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HOW TO: Catchlights (twin to single larger)

PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 7:43 pm
by Oz_Beachside
Hello,

The image

Image

has twin catchlights. With the equipment I have (standard Bowens 500 kit (1 umbrella, 1 60cm softbox), can anyone give me advice on how to (without PP tips);
1. achive similar lighting with two lights, but only one visible catchlight
2. have a single ROUND catchlight (would an octogon box give me this?, if so, any recommended Melbourne suppliers).

Please dont critique image, and the setup was primarily for the eyes, and catchlights learnings, as this is my first studio equipment...

thanks very much.
Oz.

PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 7:47 pm
by Oz_Beachside

PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 7:47 pm
by blacknstormy
OZ - I haven't got a clue ;), but I'm pretty sure that a lot of shots that show the catchlight as a circle is actually by using a macro/ringflash ....
hence the circular catchlight...
someone in here will jump on me pretty quick if I'm wrong (and I usually am ;) )

PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 7:49 pm
by Oz_Beachside

PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 7:56 pm
by optogamut
Yeah, the ringflash is pretty popular in fashion photography. But it would be in the center of the eye, unless you take it off camera.

You could try getting one of the collapsible diffusers, they're circular and with a flash behind it, it might give you the effect you're after?

PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 7:56 pm
by Oz_Beachside
thanks blacknstormy,

a macro flash, lieka ring flash, would be mounted on a stand, simply for the purpose of catchlight?

Or would this be used in place of my fill light (umbrella in this case)? Or a third flash?

PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 7:59 pm
by Oz_Beachside
thanks Danny,
somehting like this http://www.adorama.com/LSDH.html
with a flash behind it? do you have any experience on size disc., and distance to subject imact on catchlight look?

PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 8:05 pm
by optogamut
Yeah, something like that. Never used mine as a catchlight, sorry. I've got an 80cm 5-in-1 set, so it has a diffuser and reflectors etc.

Haven't used it enough to say if it would work for you for sure. Just thought I'd throw the idea in...

cheers.

PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 8:18 pm
by MATT
Oz, I cant be of much help either, but I would be insterested to know.

Cause the same school photo bloke comes every year, this year he bought a twin light setup and produce twin catch lights in the kids portraits.

it looks sh*****tty to say the least.


MATT

PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 8:25 pm
by Oz_Beachside
I intend to experiement a little with this. I guess by moving the fill flash back it will be smaller, and therefore less prominant. Then the key through the softbox can provide the primary catchlight.

My softbox is the 60cm Bowens, can anyone recommend a supplier for a good deal on a 90x90mm, or 100x140?

thanks
Oz

PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 8:38 pm
by the foto fanatic
Sorry - two light sources produce two catch lights. :)

PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 10:01 pm
by phillipb
cricketfan wrote:Sorry - two light sources produce two catch lights. :)


Exactly.

PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 10:11 pm
by Oz_Beachside
surely if they are out wide, or up high enough, I can get them out of the eye?

thanks in advance
Oz

PostPosted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 10:27 pm
by phillipb
The human eye is almost like a fisheye lens, you'd have to place the light directly above or at the side so as not to get the light in the eyes and that would change your lighting completely.

PostPosted: Thu Jun 29, 2006 12:38 am
by Oz_Beachside
ok, fair, i see your point.