Page 106 - Lighting the Unlightable Volume 1 #1

are blown out at ISO 1000, even at F-8. Effectively, I might fix

my exposure by raising my shutter speed, however, I would be
creating a number of problems that would require extensive
reworking in post processing to fix. I should also note that I

have to set the 645D to X-Sync which effectively "freezes" my
shutter speed at 1/125 of a second.

Experience has taught me that Fresnel lenses direct light very

differently than soft boxes - not that that is surprising since
the whole point of Fresnel technology was to keep a beam of
light from diffusing too quickly. The net effect of this is that a

beam of light can remain cohesive longer and therefore can
light a greater area. This is why Fresnel technology is used in

lighthouses. (See the diagram on the next page). So, where I
usually overlap a large section of the light from a soft box, with
Fresnel lenses, I usually break the edge of the inner core. This

makes the light both dramatic and yet soft enough to avoid the
high contrast that can make an image look harsh and overly

sharp.

While not as large as a softbox, Profoto's Cine Reflectors are
not exactly small. Add to that the fact that I would need light
stands, possibly a reflector, and there would be precious little

room left I have also come to rely on our Profoto B2 Location
Kit for targeting areas of a scene where our B4 or D1 strobes

couldn't reach. The B2 kit includes two heads, each 250 watt/
second, and a battery pack. Looking at the room with Akira, I
was very glad that I had brought that kit.

So, how did I know where to place the lights?

As you can see, from this angle, the shadows were softer. The de-
tail throughout the image is incredible. Note, also, how close the
side wall - which would have been to my left and her right - is to ↑
the bed. Too much light would have caused hot spots behind her.

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