Lighting shiny latex
- Thread starter spacemutt
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Garry Edwards
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- Garry Edwards
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With respect, you're missing the point.
The whole idea of photographing someone in shiny latex is to make the most of the reflections, it's the reflections that add the interest. The trick is to control the reflections, not to try to eliminate them - which can't be done anyway.
Method one is to use a large diffused light source, as close as possible, to stop the reflections from being too small and too bright. All is explained here.
Method two is to use smaller light sources at an acute angle, to define the shape of the body underneath the clothing by creating light and shadow on the clothing.
The whole idea of photographing someone in shiny latex is to make the most of the reflections, it's the reflections that add the interest. The trick is to control the reflections, not to try to eliminate them - which can't be done anyway.
Method one is to use a large diffused light source, as close as possible, to stop the reflections from being too small and too bright. All is explained here.
Method two is to use smaller light sources at an acute angle, to define the shape of the body underneath the clothing by creating light and shadow on the clothing.
Darren Campbell
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I shoot quite a bit of latex couture and Garry is entirely correct. My preferance is for a big light source and lots of black and white foam boards. The trick is to approach the model as a still life - adding and subtracting light to create form, long thin strips for long specular highlights on limbs. Smaller and wider for torso. Rim light is almost compulsory.
As for texture: latex doesn't have any as such, but it's distinct look is recognised by the reflections it produces. You'll be driven mad trying to eliminate every over-blown specular highlight, so settle on big light sources for a smooth gradient wrap around from light to shadow, with a sharper blip for pin-point highlights and you won't go too far wrong.
Be ever vigilant of your environment and what you yourself are wearing, as everything will be reflected in the latex once lit. Feel free to forget whichever lens you like, but don't forget your polish.
Here's a straight forward approach to help you on your way: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29M0_4MWbHc
As for texture: latex doesn't have any as such, but it's distinct look is recognised by the reflections it produces. You'll be driven mad trying to eliminate every over-blown specular highlight, so settle on big light sources for a smooth gradient wrap around from light to shadow, with a sharper blip for pin-point highlights and you won't go too far wrong.
Be ever vigilant of your environment and what you yourself are wearing, as everything will be reflected in the latex once lit. Feel free to forget whichever lens you like, but don't forget your polish.
Here's a straight forward approach to help you on your way: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29M0_4MWbHc
Good advice, thank you. He will be looking for some big chunks of polystyrene that he can use as a reflector (B&Q?). That was a good video. I will show him. His laptop is away being upgraded so he is stuck in the stone age at the moment..
Good advice about being careful what the photographer wears.
Good advice about being careful what the photographer wears.