Let me lay it out if I can. I have piece of Barn board as the base, I have some old Native Corn, (the really hard kind yoou hang on your door) apples, burlap and who knows what else.

My question is, how do I light this thing. I've never set up a still life. are there any rules of engagement? One source, two source. I have no clue!

Any comment would be greatly appreciated.

Marc Forest.
http://www.marcforest.com

http://www.artpapa.com/art_forum/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=drawings;action=display;num=1022599648;start=

In general you will get more contrast between light and dark with only one primary light source. Using two light sources or equal intensity will typically eliminate most of the shadow areas. To me, the shadows and constrasts between light and dark are qualitites that make graphite/charcoal drawings so interesting. You can experiment with one light source (with some ambient light as well) until you get an effect that appeals to you, and then possibly add a second light source of lesser intensity to bring out some highlights.

Also, if you find that direct lighting gives too harsh of an effect, try indirect lighting. You can do this by bouncing your light off a wall, a piece of foam board, or even those fancy umbrellas that photographers use.

A good source for cheap studio lights is Home Depot. Those cheap aluminum clamp-on shop lights cost almost nothing and are highly touted among many amateur photographers.

Take everything I just said with a grain of salt. I know just enough to be dangerous.

I set up a still life after getting JD's book and the photos turned out useless. I vaguely remember stuff I learned at art college, but it obviously did'nt hold me in good stead I think half of it depends on the effect and mood you are after, up lighting, back lighting etc, all give different effects. As Bill says, lighting from both sides will cancel out any shadows, so that narrows it down some

Phil

A grain of salt is more salt then I have, so, thanks for this input, everyone. I think i'll go with the one source. I am looking for a dark Charcoal looking piece.

I'd love to get that "Sun thru a window" look but I think i'm reaching on that one.

Marc Forest.
http://www.marcforest.com

That seems to be a southern phrase, I thought I used it just because it sounded better that I don't know.

Just to qualify, I only play with lighting and have no professional training.

The closest I've been able to get that sunshine look is to take a strong flood light back off about 4 feet and use a plasitc lens (like you see on flourescent lights) and diffuse the light and even then I got a little whiter light than I wanted.

If you use the cheap clamp on lights, which do work well, you might want to consider what type bulb, (that makes a difference). The cheap Walmart brands shine a little yellow for me.

Anyway, that's my SHINE on it.

I appreciate it

Marc Forest.
http://www.marcforest.com

Of course if you are planning to draw from life this would not be an option unless you only worked on clear days - fifteen minutes a day.

<http://www.wetcanvas.com/Articles/Ruth_Cox/127/index.html>

Hope that helps some.

Robert

Marc Forest.
http://www.marcforest.com