Equipment List and Lighting Research

To ensure my Photo's from my photo shoot come out at a professional standard I researched into professional lighting set ups and specialist equipment. My equipment list is as follows;

-Camera

-Background Roll (In Black)

-Studio Umbrella
-Soft Box

-Props (Guitar and stool)

-Reflector (To give glow to the face)

A Reflector is used to ensure enough light is placed onto the face and a gold tinted reflector can add a golden glow to the side of a face. A reflector works by reflecting or bouncing light from a source for example a studio umbrella onto the subject. The smoother and more reflective the surface the more light reflected so therefore the brighter the image. Reflectors are commonly used in photo shoots give softer light to certain areas or ensure that all areas of a photo shoot have light.

Studio umbrellas; Are common umbrellas however they have a reflective surface in the inner side. common lighting equipment is attached to the inner side and when the image is taken these project the light into the umbrella this then reflects around and projects light over a wider area onto the stage area. This method is used more commonly then direct lighting equipment as it gives less harsh and also smooth lighting, it is also a very cheap solution to light a larger area.

Soft Box; Gives a nice soft lighting affect it allows for a better warping of light and allows for a nice smooth lighting it works by simply allowing light to pass through a small filter towards the front of the box because of the nature of this light boxes work better when working in small areas as they can be close to the subject.

Props are used to ensure that the model looks fit for purpose and fits in with the whole style makeup can be classed as props as different colours connote different feelings and stereotypically certain colours are associated with certain social groups.

Positioning; Positioning of light in response to the subject is very important as each angle gives a different affect. First off however it is important to note for correct lighting it is appropriate to have a minimum of two lights one to light up the background  (back lighting) and one for the subject. Different angles cause different affects; normally when taking photographs if going for and even light across the front of  the face (Flat light) then the light source will be placed facing central to the model (90 degrees to the model). However if going for a stylistic shot where half the face is darkened then any where between 45-60 degrees would be applicable.