What type of light do I need to create shadows?

[digipix]

Aim trying to light a still life shot and would like to get the effect of shadows coming through a window.

What type of light do I need please,room is 9'x11',would like to be able to add colour gels, also have the possibility to reduce the power of the light!

Any help appreciated.

 

[V8burble]

Any direct light source (not diffused) will give you hard shadows. So either Speedlight or studio flash or bedside lamp with the shade removed or torch or... you get the idea. Diffused will give you softer shadows. If so a silver reflective brolly, then a white shoot through, then a soft box in order of hard to soft shadows. It really depends on what light through a window you are after.

Or are you trying to get an old fashioned window highlight with glazing bars? If so you can create a simple mask between the light and subject.

 

[AliB]

There is a famous David Bailey quote.......when he was asked what kind of light he used he answered "available light" when further pressed...."did he favour a particular manufacturer" he answered "No I mean any F******* light available!!"

There's your answer

It depends what you want your pic to look like though. What colour temperature do you need? Do you want it to look like daylight but have the option of adding gels? Either flashguns or studio lights will do that but then so will a continuous daylight lamp with a gel on it!

So almost any light capable of producing 5500K light.

 

[digipix]

Any direct light source (not diffused) will give you hard shadows. So either Speedlight or studio flash or bedside lamp with the shade removed or torch or... you get the idea. Diffused will give you softer shadows. If so a silver reflective brolly, then a white shoot through, then a soft box in order of hard to soft shadows. It really depends on what light through a window you are after.

Or are you trying to get an old fashioned window highlight with glazing bars? If so you can create a simple mask between the light and subject.

Thanks,

I have a couple of nikon flashes,Just wondered if something like a small adjustable spot like....if there is such a thing?

Yes your right,trying to create an old fashioned window light etc.

Regards

 

[AliB]

Ah ha!

get a box of fairy washing sachets the box is just the right size. Do several loads of washing and then cut a pattern in the lid of the box to resemble your window frame. Cut a bit out the bottom of the box to fit round your flash. It's technically called a gobo and you can make shapes out of card, washing up bottles all sorts of stuff. All you are doing is projecting an image of that shape using your flash.

Blue Peter time!

 

[The23rdman]

I love gobos.

 

[digipix]

Thanks to all,plenty to think about,appreciate all your idea's.

Will have a play/practice.

Thanks again