Hi Steve,

I hope things are going well. I just read your 1/12 article "Back to Basics - Simple Beauty". The picture of Teresa Bringas is absolutely gorgeous. Can you elaborate on the lighting setting and if not too much trouble show a a diagram?

It is coincidental that you posted an article about back to basics. I was wondering if you listened to the 1/19 PTR with Mark Halper? If so what do you think about Mark's statement concerning his non-use of softboxes?

Regards,
George

Hey George!! Long time no chat! I missed Mark's appearance on PTR. I'll have to check the archives. What was the comment that you are referring to?

Thanks for your comment about my shot of Teresa. She makes me look good! I've tried to take a bad picture of her, but after literally several thousand exposures, I've given up! She's one of my favorite models and people--she is as lovely on the inside as she is beautiful on the outside. You already have the diagram for that series of images! It's on page 89 of Softbox...! That image was taken when I began to play with overlapping light sources...talk about a metering challenge! It was taken several years ago so I do not recall the exact figures for each light sourdce, but it was here where I learned to be very aware of the combined values of the lights--especially spotilghts coming from behind. A 30X40 softbox and a spot light with a grid were set up behind the camera. A small Stripdome [I think they were small] was set on either side of Teresa. Two spot lights with grids were aimed at her hair from behind and to either side and a spot light with a grid lit the backdrop.

The biggest lesson that I learned from that shoot was to just let loose and play with your lights. Try something different and see what happens. If you like it then do it again! If you don't then make a note of why you don't like it and hit "delete!"

Hi Steve,

I've been busy with my 8 to 5 (actually 4:30) and looking for a new one. On weekends I've been working as a contract photographer traveling around the midwest and east coast doing event photography such as dance competitions, talent shows, etc. etc. But I have been visiting this forum from time to time just reading post as well as visiting a couple of equipment forums.

On the 1/19 PTR show Mark was asked about his basic lighting gear used on location. He said he carries Dyna-lite head, assortment of light panels, umbrellas that he never points at people only used to light backgrounds etc, etc, but what you won't find are soft boxes because he considers them tremendously over used and sort of the "McDonald's of lighting".

Best Regards,
George

Hey George!

Wow it sounds like you've been busy. I understand about the job search...good luck!

This may surprise you, but I am going to "conditionally" agree with Mark and perhaps expand on the comment. Any--in fact all tools and techniques can get stale and over used. Softboxes--of varying sizes--are simply tools at your disposal. Obviously I like and use them often--but certainly not every time I am in the studio and even then I'll mix them up and use them in different ways depending on the look that I am after. I've said it before and I will keep saying it: PLAY with your tools and keep evolving!