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can anyione please advise what i need to create a hairlight. I have the elinchrom d-lite 2 kit and would like to create a rim light round the models head.
Will a bear bulb without softbox do correctly exposed at the side of the model? I dont have a snoot or anything.
The reason i need a hairlight is because the model has darkhair and i get spill light on background due to limited space threrefor i need to drak the black levels slider to get black background but dont want the models hair disapearing with it. kind regards, james
With a black background there are 3 basic choices
Snoot
Honeycomb
Reflective umbrella.
You say that you don't have a snoot but you could easily make one - the proper material to use is blackwrap (AKA Cinefoil) which is thick, black-coated baking foil. But you could just wrap a piece of stiff black paper around the reflector instead, as long as you don't use the modelling light (for obvious safety reasons).
The problem with snoots though is that if the light is behind and pointing towards the camera, you're very likely to get flare. A honeycomb solves that problem provided that the angle is right.
But your best option is to use a reflective umbrella above and behind. Unlike a snoot or honeycomb, it will light all of the hair.
A bare bulb won't work because it will cause both flare and light spill on the background
Straight out of Blue Peter......me thinks...
Checkout the first, opening 'promo' video here - there a great piece on DIY fabrication. OK - they're using camera flashguns but the concept is solid.
HTH's...
Quote: With a black background there are 3 basic choices
Snoot
Honeycomb
Reflective umbrella.
You say that you don't have a snoot but you could easily make one - the proper material to use is blackwrap (AKA Cinefoil) which is thick, black-coated baking foil. But you could just wrap a piece of stiff black paper around the reflector instead, as long as you don't use the modelling light (for obvious safety reasons).
The problem with snoots though is that if the light is behind and pointing towards the camera, you're very likely to get flare. A honeycomb solves that problem provided that the angle is right.
But your best option is to use a reflective umbrella above and behind. Unlike a snoot or honeycomb, it will light all of the hair.
A bare bulb won't work because it will cause both flare and light spill on the background
Will the softbox behind the subject pointing back the way work.i want to create a rim light without the same light having any influence on the subjects face. james
Quote: Will the softbox behind the subject pointing back the way work.i want to create a rim light without the same light having any influence on the subjects face. james
Yes.
But it will need to be a small softbox, if it's too big it will spread light where it isn't wanted too, e.g. on the shoulders.
And it will need to point downwards quite sharply, unless it has a honeycomb fitted to it, otherwise it may create flare.
Quote: Can anyione please advise what i need to create a hairlight.
Will a bare bulb without softbox do correctly exposed at the side of the model? I dont have a snoot or anything.
You might like to introduce some colour (gel or wrap) on the hairlight. A bare bulb/white light can make the subject appear to have early graying or white hairs. This may not be flattering for the subject. If you do not tone the light, then tone the highlight effect in PS. (eg, chessnut or hazel toning).
Quote: You say that you don't have a snoot but you could easily make one - the proper material to use is blackwrap (AKA Cinefoil) which is thick, black-coated baking foil.
As Garry mentioned, cinefoil is absolutely great. It's pretty cheap and can be re-used many times. You can change the size of the snoot really easy. It's very adaptable too and can be used to create barn door, scrims, etc.
Great stuff. Anyone with flash heads should have a roll of cinefoil (you can order it from Calumet)
One other thing to add, especially with the D-Lite is to switch off you modelling lamps with the snoot attached as the head will get really hot and very possibly start melting the plastic housing.
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