One light lighting test
This interior photograph was done as an experiment in “one light" interior photography. I like the rich colors and textures of this room and decided to experiment.
In the old days (4x5 sheet film), small rooms such as this were very tricky to light. Achieving good interior lighting without any stands, lights or grip equipment in the shot could take hours!
For this test I put the camera on a trip, set the aperture to f11.5 and use radio controlled triggers to fire the camera and single strobe for the multiple captures used for this image. For many of the captures, I was in the scene holding the flash. The multiple captures were then assembled using Photoshop layers and masks. Most of the layers were set to “Lighten” mode. When the time spent making captures is added to the time spent assembling the and fine-tuning the final image in Photoshop, it is often no less time than in the “old days” using sheet film. The big advantages now are more control over the final image and much less time required at the location. When an interior photographer can produce excellent images without tying up a space for days, clients love that!
In the old days (4x5 sheet film), small rooms such as this were very tricky to light. Achieving good interior lighting without any stands, lights or grip equipment in the shot could take hours!
For this test I put the camera on a trip, set the aperture to f11.5 and use radio controlled triggers to fire the camera and single strobe for the multiple captures used for this image. For many of the captures, I was in the scene holding the flash. The multiple captures were then assembled using Photoshop layers and masks. Most of the layers were set to “Lighten” mode. When the time spent making captures is added to the time spent assembling the and fine-tuning the final image in Photoshop, it is often no less time than in the “old days” using sheet film. The big advantages now are more control over the final image and much less time required at the location. When an interior photographer can produce excellent images without tying up a space for days, clients love that!
Posted by Curt Clayton at 5/20/2011 6:22 PM 
Categories: Interior Photography, Architectural photography, interior lighting
Tags: interior lighting interior photography
Categories: Interior Photography, Architectural photography, interior lighting
Tags: interior lighting interior photography
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Liked this article and description on how to use just on e light. Great image! And I agree that it takes far more time editing at home, but at least the client is not tied up for much time.
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Technology has come a long way. I typically use one light as well when shooting. It is much easier when traveling to carry just one light.
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Liked this article and description on how to use just on e light. Great image! And I agree that it takes far more time editing at home, but at least the client is not tied up for much time.
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You're right about not tying up the clients time, they really do appreciate it when a photographer works efficiently. Thanks for your comments!
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