DigaPixBlog

In commercial photography and shooting movies there are a number of tools used to alter light falling on a subject.  You start with the light source.  Then to alter the direction and quality of light you might use one of the following: 1. a “Scrim” (a filter material used in front of the light to reduce the intensity) 2. a “Reflector” (a white or reflective surface to bounce light back on the shadow side of an object) 3. a “Black Card” (a non reflective surface, generally black, to reduce light on a surface) 4. a “Gobo” (a card or filter with cutouts that is placed in front of the light to through shadow or light patterns across a subject).

This close up still life shot of the Cadillac hood ornament is almost a macro image.  The photographer has done a good job of getting the detail in the Cadillac logo.  The lighting across the hood of the car has interesting color striations.  The subject, the logo, is placed in the upper third of the image on the center line giving it the maximum amount of importance.

I have no idea if the photographer had any control over this shoot but I would like to recommend a couple lighting technics he might try in the future.  First the light source is a pin point light, or sometimes called a single source light.  This is a very strong light, like the sun during the day.  You might want to place a scrim of white nylon in front of the light.  This will reduce or eliminate the harsh shadow across the left side.  Like a thin layer of clouds over the sun.

The second thing I would suggest is to use a reflector in front of the subject to bounce some light back into the logo and give it more pop.  If you wanted some additional ‘black highlights’ in the chrome you could place a black card on the left side.  The last thing that would be possible, it you felt a need for it, is to place a gobo over the light to change the light and dark patterns on the hood.

   Click on Image 

          Modified Lighting 

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