What would you use...

[Mank]

...to provide a pool of light to reduce the shadows on their faces on a shot like this?


Baby Bump by rob_mank, on Flickr

I had to pull a lot of it back in PS but I still dont like it. I want something to provide some light just on their face while still having the directional light on the front.

Would a beauty dish high above do the job? As I quite fancy buying one to play with anyway or would a snoot be a better option?

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[chivers67]

I'd use a large reflector - a sheet of polystyrene or large lastolite.

Or may have less of an angle for a main light

 

[Simon photo]

Simple bounce from a reflector might just do it but size and distance will make a difference

 

[kokakaste2]

Another vote for reflector.

 

[Mank]

I dont have anyone to hold a reflector

 

[Simon photo]

Got a spare light stand? tripod? Sweeping brush against a chair? Ceiling hook? Couple of gorilla clamps and your off to go. You just gotta make do with what's to hand sometimes

 

[Mank]

There is no way I would be able to get a reflector positioned where I want it without it intruding on my shot with the space I have. Hence why I asked about using another light.

Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

[Simon photo]

Can't see you squeezing in another light if you can't fit a reflector into your setup!?? Unless you use a little fill from camera?

 

[JonathanRyan]

Some kind of soft box turned down low and fairly close.

 

[Mank]

A light could be positioned out of shot and directed where I wanted to but reflectors are so damn big and awkward to position.

 

[Mank]

Some kind of soft box turned down low and fairly close.

Thanks Jonathan. I do have an 120cm Octa but would that be too big and spill light down the rest of the body? I just want some light on their faces.

 

[Simon photo]

A light could be positioned out of shot and directed where I wanted to but reflectors are so damn big and awkward to position.

Really? I use one all the time when shooting studio. Amazingly simple and as subtle or aggressive as you want. Mine is HUUUGE (wink wink) and can be used as a scrim a flag, silver and gold reflector and makes a good frisbee.

 

[JonathanRyan]

Thanks Jonathan. I do have an 120cm Octa but would that be too big and spill light down the rest of the body? I just want some light on their faces.

Get it really close and feather it.

You can also flag bits with a bin bag and some tape.

Sometimes an unlit soft box can work too. The front acts as a soft white reflector.

 

[Mank]

Get it really close and feather it.

You can also flag bits with a bin bag and some tape.

Sometimes an unlit soft box can work too. The front acts as a soft white reflector.

Thank you! I will give it a go tomorrow as I have someone coming in for a bit of play