b_christopher

<p>Alvin, I am curious to know why you wish to put two lights on either side of the subject at the same distance at the same setting. Am I right in guessing that you wish to expose the subject evenly and with no(often described as distracting) shadows? Really, I wish to challenge you to go back to the fundamentals of studio lighting. If you wish to expose the subject's left and right side evenly, you would place a light behind the camera, as close to the camera's lens axis. Of course, such lighting on a subject is inherently of flat and mostly uninteresting quality, just as the method you describe. I think you're wondering about the "additive qualities of light."(research hint) When/if you do get into learning about additive qualities, do start by placing lights in the traditional positions as Mr. Steve Levine describes: key at 45 +/- degrees subject left(or right) and above to taste, and fill behind camera. Finally, to answer your question directly; you would set the aperture to f/16, because the two lights, in the described positions, do not overlap - so there is no additional quantity of light on either side of the subject.</p>

<p>Winter 2009 - Leica IIIf Nikkor S.C. 5cm 1:1.4 - Kodak TMY<br>

<img src="http://www.bchristopherphotography.com/temp/temp/Untitled-7.jpg" alt="" /></p>

 

<p>I use the L-558(5 years) and L-358(7 years?) Both meters have worked well, without malfunction. I like the smaller size of the L-358. The optional radio transmitter($50), installed several years ago to use with Profoto power packs, has worked flawlessly, too.</p>

<blockquote>

<p><em>I'd like to pick a color backdrop that's complimentary to them.</em></p>

</blockquote>

<p>I would choose a complimentary color, too :)</p>

<p>Another tried and true technique for family groups outdoors is available light in open shade. Ultimately, the entire scene framed in the picture will be in shade. Open shade, when used properly, provides nice soft, directional light which quite nicely compliments family portraits.</p>

<p>Mr. Wood, Carbon fiber legs and pan/tilt heads are probably what you're after. Less weight while still offering great stability. Mind you, the sturdier carbon fiber legs are more expensive compared to aluminum type. (<a href="http://www.adorama.com/Als/SearchPage/carbon+fiber+tripod/?Count=10&SearchInfo=carbon+fiber+tripod">LINK</a>) (<a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=carbon+fiber+tripod&ci=15293&N=4294205295">LINK</a>)</p>

<p>When using a lighter tripod/head combo, you could always add more weight on the legs for greater stability. Doubled plastic grocery bags with some rocks or dirt hanging from the center column would do well, even.</p>

<p>Looks very much like the <a href="http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=154&modelid=16358">EF 800mm f/5.6</a>.</p>

<p>I have kept rolls of exposed b&w film for 4 years before processing. Not much care was taken to keep them from fluctuating temperatures. The film resided on top of a desk, then in a box, and moved from the West coast to the East, when I finally processed the rolls. The film is a little thin, but not much.<br>

<img src="http://www.bchristopherphotography.com/temp/temp/untitled-15.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<div></div>

<p>Along with the longer lens advice, some posing techniques for larger subjects should be helpful. As for making subjects appear younger, pre-exposure, lighting and makeup are two ways to achieve this. Then, there is retouching, post-exposure. I won't bore you with search results. ;)</p>

<p>To achieve a similarly lit shot, I would use the camera's pop-up flash or a ring flash.</p>

<p>Congratulations! You're a lucky man.</p>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<p>Photograph from the heart! Fantasize, play, explore, discover, realize, express, laugh, curse, cry, and SCREEEEAM through your images, damn it! Buy new cameras and new lenses and accessories and lights and reflectors and softboxes and filters and whatever else you think you need. But, for goodness' sake, bro... Photograph from the heart.</p>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<p><img src="http://www.bchristopherphotography.com/temp/temp/Untitled-8.jpg" alt="" /><br>

Exposed in 2006, processed this week. Ilford Delta 100 IIIf 5cm 1:1.4 Nikkor</p>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>

<div></div>