How would you set up the lighting for this type of portrait?

Brenda Lee · 02-18-2011, 06:21 PM

I've seen these "lace" portraits here and there, and I'd like to try to shoot one. Unfortunately, I suck at lighting. How would you set up the lighting to get this effect?

Attached Images

alohadave · 02-18-2011, 06:49 PM - **1 Like**

It's fairly straightforward, hard light. Hang the lace, put the flash/light a few feet away, and adjust until it looks good to you.

Tremaine · 02-20-2011, 02:10 AM

I concur. That is a great shot also

**Ash** · 02-20-2011, 02:18 AM - **1 Like**

Creative lighting idea - what could be considered a 'gobo'.
Nice result.

NicoleAu · 02-21-2011, 02:48 AM

That's just gorgeous, I love it. Hmmm...

Tremaine · 02-21-2011, 09:59 AM

Know what? I am going to attempt this shot and post the result

Ira · 02-21-2011, 10:19 AM

Back in the day, I used a manual 2 1/4 slide projector and took blank slide mounts (they had aluminum ones back then!) and inserted cardboard with various style slits/cuts in them to project interesting light patterns onto the subject.

You can do the same thing with 35mm, but it's easier to work with the larger medium format.

Gashog · 02-23-2011, 04:43 AM

+1 Ira. I think this is probably an over head projector with some lace or a doyley or something.

Brenda Lee · 02-23-2011, 10:46 AM

Originally posted by Ira

Back in the day, I used a manual 2 1/4 slide projector and took blank slide mounts (they had aluminum ones back then!) and inserted cardboard with various style slits/cuts in them to project interesting light patterns onto the subject.

You can do the same thing with 35mm, but it's easier to work with the larger medium format.

That's a nifty idea!

Gashog · 02-23-2011, 03:32 PM

On second thought, I think Dave is right. It's just a strobe and grid shooting through the curtain.
Unbelievable detail though.

02-18-2011, 06:21 PM	#1
Brenda Lee Inactive Account Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NB, Canada Posts: 85	How would you set up the lighting for this type of portrait? I've seen these "lace" portraits here and there, and I'd like to try to shoot one. Unfortunately, I suck at lighting. How would you set up the lighting to get this effect? Attached Images

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02-18-2011, 06:49 PM - 1 Like	#2
alohadave Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Quincy, MA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,024	It's fairly straightforward, hard light. Hang the lace, put the flash/light a few feet away, and adjust until it looks good to you.

02-20-2011, 02:10 AM	#3
Tremaine Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Chicago Photos: Albums Posts: 83	I concur. That is a great shot also

02-20-2011, 02:18 AM - 1 Like	#4
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Creative lighting idea - what could be considered a 'gobo'. Nice result.

02-21-2011, 02:48 AM	#5
NicoleAu Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Central Coast, NSW, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 539	That's just gorgeous, I love it. Hmmm...

02-21-2011, 09:59 AM	#6
Tremaine Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Chicago Photos: Albums Posts: 83	Know what? I am going to attempt this shot and post the result

02-21-2011, 10:19 AM	#7
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Back in the day, I used a manual 2 1/4 slide projector and took blank slide mounts (they had aluminum ones back then!) and inserted cardboard with various style slits/cuts in them to project interesting light patterns onto the subject. You can do the same thing with 35mm, but it's easier to work with the larger medium format.

02-23-2011, 04:43 AM	#8
Gashog Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: NY Photos: Albums Posts: 523	+1 Ira. I think this is probably an over head projector with some lace or a doyley or something.

02-23-2011, 10:46 AM	#9
Brenda Lee Inactive Account Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NB, Canada Posts: 85 Original Poster	Originally posted by Ira Back in the day, I used a manual 2 1/4 slide projector and took blank slide mounts (they had aluminum ones back then!) and inserted cardboard with various style slits/cuts in them to project interesting light patterns onto the subject. You can do the same thing with 35mm, but it's easier to work with the larger medium format. That's a nifty idea!

02-23-2011, 03:32 PM	#10
Gashog Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: NY Photos: Albums Posts: 523	On second thought, I think Dave is right. It's just a strobe and grid shooting through the curtain. Unbelievable detail though.