Lighting Tag

Following on from my last article about shooting still life work on a table, I want to move on from that and take the techniques I used a step further. For this article I want to show you how easy it is to shoot flowers against a completely white background, working again on a table top with just two lights.

Bowens have just released a new version of the very popular Bowens Pulsar Radio Trigger, a system that allows you to shoot cordless without a sync lead. Designed to work with the Bowens Gemini Classic, the Gemini R and the Gemini Pro range, it replaces the older style transmitter with a brand new mini version.

For lighting nuts like me, the clock change into wintertime is a real plus. Having these darker winter afternoons will give us all the opportunity to shoot with flash more easily. I’ve already been planning a couple of afternoons, using our dining room or small conservatory to set up some still life stuff to shoot. It’s a great way to while away a winters afternoon getting completely engrossed in your favourite pastime! My aim is always to shoot something quite small, often one item using the barest minimum of equipment.

Could Black be the new White? Photographers have been shooting Hi Key portraits against white backgrounds for a long time now, perhaps too long, and I just wonder if Hi Key has had its day? I have this thought because more and more photographers are asking me how to shoot against a black background.

The Strobelite looks good with its smooth finish and one piece moulded design that incorporates a large grip handle and moulded air vents behind the tube. I think the heads look very smart in that matt black finish and I also liked the way that the brolly clamp is very neatly built in to the chunky stand bracket.

The Free Range Show, held in London’s East End is always a favourite of mine. Hosted in the Old Truman Brewery building off Brick Lane, the rolling show is held annually from May until July. The show features a wide range of arts, presented by students from colleges and universities from around the UK, who each take a show space for a limited slot.

Unless you’re extremely efficient when it comes to recycling, the chances are that you may have some ideal still-life subject matter at home. Yes, we’re talking glass. I still have some empty glass bottles waiting to be recycled from last Christmas, but I also have a small collection of interesting bottles that I’ve collected over the years for this very purpose. You see, glass bottles and glass, erm, glasses are ideal still life subjects.

I was in Norwich last week to present my latest lighting seminar. It was a full house with 14 photographers all wanting to know more about lighting.

Along with the launch of their 2 new digital SLR cameras, the EOS 600D and 1100D (see other post) Canon also announced the arrival of 2 new Speedlite flashguns, the 320EX and the 270EX II. Because the 320EX is a brand new model, it’s difficult to know exactly what we should expect, but it certainly seems well equipped. The Canon Speedlite 270EX II is, as the name suggests, an upgraded version of and replacement for the Canon Speedlite 270EX, offering the same tilt/bounce functionality plus some new features.

If you’re looking to develop your photogaphy skills in the new year, then check out our first two WEX Workshops planned for 2011: Getting the Best from your DSLR in association with Canon and the Beginners Guide to Portrait Lighting with Steve Aves.