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Back into the Camera Room - part 3 of 1 2 3

by Dave Newman Published 01/12/2002

The Fill Light

For ultimate simplicity I use a fixed fill light which gives me freedom and the speed and efficiency I require. This light moves into the correct location with fingertip ease, producing the required density for negative/digital with a non-evident, non-specular degree of illumination. For optimum quality prints, one needs to bring the base illumination up into the acceptable zone. A simple electronic flash bounce system provides adequate illumination for all my studio needs. Seldom do we adjust the basic subject to fill illumination level. Set it , leave it! In the particular camera room presented here, however, we move or slide the entire track mounted fill unit into optimum position for each side of the duel-directional camera room. Vinyl corrugated roofing material lines the curved bounce surface of this sliding unit. If you have the space and can use two directions, use a highkey and lowkey sides.

Only one flash head is required for the "high or mid-key" bounce fill direction of the camera room, while two are necessary for the low key direction. I call this fixed fill-light my "pockets and sockets" illuminator, since it simply fills with non-evident light.

The Keylight

My artistic camera room "paint brush" now becomes my keylight. Your choice may be different but I use a custom-built, modified 27" barn-doored soft box. Since this light must provide the facial contouring and artistic illumination for the subject, it must be very flexible and movable. This keylight is mounted onto a smooth rolling stand with easy height adjustment features.

Feathering and adjustment of the power to comply with your personal ratio requirements becomes art mixed with science. Most of our work revolves around a 1:4 or 1:5 ratio (fill-to-key-to-subject) when using some diffusion (which lower ratios considerably). Barn doors control this powerful light, which could otherwise destroy delicate background cucalorus patterns or the use of coloured background gels. Having established the ratio by utilization of a fixed fill light, and working with the minimum of extraneous studio light, one can "see" to meticulously chisel out the details of the facial plains by means of the keylight's modeling lamp. Now by the flattering magic of the keylight's illumination, we perform the task for which we are monetarily rewarded.

Separation Lights.

Generally all light "behind" the subject, I consider my separation lights, i.e., hairlight and background light (place onto a mini stand and used with very low power at a height of about 3 feet). Using a "fixed," ceiling mounted hairlight for dark hair separation is a boon to the speed function of the camera room. Only the power is altered to facilitate simplicity in camera room lighting techniques.

A long, narrow softbox is used to more adequately add separation with groups as well as individuals. I find it necessary to use a remote controlled lighting unit with this hairlight as adjustments are very often called for. Note: if you do desire some movement in the direction of this light, I have had great success in one of my studios which uses an inexpensive remote controlled video pan head unit.

More meat and potatoes

Hard surface, not plush, commercial type carpeting is essential throughout,since rolling light stands and costly 'drop-down" painted floor length backgrounds require firmness for function. The large area is very capable of handling large group requests prevalent in our market area, but would appear to be somewhat large for most portrait camera rooms in other cities. The full length highkey background is painted, reversed vinyl flooring. This end of the camera room area is used universally for mid and high key work. This area creates a unique and usable seamless background for a myriad of posing and grouping considerations from brides to commercial setups.

My choice for optics is the Fuji S-2 or the Mamiya RZ's Sekor 100-200 zoom with G-3 vignetter, which has be artfully designed for camera room requirements. Also, rolling, mono pod type, camera stands, not tripods, are designed for speedy and efficient camera room use. Singles and businessmen are photographed digitally with a Fuji Pro S-2. Using Photoshop 7.0, we then rework and print on one of our two Fujix PG 3000s.

A Final Word Yes, you say, but the "do-all/be-all" studio's existence is on the wane, isn't it? Perhaps, and if you're highly specialized in your expertise you may wish to give this article to your best friend, but if you're willing and able to make the most of your many customer requests and their many dollars, consider streamlining your camera room and then "show me your Cadillac".

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1st Published 01/12/2002
last update 09/12/2022 14:51:26

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Back into the Camera Room - part 3 of 1 2 3