Another Tool!

[wlotus]

leepak cued me in on the wonders of using foil paper for fill light! The photo on the left was taken without fill light. The photo on the right was taken immediately afterwards, as I held a sheet of tin foil just outside of the lens' range to direct light from the window onto the side of my face.

Without Fill Light

With Fill Light

Incredible! I am going to play around with this some more, of course.

Comments

[flyingshaman.livejournal.com]

Wow! What a difference. Awesome shots, as always.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[arkadelos.livejournal.com]

I hope you don't mind a piece of constructive criticism... you look nicer/friendlier in the picture on the right with Fill Light. Kinda creepy and angry/threatening in the pict without Fill Light.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

That is actually a good observation: light affects the perceived mood of the photo. If I wanted to portray myself as angry or even mysterios, I would do well to make sure my face is partly shadowed. But if I want to portray myself as open and approachable, having my face fully illuminated helps.

[ciardhapagan.livejournal.com]

Wow! I'd heard about using foil but have never tried it. Wonder if it would work as well with a plain old digital camera.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

It sure would! Lighting theory applies to whatever camera is being used, even a pinhole.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

That's a useful tip. I'm going to have to try that.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

I'd love to see the results when you do.

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

If you want a slightly softer look, you can use white paper, which will reflect a little less light. I have a big piece of white posterboard that I often use to add a little fill.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I will try that, too.

[verucas-chaos.livejournal.com]

Such a difference - great tip!

[spilling-fire.livejournal.com]

That's about the niftiest little trick and effect ever!

Whatever!

[(Anonymous)]

With fill...without fill... my goodness Wanda...a BEAUTIFUL face!! I just want to stare at it..... Maureen

Re: Whatever!

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[tuluum.livejournal.com]

what a great tip! gonna start praticing with it ASAP!!! maybe even in later when i take pics of some chips!