Anyone use a Mannequin to test lighting set ups etc?

C

chilli_vision

Suspended / Banned
Messages
88
Name
Marcus
Edit My Images
No
Hi All,

Anyone use Mannequins when they are practicing their light sets ups, theory?

If yes, how do you find it? I have been offered one.

Obviously there is going to be a difference between using a mannequin and live model, but I thought that it would be useful to test out ideas, set ups, or just practice. A mannequin seems a reasonable idea as models can't be available all the time so it offers more time with the camera in prep for a live model.

Any thoughts, experiences?

Matt
 
Yes, see http://www.lencarta.com/index.php?option=com_content&catid=34&id=93&lang=en&view=article&Itemid=1in the Lencarta Learning Centre.

Advantages:
1. She keeps still, she can't move her head and ruin the lighting for the shot
2. She doesn't want paying
3. I don't have to sit around fuming while she spends hours on makeup

Disadvantages:
1. However good the mannequin, both her hair and skin will reflect light differently to the real thing
2. I can't change her position/expression.

My advice is to get a good one. If possible, get one with glass eyes not painted eyes (I didn't) so that the catchlights are genuine.
 
Garry Edwards said:
Disadvantages:
1. However good the mannequin, both her hair and skin will reflect light differently to the real thing
2. I can't change her position/expression.

My advice is to get a good one. If possible, get one with glass eyes not painted eyes (I didn't) so that the catchlights are genuine.
Click to expand...

This is the only thing putting me off the idea at the moment. To get a good one they are not cheap, but I am trying to balance that with the potential benefits of practicing and playing with ideas and set ups whenever I like.

But, if the results isn't going to help with the set up in a live situation, then is there much value?.....I'm just fed up of taking self portraits, running to the camera, making a setting change, then not quite being in the same position as the last image, etc, etc.
 
Yes, good ones aren't cheap and cheap ones aren't good.
But, if the results isn't going to help with the set up in a live situation, then is there much value?.....I'm just fed up of taking self portraits, running to the camera, making a setting change, then not quite being in the same position as the last image, etc, etc.
Click to expand...
Yes, they have enormous value because they make it easy to learn exactly what type of lighting tools to use to get a specific result, and where to place them. Your alternative really is a top class pro model, who can adopt a pose and hold it, and most people don't have access to good pro models.

And self portraits are just trial and error, you need to be able to see what the light is doing from the camera position!
 
Garry Edwards said:
Yes, good ones aren't cheap and cheap ones aren't good.

Yes, they have enormous value because they make it easy to learn exactly what type of lighting tools to use to get a specific result, and where to place them. Your alternative really is a top class pro model, who can adopt a pose and hold it, and most people don't have access to good pro models.

And self portraits are just trial and error, you need to be able to see what the light is doing from the camera position!
Click to expand...

Cool, thanks for your comments. I have been looking at some full body mannequins and upper torso mannequins too. These are the ones I have been looking at so far.

http://www.displaysense.co.uk/Male-...Tone-Realistic.html?action=filter&gender=male

http://www.dazzlingdummies.com/male-mannequins/will/prod_22.html

http://www.displaysense.co.uk/Male-mannequin-European-Skin-Tone-Relaxed-Pose-Stylistic.html
 
Last edited:
My (adult) son point-blank refused to stand still for hours. Kids, huh :)
I got mine from ebay a while ago, cost me about £70, from Germany.
Ditto with the painted eyes, I'm trying to work out if I can retro-fit glass/acrylic ones.
I probably learned more about lighting faces and backgrounds in an evening than all the time spent watching and reading tutorials.
They're a PITA to dress and frighten the bejeebers out of visitors lol.
 
Carter64 said:
My (adult) son point-blank refused to stand still for hours. Kids, huh :)
I got mine from ebay a while ago, cost me about £70, from Germany.
Ditto with the painted eyes, I'm trying to work out if I can retro-fit glass/acrylic ones.
I probably learned more about lighting faces and backgrounds in an evening than all the time spent watching and reading tutorials.
They're a PITA to dress and frighten the bejeebers out of visitors lol.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your comments, I have tried to google glass eyed mannequins, but failing at present. LOL.
 
jeez - didnt realise they cost that much!
maybe a shop can give you one for free?
 
The company is Loutoff Mannequins Recommended by Garry and absolutely superb. You only need the head Model No. #H-7H at around £30 and a full length wig about the same cost, plus postage - total about £70. I think Garry has the #8 head ...... but the # H7 model is a newer version with glass eyes which catch the light.
 
Last edited:
MOdel yourself, with a auto release for the camera?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top