Exercise 36: Contrast and Shadow Fill

One more exercise today, this time using the same set-up as last with a few modifications.  As I alluded in the last exercise, what I needed to make a side-back lit photo better was a reflector on the opposite side of the object to bring some light onto the shadowy side of the face.  That's what we're doing here, experimenting with different types of fill.  

We start out above with two controls.  I needed one of the foam boards for a reflector for this exercise, so the one in back has been replaced by a white wall.  The light is about one meter to the right.

Then we start adding more light by using a white foam board as a reflector positioned opposite the light source.

For experimental effect, I reshot using the reflector at the same distances but without the diffuser.  At the distance of 1m the reflected light doesn't appear all that much different with or without a diffuser.  But at closer range the reflected light is a bit harhser.  

We were then to shoot using aluminum foil covering the white reflector.  

In order to compare these more effectively, I made collages (in Picasa).  It seemed to me a good idea at the time to try shooting with and without the diffuser as it effects reflected light, but there doesn't appear to be much difference.  The diffused light is, as usual, a bit softer, giving more pleasing, rounded edges.  The naked light is brighter and harsher.  

There is more notable difference in the distance of the reflector.  This is perhaps most clear in the face and the crossed leg, which are slightly more illuminated when the reflector was placed closer.  

The differences between the uses of aluminum are even more noticeable.  The dull side of the aluminum reflects less intense light than the shiny side.  This is most clear in the side of the face and the knee.  The crumpled aluminium, the refractor  produces a more even light by bouncing it in all directions.  This is clearly evident from the more even lighting on the face, for example.  Moving the card closer and to the front filled in even more of the shadowy surfaces.  

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