Erotic Nude Photography - Lighting Accessories: Using Diffusion Panels and Reflectors For Great Nude
DIFFUSION PANELS
Diffusion panels are used to soften and diffuse light that is falling upon a subject. They can be used to soften any type of light (natural or artificial). Light that is diffused will have a soft quality, few shadows, and relatively even coverage. These characteristics are especially useful when shooting erotic images.
The results that are obtained from using this tool is similar to those obtained by soft-boxes and umbrellas (though it can be more difficult to precisely control light when using diffusion panels).
A diffusion panel is composed of a translucent material that allows light to pass through. It can be used very effectively outside to diffuse the harsh light of the sun. When sunlight passes through a diffusion panel it results in a very soft light (essentially, it allows the user to create "shade" where none exists).
The ability to use these tools outdoors with natural light is an advantage they have over soft-boxes and umbrellas. They are available in a variety of sizes. I suggest you invest in a 52" circular one that is easily collapsible for transportation and storage.
REFLECTORS
Reflectors are used to redirect (or, "bounce") light from another light source (usually the sun or a flash head) toward the subject. Reflectors are commonly used to fill in unwanted shadows on the side of the subject that is facing away from the main light source. However, they can also be used to direct additional light onto a scene.
Reflectors come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and sizes. I believe that the most convenient type are the collapsable models. These are round and can be collapsed and easily stored when not in use.
The surface of the reflector is what determines it's light quality. Very reflective surfaces create stronger, "harder", and more directional light. Less reflective surfaces create "softer" and more diffused light. When shooting erotic images, you'll probably find yourself using softer light more often because softer light tends to be more flattering to the model. However, there will certainly be times when using harder light will be what a specific photograph calls for. I discuss this topic in more detail in my ebook, Money Shots (http://moneyshotsbook.com).
Diffusion panels are used to soften and diffuse light that is falling upon a subject. They can be used to soften any type of light (natural or artificial). Light that is diffused will have a soft quality, few shadows, and relatively even coverage. These characteristics are especially useful when shooting erotic images.
The results that are obtained from using this tool is similar to those obtained by soft-boxes and umbrellas (though it can be more difficult to precisely control light when using diffusion panels).
A diffusion panel is composed of a translucent material that allows light to pass through. It can be used very effectively outside to diffuse the harsh light of the sun. When sunlight passes through a diffusion panel it results in a very soft light (essentially, it allows the user to create "shade" where none exists).
The ability to use these tools outdoors with natural light is an advantage they have over soft-boxes and umbrellas. They are available in a variety of sizes. I suggest you invest in a 52" circular one that is easily collapsible for transportation and storage.
REFLECTORS
Reflectors are used to redirect (or, "bounce") light from another light source (usually the sun or a flash head) toward the subject. Reflectors are commonly used to fill in unwanted shadows on the side of the subject that is facing away from the main light source. However, they can also be used to direct additional light onto a scene.
Reflectors come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and sizes. I believe that the most convenient type are the collapsable models. These are round and can be collapsed and easily stored when not in use.
The surface of the reflector is what determines it's light quality. Very reflective surfaces create stronger, "harder", and more directional light. Less reflective surfaces create "softer" and more diffused light. When shooting erotic images, you'll probably find yourself using softer light more often because softer light tends to be more flattering to the model. However, there will certainly be times when using harder light will be what a specific photograph calls for. I discuss this topic in more detail in my ebook, Money Shots (http://moneyshotsbook.com).
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