Photography studio lesson

In one of my media lessons we had an insight to the photography studio, this allowed me to understand how to use the equipment. I had to be aware of many things for my models before the photoshoot took place. This was:

• Props used for models
• the colour of the backdrop, white is up but black will be available the following week

There were a few points we had to take into consideration. If we wanted to take group shots with multiple people then the backdrop can be extended. In addition the model/models have to be 5-6 feet away from the backdrop, this will ensure that the model will not be bleached into the background.

When shooting, the room lights must be turned off, this will ensure that the photography lights will work properly. 

There are 3 photography lights, and they have flash which can be adjusted. The lights at the back will ensure if the model has a shadow behind them or not. The lights will produce different looks. The flash is used to highlight, contrast etc. The flash heads are called trinity.

In total there are 5 lights in the studio, in addition everything is infared, this means that there are no leads. To work the flash on the lights will be tested through the buttons. the 'Test' button will flash and 'beep' (make a noise) as many times it is pressed. The '+' and '-'   will change at the highest number is 6. the higher the number the longer the flash, therefore the lower the number the shorter the flash. The receiver on the camera controls the flash when on '6'. 

The light ratio is 3:1; this means that every light does something different.

The key light is the main light, this is the first light in the studio; the Feel light which is on the right hand side. The purpose of this light is to take out the shadow on the light hand side of the models body.

The hairline light (snoot) won't make the image look flat, it gives it depth.

There are black covers on the lights these are called soft boxes, in addition umbrellas and other lighting props can be used for a different glow or look to the model. these are called reflectors and come in gold and silver
. this bounces light anywhere when held up. The gold reflector gives a warmer tone e.g. to the bottom lip, nose etc. The silver reflector gives a harsher tone, so more contour.

The camera which is used in the studio is DSLR Nikon D7000, this camera is 17megapixel. when using the camera the settings will have to be selected on black and white OR in colour. This cannot be changed after the photo has been taken. The way to do this is by pressing 'set picture control' on the menu, after this standard or monochrome can be selected for images.

The camera has 2 memory card slots and the lens is 18-135 with standard zoom. the images can be seen through the viewfinder and not on the screen. This is on the play button and the pictures appear when selected. The toggle button on the right hand side swipes through pictures.

When the camera beeps, it means that it is in focus. the lens has  the letters 'A' and 'M' this stands for 'auto mode' and 'manual mode'.

the 'A' and 'S' functions stand for 'Aperture' and 'Shutter Priority'. 'S' means that everything will be in focus when shooting when the models are moving or jumping. 'A' means that it will be in and out of priority. 

Lastly the Godox back of the lights should be turned off once used. 

Image of the light boxes