Lighting for indoor model photography

[John1]

Any suggestions on how I can set up a rig for taking pictures of models indoors?   At this point, I'm forced to go outdoors (assuming the weather cooperates, and I get a day with just a bit of overcast to tone down the glare of the sun).   

[Woody V]

Shooting outdoors in open shade is simple and certainly less expensive than setting up a rig indoors. Of course, some subjects like  aircraft in tropical or desert environments look more natural shot in direct sunlight.
 

But if you're intent on shooting indoors you might want to take a look at this recent thread on the subject. 

 

[red Dog]

beside all that's been said in the link above, there are two critical things for me

 

1. custom white balance

2. off center flash

 

the first one is easy, anytime before your photoshoot, you set up your ligthing and then you do a custom white balance on your empty setup.

That way if you shoot your pix in one long session keeping the same light you always have the right colour temp

 

The second really changed my indoor photography (and not only for plastic)
Once I set my flash away from the  camera and with its light pointing away from the subject using rather indirect flashing, I got way better results

This is usually done with an emitter on your camera and a receptor under your flash somewhere in your room

You can find these things on a budget and it is so much better than direct light IMHO  

[denders]

There are LED type photo lights with adjustable temperature that can also be helpful indoors. Some of them were on my Christmas wish list a couple years ago and my sons gifted me with two different types. I've not used them much as of yet but I'm working at it.

 

[Smokeyforgothispassword]

On 12/24/2022 at 1:31 PM, John1 said:

Any suggestions on how I can set up a rig for taking pictures of models indoors?   At this point, I'm forced to go outdoors (assuming the weather cooperates, and I get a day with just a bit of overcast to tone down the glare of the sun).   

 

Whats your current setup - are you using a DSLR with a macro lens, your phone or a Hasselblad camera you bought second hand from NASA ?

 

The best advice that I can give without getting into a huge gear discussion is that you need to imagine yourself as a light beam, and think of how you'll illuminate your subject.

You can bounce of a bit of white cardboard , or just go straight into the model