Lighting 101: Textural Lighting for Detail Shots

This is one technique I like to use when I am looking for one or two more photos to glean from an assignment.

Designers appreciate the flexibility of being able to use a well-done detail shot in a layout, and you will sometimes be surprised by how well they are used. This is especially the case when they have strong relevance to the story or are executed particularly well.

The key is adding depth and texture to what may be a boring, two-dimensional object. To do this, you'll be placing the item somewhere so that you can get the strobe to exectly the same height to let the hard light rake across your object. You can use a table, or you can simply set the item on a floor and place the flash on the floor a few feet away.

I used to do this quick and dirty with a TTL cord when I shot film. But I do not completely trust TTL and digital yet. And besides, I have a TFT screen on the back of my camera to adjust the results very quickly while shooting on manual.

By far, your biggest variable will be the height of the flash to your object. Nail this variable down first. Little moves make big differences. That is why I like to use a table to get the object offf of the ground (and the flash on a nearby stand) for flexibility.

You'll be surprised at how much texture you can bring out in a "2-D" object this way.

Move the flash away a little. You have power to burn - you are shooting with direct, hard light - so there is no sense in getting llight fall-off if you do not want it.

Use a warming gel to mimic late-day light if you wish. Place books strategically between your light and the objects to create interesting shadows.

(If you do this, consider having the light come in from the direction of on of the corners of your frame. That makes for more interesting compositional lines.)

This is a technique that can quickly quickly boost a freelancer's income. Most assignments are billed on a day-rate-against-space basis. Designers love adding detail shots to layouts. You'll be surprised how often spending 5 minutes on making a nice one can net you another hundred bucks on the day.

Next: Lighting 101: Cross Lighting