Lighting for shooting Belly Dancing

RichardN00 (e2 Member)

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31 Jan 2007 - 2:40 PM

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My wife (SWMBO) is an enthusiastic member of a small amateur Belly Dancing group and has recently talked about me taking some portrait shots of members the group in their costumes.

I’ve been looking to get a small portable lighting kit for some time but haven’t been able to justify it. This seems a good excuse to finally take the plunge.

What are people’s thoughts as to what sort of lighting I’d need for the shoot given conflicting needs. Most of the members are not in the first flush of youth which would suggest use of a diffused, soft light so as not to show up every wrinkle, however the costumes are very brightly coloured with lots of glittery bits which would suggest a harder, direct light to make them sparkle.

Another consideration is that there is a fair amount of flesh on show when they wear their costumes; I don’t want to have to spend too much time in Photoshop adjusting flesh tones

Other considerations are

Cost; ideally around £200 - £250 for the initial set up

Weight, I’d be doing the shoot at the rehearsal venue which is several hundred yards from the car park and up several flights of stairs.

Time to set up each portrait, there are about 20 members and I’d hope to complete the shoot in one 2 hour session.

I thought of something like this

I’d appreciate any comments/thoughts

Boyd

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31 Jan 2007 - 6:30 PM

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She Who Must Be Obeyed.

Aren't you married Mike?
;o)

In answer to the original question, you could probably get away with a soft box and a reflector.

keithh

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31 Jan 2007 - 6:56 PM

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Oh the mirth

RichardN00 (e2 Member)

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31 Jan 2007 - 8:11 PM

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Thanks for the link Sus, I hadn't thought of using that effect but I can see that it will work well.

I am hoping to get away with minimum of photoshopping, I like working in PS but the idea of working on 20 or more pics one after the other is daunting

RichardN00 (e2 Member)

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1 Feb 2007 - 7:47 PM

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Beautiful shot, the soft effect is definately quite flattering, ideal for the type of shot I'm aiming for. The simple lighting is very effective too.

I'm newbie at this type of photography but I would guess that it was lit with just a single light?

My only reservation is that the softening has made the coins on the costume look slightly tarnished, however I think that the 'girls' (their description not mine!) would prefer this to something that shows every wrincle & blemish

kaybee

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1 Feb 2007 - 9:43 PM

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So long as you are not trying to light a barn your suggestion is a good starter kit. It would be ideal for the sort of thing Sus has posted.

Roy