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Lighting patterns on the background?
Hi, I want to create different lighting patterns on the background. I currently consider Chimera Window Compact Pattern Kit II 42x42". However it is bulky and has a limited set of patterns. My studio is Hensel Integra 500W. Do you know better options to create lighting patterns on the background ? Thank Apr 16 08 10:36 am Link I was thinking of starting to use "cookies" in my shots to vary the looks. I believe the correct name is "cucaloris" and it's a frame or mask that breaks up the light into splotches and shadows. An old timey way to accomplish this is to take a large piece of cardboard or foamcore and cut random shapes out of (think of shapes that swimming pools are when viewed from above). Some experimentation with the size of the cutouts and how much surface to leave in the "flat" should result in getting a look you like. Moving the cookie away from your background light will create more definition in the shapes, moving it closer will soften the lines and make the light splotches bigger. Another thing to try would be shooting your background light through different things to break up the light. I can imagine putting a crystal vase near your strobe to diffract the light. You'll want to be aware of the heat coming off your modeling lamp in any case. Apr 16 08 11:47 am Link I saw this in a book. Build you a little box (or just use a tack-board, etc) Smash a mirror, and glue the pieces on it haphazardly, and you've got a great pattern reflector!! Apr 16 08 12:35 pm Link selldesk wrote: Shadows from objects placed between lights Apr 16 08 12:39 pm Link What kind of patterns? See if you can find a used slide projector on Ebay for cheap. Buy or build your own gobos to put in front of it. By using an independent light source for the pattern, you can adjust it for different effects, place it to get the right light direction, etc. Apr 16 08 01:18 pm Link selldesk wrote: Cookies and gobos are the standard way. If you want the pattern to be sharp, you'll need a very small lightsource and/or one which focuses; if you simply want texture without detail, a regular lamp can be used. Apr 16 08 01:53 pm Link Take a piece of foam core and cut random sized holes in it. Place it between a raw head and the background. You can control the sharpness of the shadows by adjusting the distance between the background and the light. Play with different patterns. It's cheaper than buying a kit and you have complete control of what you want the patterns to look like. Apr 16 08 02:01 pm Link I found that passing the light through a milkcrate, or several, can be useful to achieve a varied background effect. Apr 16 08 02:16 pm Link If you have an x-acto knife. You could make your own cutouts with cardboard.  Apr 16 08 02:17 pm Link Thanks everybody! Apr 16 08 03:22 pm Link Carl J Speed II wrote: If you were really motivated you could put a metal plate behind the mirror and use different shaped magnets to create different patterns as needed. Apr 16 08 03:27 pm Link |
