
I’ve found 3 lights to be optimal for most studio situations. Sometimes 4 are needed, but rarely more than that. Chimera lightboxes are awesome. For objects on a tabletop, I like one large light overhead, and two placed on either side. A 4th might illuminate the background.
A similar setup can be used for portraits, with a smaller box overhead, one large one to one side, and a smaller on the other.
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