CONTROL AMBIENT LIGHT

How to shoot a focused light effect

Create beautiful still-life studies by simulating a seamless black background in the studio

Working in a studio provides exceptional control over lighting and background detail, since all elements are static and you are free from the influences of wind, rain and changeable light. However, in a smaller studio space it can be a challenge to effectively control the spread of light, to produce the impression of a focused beam. This is especially true when using larger softboxes or when there is little separation between the subject and background, which can receive unwanted illumination, thereby spoiling an attempted solid black backdrop.

An effective solution is to cut ambient light completely – by turning off all of the room lights and working in near darkness, the studio strobes or remote speedlights can easily overpower the small amount that remains. This does create challenges for composition and focusing, since light is needed for autofocus systems to work and to accurately arrange the frame. Furthermore, the strobe light must be shaped to prevent it illuminating background or peripheral elements. Once these have been mastered however, the ‘blackout’ approach simplifies the required lighting, so that with as little as one light and a single gobo, a solid background is possible in confined spaces or even without seamless paper. Experiment with placement of flags and gobos to produce attractive light gradients.

ALLIMAGES©PETERFENECH Inset DEFOCUSED AND DISTRACTINGWithout ambient light the camera has incorrectly focusedthe subject, while incorrect exposure and light control have produced visible background reflections through light spill

COMPOSE YOUR SHOT With the room lights still illuminated, place your camera on a support and arrange your composition. For a closer preview of the final shot, turn out the lights and use a modelling light to assess the effect.

FOCUS THE SUBJECT To give your camera’s AF system something to work with, use a torch to illuminate the subject if you make any framing changes. This prevents you having to repeatedly turn the room lights on mid-shoot.

ARRANGE THE LIGHTS Here a single strobe and octabox was used. To reduce background illumination, aim the strobe towards the camera slightly and feather the light by placing the subject behind the softbox or at the edge.