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Lighting

There are several important issues pertaining to lighting.

  •  Proper color representation
  •  Proper illumination
  •  Ease of use and cost

PhotoFlexLightingSchool.com, an excellent web-based lighting resource for still-life and product photography information. Once at the website, click on any of the photos for mini tutorials.

 

Proper color representation

Whether you are shooting digital or film, the type of lighting used will influence your image. Matching the camera settings with the light source is key to a good result.

For digital photography, select the proper setting on your camera based on the type of lights used. When shooting outdoors, select daylight. Indoors, match the light source to the camera setting (fluorescent, tungsten, etc.) If the setting does not match the light source, the color will be wrong and misrepresent the object at auction.

Mixed light sources usually results in color problems. For example, if you are shooting with tungsten bulbs and you select the 'tungsten' setting on the camera, the color will be wrong if there is also a lit fluorescent light source close by.

The best way to test for proper color is to photograph a bright white card using the camera settings and lighting conditions you will be using when photographing your lots. Then open the file on your computer and see if the white is actually white (the preview in the camera is not sufficient to judge color). If the image looks too warm (red or orange) or cool (blue or green ), or the color is wrong in some other way, fix the problem before you begin shooting. This simple step will save time and produce consistently goodresults.


Proper illumination

In general, photographs for auction should be bright and clear. Shadows should be minimized or eliminated. A uniform light source that surrounds the object is important. Light boxes, diffusers, multiple light sources, and cloud cover (for outdoor photography) will help give a uniform illumination and minimize hard shadows. The use of flash, a single light source, or shooting outdoors on a sunny day will all tend to intensify shadows.


Ease of use and cost

Complicated or expensive lighting systems are not required for good photography. A simple, two-light setup with diffusers will work for most situations. A budget of no more than $300 - $600 is required.

B&H Photo is an excellent resource for equipment and advice, and the prices are very good.

Tungsten or Fluorescent lamps are the least expensive and work well. HMI, CDM & HID lighting is more expensive.

Strobe lighting is complicated and expensive and should be used only by professional photographers.