Practicing without a model

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This is probably a daft question (from a lighting newbie), but in the absence of a model, what's the best way to practice lighting for portraiture? i.e Is there any props etc that would be useful?

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Cuddley toys.

They dont move much though, my family will not sit for me.

Phil
 
Someone here was using a life size figurine - I think it was from Beatlejuice or something! Freaked me out at first but certainly a good option for practising on :)
 
LOL we all done it at some point lol
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Forgot to say was taken with a canon g11, off camera flash. Min power then its been in cs5 raw and recovery turn full up just playing thats how we all learn.
 
Cuddly toys are of limited use, they don't have reflective skin...

Decent quality mannequin heads are fine, especially the ones with glass eyes (not painted eyes).

But you can learn an enormous amount just from lighting any still life subject, just don't expect the reflective qualities to carry over to lighting people.
 
Self portraits are best because most of us are humans.
 
I am in this position and was thinking of getting an apple or two. Not the biggest of subjects but depending on the variety I should be able to get a nice range of reflective surfaces to try. Will this work?
 
Scarily a client wants to send me a mannequin for some shots. I've suggested hiring a model because they are cheaper....
 
maninsuitcase said:
I am in this position and was thinking of getting an apple or two. Not the biggest of subjects but depending on the variety I should be able to get a nice range of reflective surfaces to try. Will this work?
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You'll learn far more about lighting from ANY still life subject than you will from photographing real people, because people move and still life subjects don't.

And, even the slightest change of position will change the effect of creative lighting, and any change of expression will make or break the shot.

Apples are OK as a subject but you need to light a wide range of different subjects, with different shapes and different reflective qualities, and their small size is also a limitation because it can be difficult to get anything except pretty soft lighting.

BTW, personally I think that self portraits are a waste of time from a lighting perspective - you need to see the lighting from the camera position.
 
Jonathan, are you sure it's a mannequin ... be careful as you may get a surprise!!! lol

Malcolm
 
This is what I used for a while ...went down to a well known department store and asked if they had any damaged manniquins they were thinking of chucking well they gave me this one.


 
My blow up Girlfriend, touched the light farted and left the building in a hurry LOL
 
JonathanRyan said:
Scarily a client wants to send me a mannequin for some shots. I've suggested hiring a model because they are cheaper....
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and less of a pita - been doing product work on mannequins for 2 days and its sooooo dull :D

Ralphmyster said:
My blow up Girlfriend, touched the light farted and left the building in a hurry LOL
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LOL :D
 
Mr G said:
This is what I used for a while ...went down to a well known department store and asked if they had any damaged manniquins they were thinking of chucking well they gave me this one.


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Good call. Means you are under no pressure, can be behind the lens instead of in front of it (self-portraits) and you can take your time. This is exactly what I sued to do at uni because I wasn't comfortable learning in front of models....
 
There is a company in the US called RealDoll that makes lifesize dolls for a purpose other than photography.

I had a quick look for "research" purposes and they would make an excellent studio prop for lighting tests - not cheap though.

Fairly obviously the site is not suitable for work.
 
Those dolls probably have features that you don't need. Save money and get a free manniquin like Mr G. In fact, even if you were given one, you probably don't want clients finding it when they open the wrong wardrobe.
 
Triggaaar said:
Those dolls probably have features that you don't need. Save money and get a free manniquin like Mr G. In fact, even if you were given one, you probably don't want clients finding it when they open the wrong wardrobe.
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That is true :) Although when dressed it would look perfectly respectable and just like a very expensive mannequin which at the end of the day is all it is.

Personally I would much rather get a real person to practise with as the communication element of photography is very easy to underestimate.
 
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