Back lighting

[ccommins]

I need help with backlighting, A friend suggested I use the sun to back light

my flowers. But that is not alway possible. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I have a portable studio I purchased with 2 small table lights, backdrop and

diffusers. But no matter where I place the lights the picture looks like I

took a flash light to it. Any suggestions.

Carol

[ingermargrete]

To me it sounds like the light is too harsh. Either the lights needs to be further away from the flower, lower in intensity or you need something to diffuse the lights more. With backlit objects you may also need something to light up the front of the flower so that this doesn`t get too dark, like a reflector. I have done this myself, using the sun and without a reflector(Orange Gerbera flower:)

[colin carron]

Carol, have a look at ken williams... portfolio. He uses very carefully controlled natural light for his indoor shots.

 

http://www.photo.net/photos/Abintra_Photo

 

In many cases he describes how he achieves his gentle lighting effects.

[jennifer_durand]

Try uplighting your flowers and if the light is too strong diffuse as Inger suggests. You can

use a number of things to diffuse light. Try a thin layer of muslin or cotton and add to it until

you get the lighting you want. Please be careful not to have your material close to your lights,

you could cause a fire. Even when I use studio lights I tend to improvise, nothings perfect.

[hjoseph7]

Great Shot Colin, all are extremely sharp.

[ccommins]

Thank you everyone for your help.