Ask Dr. LiveJournal: photo lighting

[beowabbit]

Hi. If I want to take indoor pictures with my digital camera (photo-shoot style rather than candid-snapshot style, but not professional-grade), and I don't want to be dependent on the flash or on sunlight through windows, what do I need in the way of lighting, and how much should I expect to pay for it?

Comments

[sunstealer.livejournal.com]

Some simple white cloths draped behind or near the shoot area can reflect and soften light very nicely. I've used a bedsheet before and had decent results.
Almost any light source can be adapted to be useful -collect everything you have sitting around, lamps, flashlights, wahtever, and have your subject pose with them in various places until you find what you like.

B&W or color photos? The problem with tungsten balanced film isn't such a big deal with B&W obviously, no color distortion to worry about.