Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12
Results 11 to 15 of 15

Thread: tips for low natural light portraiture

  1. #11

    Re: tips for low natural light portraiture

    thanks for the reasurances on the longer exposures!!!

    i mean if we dig back into history most portrature was done at speeds of over 1 second... there is something about the interaction too with someone when they know that the exposures are longer, the sound of the shutter etc., a kind of complicity... so despite the (justified) reservations, i think i'm going to just take more film along, keep it simple, make 8x10 prints.

  2. #12

    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Posts
    9,487

    Re: tips for low natural light portraiture

    It will help keep the film companies in business so it's good for us ;-)

    Been there, tried it. It is always a trade off between enlargement and traditional "sharp" portraiture. Plus a portrait of 1 sec at f/16 on modern fast film is still going to look different than Julia Margaret Cameron's 5 sec at f/6.3 on slow plates....

  3. #13

    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Brooklyn, NY
    Posts
    106

    Re: tips for low natural light portraiture

    I find that usually I have no problems getting people to sit still for a few seconds. I explain the entire process to them, let them look at the Crown Graphic ground glass, etc. And besides, they are in awe of the camera to begin with : )

    What I do have trouble with, is the exact focusing in low light. I can get it close, but not exactly. Does any one have suggestions about that?

    I will try to show a couple of photographs I recently took in the office, no strobes, natural office lighting. Exposures are 1 to 4 seconds.


    Photo 1.

    Photo 2.

    Photo 3.

  4. #14
    Moderator Ralph Barker's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 1998
    Location
    Rio Rancho, NM
    Posts
    5,034

    Re: tips for low natural light portraiture

    Quote Originally Posted by arkady n. View Post
    . . . What I do have trouble with, is the exact focusing in low light. I can get it close, but not exactly. Does any one have suggestions about that? . . .
    Even when I'm using studio strobes, the modeling light is often too dim for critical focussing. I'll often use a supplemental light (a 650W Arri) to focus with, then turn it off prior to taking the shot. Using the Arri, I learned quickly to warn the subject and have them close their eyes - it's awfully bright, but great for focussing.

  5. #15

    Re: tips for low natural light portraiture

    nice colours (1 and 3) arkady, i used a 10x lupe and focus wasn't an issue... that maybe worth trying?

Similar Threads

  1. UV light source thoughts
    By Mark_3632 in forum Business
    Replies: 23
    Last Post: 22-Aug-2012, 16:54
  2. Replies: 82
    Last Post: 8-Dec-2005, 07:31
  3. Light meters sensitive to IR light!
    By bglick in forum Gear
    Replies: 26
    Last Post: 15-Nov-2005, 19:59
  4. Flare? or Light Leak?
    By jon walker in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 13-Feb-2004, 08:57
  5. cold light versus vc cold light
    By Kevin Blasi in forum Darkroom: Equipment
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 30-Jul-2001, 10:36

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •