Technique for strobing multiple times

<p>Can anyone think of a lighting setup that would allow me to emulate this kind of lighting - http://edgerton-digital-collections.org/galleries/iconic/page/2<br>

Most specifically the shots where the subject is lit multiple times. For example the dancer. On film this is probably just multiple exposure but what would be a good digital solution for this, ideally avoiding post processing. <br /><br /><br>

TIA for any ideas. </p>

<p>If you have any sort of repeating strobe light, such as Canon or Nikon speedlights, or a strobe for disco use, such as used to be sold by Radio Shack, you have what you need. Darken your studio area essentially completely, decide where the model will perform his/her moves, focus your camera appropriately, open the shutter on bulb, start the model, start the repetitive strobe flashes, and you're done! You will wind up with multiple "poses" in motion, all on the same exposure, just as Doc did in your examples. Getting multiple poses is easy; getting good ones is harder, but can be done with no additional equipment.</p>

<p>Bingo baby!! That's what I was thinking. Thanks!</p>

<p>Look up and study the work of Gjon Mili who did considerable work of this kind for LIFE magazine and others in the 50's (?) and 60's. There is a simple but detailed explanation of his strobing technique in one of the volumes of the old Time Life Library of Photography series which you might be able to access on line. I don't recall which volume.</p>

<p>Also, study the work of Dr. Harold Edgerton who both invented the strobe light and who developed many of these kinds of techniques for scientific motion studies including the tennis play and golfer in your link.</p>

<p>Then:</p>

<p>Spencer Gifts party strobe which is variable speed and plenty of power in the digital world.</p>

<p>Greatly darkened (near black) studio.</p>

<p>Black background, even black velvet.</p>

<p>Camera locked on a tripod or heavy camera stand and set on manual program with shutter wide open on bulb setting.</p>

<p>Measure strobe brightness and then set the f stop about 1 to 1.5 stops underexposed.</p>

<p>Open the shutter.</p>

<p>Let the action proceed across the frame while the strobe fires continuously.</p>

<p>Close the shutter.</p>

<p>Adjust and repeat as needed.</p>

Edgerton nad Mili worked together extensively when Doc Edgarton was inventing electronic flash and Mili was a student

of his at MIT.

 

The multiple exposures you are looking at are not multiple exposures. Instead Edgerton made a long exposure with the

flash firing multiple times. As someone else stated a top of the line Nikon or Canon Hotshoe mount flash has this capacity

built in as does the new Phottix Mitros+ Speedlight and Indra500 TTL monolight.

 

You need to work in absolute darkness to make it work. But practice the moves and timing with the lights on.

 

Good luck