Photo Techniques
Indoors I set the camera to M, shutter to
1/125th, and aperture to
f/5.6 and
ISO 100. That is my baseline for seeing how the camera will expose the scene. Starting from the same “zero” baseline makes it easier to evaluate the results of the first test shot. Toss a white towel near where you plan to shoot portrait, texture provides visual feedback on under/overexposure.
Strobist with
indoor ambient lighting (normally is 1/60th, f/4, ASA 400). Want 2-stop-underexposed ambient photo, you simply dial your strobe up or down on manual until he looks well lit. Close enough is close enough if it looks good.
-
* Strobist 101 - snoot & gobo
Snoot 6”, 8”, 12”. Covered in black gaffers tape (opt: old Ron Paul signs). Double-Sided Velcro bands! Write results on snoot/tubes, e.g. “1×2-foot pattern at 5 feet”. GOBOS: Black and White foamcore pads (adj size). Also,
cardboard inserts.
“Michaels” poster board 19.5” by 26” in a brand called “CHROMOLUX”. You can get the silver chrome one which reflects light like a mirror, an off-white (warmer reflectivity), or even a gold one for that golden glow reflection. Look for tacky-back
black or silver covers also? Or shop-vac tiny snoot?
Gels for strobes: ‘green’ for fluorescent key, ‘CTO’ for tungsten key light
Testing light: Or better yet use your hand (placed where his head would be) to quicky get into the ballpark before your subject sits in his spot. I shoot my left hand a lot.
