Lighting for environmental portrait

psybear

psybear

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Brian
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Hoping to get some advice here - I want to photograph an elderly man, he is actually a WWII vet who works as a curator in a museum.

I'd like to capture his character in his working environment. There is almost no natural light and I'm limited in terms of equipment (and expertise!). I have a couple of Speedlights, a couple of stands, remote triggers, and a reflective umbrella. I could possible borrow a softbox but would like to do the job with as little equipment as possible (less intrusive).

I was thinking maybe off-camera flash - usual 45 degree angle for head and shoulders shot, with maybe a second flash at lower power illuminating the background... Or maybe just the one off camera flash and experiment with power settings and the internal room lighting to get suitable background lighting... I appreciate there is no set formula, but I'm open to any tips or advice. :)
 
I usually think about the lighting when I'm on the actual location. I'm trying to come up with something new and bespoke for every situation.

But let's thinks together: an elderly man, face full of character. Light is a powerful weapon and you can use different light scenarios.

Direct flash will give you edgy light, emphasise wrinkles
Soft light (umbrella, softbox) will be more flattering, you will make him look more friendly
Backlighting will create mood.
You can also play with gels and white balance to play with colours.

Take me with you and I will show you some tricks ;)
 
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Bespoke it will be, no doubt about that. Effective? Perhaps...

I don't want to try his patience by taking ages experimenting either. I'd be keen to hear anything more on the backlighting issue.

And thanks for the offer, but I couldn't afford your airfare...
 
Use the reflector brolly a bit higher than him, in front and a bit to the side to light him all and think about a reflector to bring back some shadows on the other side if you need to. If you haven't got a reflector then get a white sheet, towel, something else.

The brolly should throw enough light about to capture some of the scenery, and hopefully you should come up with a great shot.

Post the pics when you done fella!

KISS principle deffo with this one.
 
Cheers for the advice. I hope to do the shoot quite soon.
 
Light him from directly above and behind you. This will be more edgy than off to the side.
 
If there's no natural light drag the shutter so you can show more of the surroundings. It sounds like you want to show him in his place of work so use a slower shutter to show the surroundings. You'll need a tripod.
 
ryanyboy said:
If there's no natural light drag the shutter so you can show more of the surroundings. It sounds like you want to show him in his place of work so use a slower shutter to show the surroundings. You'll need a tripod.
Click to expand...

+1. Pretty common quick environmental portrait lighting is a softbox and drag the shutter a wee bit.

Though in all honesty, all of these threads asking how to light Xy or z thing are kind of missing the point - the benefit of controlling the light is being able to craft the kind of image that you want and will work well for your concept and usage.

A better way to ask would be with other images that you like the style / lighting of.

Sorry to post this here, more aimed at people posting 'how do I light a model?' With no further info...
 
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Jo McNally is the king (imo) of environmental portraiture. Go read a couple of his books for inspiration Brian.
 
Read lighting 101 on strobist .com for inspiration . And as said above joe is the master grab his book on amazon or look him up you tube for more tips and ideas
 
ryanyboy said:
Jo McNally is the king (imo) of environmental portraiture. Go read a couple of his books for inspiration Brian.
Click to expand...

very good recommendation. Absolutely top, creative and brilliantly lit work.
 
Okay - some results are now available. I would be very keen to get feedback on composition, lighting and PP. I think I have a great subject in Bob, but I'm not convinced that I have done justice to him and the setting. I'd be willing to give it another go if I thought that I could significantly improve things.


Bob by akaPaddy, on Flickr


Bob4 by akaPaddy, on Flickr


Bob3 by akaPaddy, on Flickr


Bob2 by akaPaddy, on Flickr


Bob by akaPaddy, on Flickr
 
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