Photography 101

The Challenge

The main light source used in professional studios is the electronic flash unit. First, the light is balanced to daylight film, so the photographer is guaranteed perfect (as in natural) color balance on every frame. Second, the duration of the flash is so short—1/400 to 1/3000 of a second—that the photographer can freeze movement automatically to get a sharp picture.

As in our other challenge, you should be diffusing your flash by bouncing it or using a filter.

In this challenge, try placing the light at different angles to get different effects—light just above the camera, positioned 4ft above, at a three-quarters angle from 6ft above, head height and directly to the side, or even placed about 2ft off the ground.

Judging / Voting Criteria

Vote for the best representations of artificial lighting in a studio portrait! That means all entries should be indoor portraits using artificial light.

Rewards & Prizes

Top Ten will be featured on the front page. Two non-placers will be chosen by moderator to also be featured!

Additional Information

Remember STUDIO PORTRAITS ONLY

Cover Image

Shocked by Johanne Brunet