Lighting Set-up Query - Make-up Photography

ronanc15

Hi all,

My other half is currently building a portfolio of her work as a make-up artist and has asked that I give her a hand with some of the pics. Lighting is obviously the important bit to master here so I'm kind of looking for suggestions on a portable lighting set-up that would do the job. What should I be looking for? Reflector kits, continous lighting softbox? The majority would be fairly up close stuff also. What lenses would be most commonly used in this line of work out of curiousity?

I have no experience with studio style lighting at all so all help is appreciated.

Thanks
Ronan

hoganpoly

Beauty dish and reflector are key props in beauty photography

ronanc15

hoganpoly wrote: »

Beauty dish and reflector are key props in beauty photography

Thanks I hadnt come across a beauty dish before. Looks like a vital bit of kit for the type of shots shes after

pullandbang

Before jumping in and buying/hiring all sorts of lights, don't forget the best light source (which is free and always available) - natural daylight. Natural daylight and a cheap reflector can make for a wonderful portrait. Be it outside or inside, daylight can be used very effectively. Think of a model at a window with natural light coming through and a reflector to bounce some of it back to the shadow side.

If you want to go for lighting and you're on a tight budget, get a cheap flash and fire it manually. You can get some dramatic effects with a flash outdoors, especially against a setting sun etc. However, one single flash is rarely very flattering for a female model as the lighting can be harsh.

Studio wise, there are quite a few studios that you can hire by the hour and come fully equipped. Something like that might just suit you. Google is your friend for names etc and try googling lighting set-ups, there is loads of advice, diagrams and videos around.

Regarding lenses - on a cropped sensor camera anything from 85mm to 135mm will be perfect. You'll get away with a 50mm for full length or top half shots but ideally something a little longer is preferred.

ronanc15

pullandbang wrote: »

Before jumping in and buying/hiring all sorts of lights, don't forget the best light source (which is free and always available) - natural daylight. Natural daylight and a cheap reflector can make for a wonderful portrait. Be it outside or inside, daylight can be used very effectively. Think of a model at a window with natural light coming through and a reflector to bounce some of it back to the shadow side.

If you want to go for lighting and you're on a tight budget, get a cheap flash and fire it manually. You can get some dramatic effects with a flash outdoors, especially against a setting sun etc. However, one single flash is rarely very flattering for a female model as the lighting can be harsh.

Studio wise, there are quite a few studios that you can hire by the hour and come fully equipped. Something like that might just suit you. Google is your friend for names etc and try googling lighting set-ups, there is loads of advice, diagrams and videos around.

Regarding lenses - on a cropped sensor camera anything from 85mm to 135mm will be perfect. You'll get away with a 50mm for full length or top half shots but ideally something a little longer is preferred.

Much appreciated Denis. The problem I was encountering was that her clients were generally getting the make up done late in the evening so that was eliminating the outdoor option. I think if a proper portfolio is to be done we're going to have to get a few models just for the purpose of a photoshoot during suitable times/conditions. Probably easier?

The studio option could be a winner, I know a guy in town is fairly reasonable with renting his studio/setup so thats definitely an avenue to check out.

any thoughts on the close ups such as this? http://makeuppalettes.org/wp-content/uploads/eye-makeup-for-green-eyes.jpg

Again studio set up is probably best for this ya? Would that particular one be likely to have a softbox set up or what

gloobag

ronanc15 wrote: »

any thoughts on the close ups such as this? http://makeuppalettes.org/wp-content/uploads/eye-makeup-for-green-eyes.jpg

Again studio set up is probably best for this ya? Would that particular one be likely to have a softbox set up or what

That one is a hard light. Either a strobe with standard reflector or some sort of high impact reflector, up high, pointed slightly down and hitting her dead on. You can tell by the hard shadows under the chin and nose and the small catch light in the eyes. More of a fashion lighting set-up than beauty, but it can work for both given the right face. That image looks like it's been retouched by a pro as well by the way.

ronanc15

gloobag wrote: »

That one is a hard light. Either a strobe with standard reflector or some sort of high impact reflector, up high, pointed slightly down and hitting her dead on. You can tell by the hard shadows under the chin and nose and the small catch light in the eyes. More of a fashion lighting set-up than beauty, but it can work for both given the right face. That image looks like it's been retouched by a pro as well by the way.

I thought as much with the touch-up. Would the strobe be fired at the reflector which then directs the light as you've said? Sorry I know thats a bit of a stupid question...

gloobag

ronanc15 wrote: »

I thought as much with the touch-up. Would the strobe be fired at the reflector which then directs the light as you've said? Sorry I know thats a bit of a stupid question...

Not a stupid question at all. I'm actually talking about the the strobes built in reflector which surrounds the flash tube.

Basically, it's the lamp shade shaped part of the light in this photo:

ronanc15

gloobag wrote: »

Not a stupid question at all. I'm actually talking about the the strobes built in reflector which surrounds the flash tube.

Basically, it's the lamp shade shaped part of the light in this photo:

Ok that makes more sense, otherwise if it was bounced off the reflector it wouldn't have look so harsh. Im getting it now!

Probably best to get to a studio and trying some of the gear out and working out the look I want