posted on December 26, 2000 04:52:08 PM new
Anybody know the effect of using halogren lights when taking pictures with digital cameras and also regular film?
If there is an effect can it be offset with filters?
posted on December 26, 2000 08:16:51 PM new
Ray,
I'm experimenting with halogen right now. The results are mixed, and it seems to have to do with the angle I'm shooting with respect to the location of the light. Some pics come out as if I were using natural sunlight, yet I can move a few inches and snap another one and there will be a rusty amber shade to it. The macros seem to be the most difficult to get. I'm going to change the location of the light and play around with it some more. So to answer your question, it is possible to get some great pictures that need no editing at all, but it's sorta hit and miss until you discover the secret combination of light angle vs camera angle. Haven't tried film yet.
The light at the end of the tunnel will turn out to be an oncoming train.
posted on December 27, 2000 05:10:57 AM new
Ray -
With a digital camera, all you have to do is increase the BLUE a bit to make the item look more "real".
With regular film, perhaps a light blue filter OR just use the film made for indoor use. Most film sold in mass-market stores compensates pretty well for incandescents and (some) flourescents.
posted on December 27, 2000 09:13:59 AM new
Following advice shared here in a thread a year or more ago I purchased two round reflectors with spring clamps at a hardware store. I use Photoflood bulbs and get good results.
The bulbs are about $5.00 each but only rated for five hours usage and are very hot.
I've been thinking about doing some larger items and some hobby photography including using a camcorder. That led to looking at studio lighting packages and four or five hundred dollars of "toys".
Noticed an ad this week that Sears was having a post holiday tool sale(some of my favorite reading)which included a Craftman hologen worklight light, two bulbs, an adjustable tripod and 150/300/500 watts light level for $20.00. Thought I might satisfy my wants for a couple of tripod light on the cheap.
They will likely be quickly stored away with my Nikon camera and the rest of my photo stuff after one or two usages. Since I got the Sony I haven't used a roll of film. Might as well spend $40. for something to put into storage as ten times that amount.
Actually I think I wanted to hear that the Halogen would not work and I could be justified in continuing to look at studio lighting packages.
Well, off to Sears. What's Christmas without a few new toys to play with?
posted on December 27, 2000 01:39:14 PM new
I used to work in a photo studio years ago and there is a real art to getting true color rendition. Lots of factors effect the outcome of a final image.
The color "temperature" at which you shoot the photo depends on what you are shooting. Is it metallic, like jewelery? Smooth like glass, soft like velvet. Is it dyed like modern cloths? All these factors react differently under different light temps.
SO, in general: digital cameras or video cameras are designed to shoot the best photos of people outdoors on a sunny day. Therefore, a 3200 to 3400 degree K photo bulb is great, cause its a close temp to sunlight. But they dont last for squat! Usually they burn out when you bump them.
I have had some luck with Halogens by shooting in a dark room ( no other light sources) and posing my objects on a very clean white bedsheet that gently curves up a wall. I use a small Halogen swivel desk lamp(apx 150 Watt) and shoot overhead or at a soft angle. Surprised me to see that most colors look very good this way, even in macro, But I do rarely have to diddle with the yellows/oranges a bit with Paint Shop Pro.
posted on December 27, 2000 05:30:04 PM new
Reston Ray: I have tried a lot of different lighting. I bought one of those tripods with two 500 watt Halogens. They provided good light (with a lean to the yellow spectrum), but not for what I was photographing. They also cooked me alive. I would look like a tomato after sitting under the lights to take my shots. My face would be so red that I thought I needed sun block.
I found that the best and most accurate lighting comes from compact flourescent full spectrum bulbs. First there is not the heat.
Then you are dealing in 5100 K spectrum like natural sunlight. These bulbs are not very expensive running about $25 to $40 each. Check the internet for the best price. I use 150 watt bulbs in desk lamps. I photograph tiny items with 3x zoom and a 4 x macro lens.
Color accuracy is very important to me. I seem to be able to achieve it best with the compacts.
posted on December 27, 2000 11:35:30 PM new
I sell clothing and have been having problems getting good shots with my Sony FD-91 becuase of bad lighting. I'm not familiar with compact flourescent full spectrum lights. What exactly do I buy? Thanks in advance for any help you can give me. Henry
posted on December 28, 2000 12:31:21 AM new
Hi Henry: Full Spectrum Lighting is like sunlight. Compact Fluorescent means it will fit into any regular screw-in socket. I use 26 watt which is equal to 175 incandescent bulb. Sorry I looked at an incadescent box before. This is the correct wattage for compact Fluorescents.
I have tried different kinds of bulbs alone and together. This is the best lighting I have found for small areas and tiny objects.
