HOW TO: Catchlights (twin to single larger)

[Oz_Beachside]

Hello,

The 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.

[Oz_Beachside]

http://www.pbase.com/oz_beachside/image/62562372

[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 )

[Oz_Beachside]

http://www.pbase.com/oz_beachside/image/62562372

[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?

[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?

[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?

[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.

[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

[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

[the foto fanatic]

Sorry - two light sources produce two catch lights.

[phillipb]

Sorry - two light sources produce two catch lights.

Exactly.

[Oz_Beachside]

surely if they are out wide, or up high enough, I can get them out of the eye?

thanks in advance
Oz

[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.

[Oz_Beachside]

ok, fair, i see your point.