Challenge

macca1980 · 21 Aug 2012

An you post portrait images using only a standard house lamp and reflector?

I am a beginner and would like to see the results more proficient users can achieve with limited equipment.
No diffusers or fancy lighting .

Anyone up for it?

Andy_S · 23 Aug 2012

Taken as a complete beginner. I'd only upgraded to a 500D from a camera phone the week before

Self portrait, holding the camera in my right hand, lamp off to my left. Just had a quick clean up in Lightroom. I'll try a few more now I have some free time.

macca1980 said:
No diffusers or fancy lighting.

To be fair, the lamp did have a lampshade as a diffuser

Self by Andy_S_C, on Flickr

If you've not seen it yet the iPhone photoshoots are worth a watch. The first was to make the point that it's not the camera that makes a good image, however they used a load of other kit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOoGjtSy7xY
The second is more relevant to your challenge, using an iPhone, natural light and reflectors. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o063wC_SNxo

macca1980 · 23 Aug 2012

Thanks I will check this out ... I understand about the camera isn't as important as photographer

macca1980 · 23 Aug 2012

Andy_S said:
Taken as a complete beginner. I'd only upgraded to a 500D from a camera phone the week before Self portrait, holding the camera in my right hand, lamp off to my left. Just had a quick clean up in Lightroom. I'll try a few more now I have some free time.

To be fair, the lamp did have a lampshade as a diffuser

http://www.flickr.com/photos/56025993@N03/7841380090/
Self by Andy_S_C, on Flickr

If you've not seen it yet the iPhone photoshoots are worth a watch. The first was to make the point that it's not the camera that makes a good image, however they used a load of other kit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOoGjtSy7xY
The second is more relevant to your challenge, using an iPhone, natural light and reflectors. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o063wC_SNxo

Wow the iPhone photos look great... Just shows you... There's no real need for the "if I just had the latest gadget my photos will be better" mindset.