Bowens 500/500 Gemini Studio Lighting Kit

This clip has shown me the content of the equipment and out lines some of the features i used in the studio, such as the controllable light power settings and i also used my lighting as one to light my shot area in conjunction with a soft box and another as a direct light source, i also found the tip about the multiple uses of the umbrella with or without the second layer showing this can be use to direct light but also absorb some if a softer light is required.

For my assignments during both themes i will use this type of lighting as, it enables me to more effectively control lighting during my shoot, and is also suited to the work i am aiming to produce, (Ref D1, D2) for work examples against my research.

Reference: Camera Information [online] Ref http://www.karlu.com/product_info.php?products_id=1133

The Bowens Gemini r monolights are a natural progression and step-up from the best-selling Esprit Gemini.

The Gemini 500r monolight retains the unique ability to be powered from AC mains in the studio or the award-winning Travelpak battery unit out on location as well as boasting a range of new features designed to offer photographers not only ultimate freedom but unmatched power, durability and control too.

Take Control.

Why should precise control be complicated?

Simplicity is the key with Gemini. Digitally accurate control is easy without a confusing digital menu! Turn one dial for stops and the other for tenths to instantly set five stops of power with precision control, the LED display confirms the power output.

Modelling control is also made simple with one switch, choose from full, proportional or off or even set the modelling lamp to any level you desire.

Freedom is your choice

These days unreliable sync cords are a distant memory for most photographers. Now you can also forget bulky radio receivers attached to your lights too! Thanks to the unique radio-card facility on the Gemini r.

By simply plugging a radio trigger card into the slot on the back, Gemini lights instantly become compatible with either the Pulsar radio trigger system or the PocketWizard® system or Litelink - the choice is yours!

Because the radio trigger card becomes an integral part of the unit it is much more reliable than an external receiver which can only be as good as it’s cord connection.

Gemini monolights can also be controlled remotely with the Bowens Gemini Remote Control which can adjust all basic features from up to 7m away.

• NEW: Twin-Dial power control system - offers flash power adjustments in exact 1-stops, or 1⁄10 th-stop adjustments.
• NEW: 7-segment LED display
• NEW: Infra-Red remote control capabilities
• NEW: ‘Plug-in’ radio trigger module facility. Modules available for Bowens Pulsar & PocketWizard radio trigger system (modules sold seperately).
• NEW: Auto Dump (flash & resistive).
• Audible & Visual ‘ready’ indications.
• Advanced Photocell.
• New: Side & Rear function display LEDs.
• Other functions include Invert Display, Lamp-Saver Mode, Flash Count.
• Mains (AC) & Battery (DC) Powered.
• Compatible with 1st & 2nd generation Travelpaks.
• Improved Styling and graphics

Studio Time - Equipment

Bowens Lighting Specifications Ref [online] http://www.karlu.com/product_info.php?products_id=11333

Coiled Cable Hazard was removed and care taken to avoid banging my head on the overhead lighting

Studio Camera

The camera i used in the studio is a Canon D5 with a 24-105mm lens, an ideal choice for my assignments however i might need to set up this camera slightly differently for my close-up theme and incorporate the use of a macro lens.

Cannon D5

The controls on the back of the Bowens light unit allows the photographer to switch the lamp on and off select beep and pulse a strobe, it was directly connected to the Canon D5 using a sync cable.

Soft Box & Controllable Lighting

Here i have added extra lighting underneath my subject

Lighting the object from underneath and two other angles helped me to understand how this lighting method can be used to create the desired effect of seamless white detailed backgrounds.

The above images were taken from my mobile phone during my last studio photography shoot, as a log of equipment used. From using this equipment i have learned how to utilize a different type of lighting. The lighting used is fully controllable. A pulse of light is also fired off in sync with the camera via a sync cable, although a radio transmitter was also available for operation without a cable.

During the initial set up of all the equipment i used careful consideration of where all cables and props and obstacles were placed to keep walking areas safe and clear, The working environment was dark during shots taken and my preparation prevented any potential hazards, such as trips falls and walking into any objects.

I identified some possible hazards, were cables that could cause a trip hazard, general check and test of all electrical equipment checking for damaged cables or power outlets, the scissor brackets that hold the overhead lighting can cause a hazard if incorrectly used, fingers could get caught up in the mechanical brackets and cable pulleys.

Some of my other studio safety considerations, included familiarizing my surroundings, hazardous chemicals in the area and implications of using electrical equipment.

Ref: Heath & Safety Act 1974 [online] http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1974/37/part/I/crossheading/health-and-safety-regulations-and-approved-codes-of-practice

Ref: [onilne] http://www.artdes.mmu.ac.uk/resources/healthandsafety/studiosafety.php

Gray Card For Great Photo Exposures

In this example its shown how the correct distance from the objects shot has effected the level of exposure, i would question the use of the product in question as i have no first hand evidence but i will consider this in practice during my assignments.

Macro Photography - Extension Tubes Explained

Shows the macro lens equipment and how it fits together, i have also leaned from this clip, how close the photographer was able to get into the image with this modification using a manual focus and was still able to focus from as little as 2.5" inches away.

Water drop macro photography with Canon Mark 5DII and MP-E 65mm lens

This macro shot clearly shows how the fine detail is captured however, one possible drawback if the inability to also accurately focus on the surrounding area.

Macro and Close up Photography of Flowers

This clip shows macro close-up results using two types of macro lens, i think using natural lighting has provided a stronger sense of the colours in the flowers, i like the shapes detail captured in these shots.

Using similar setting and equipment i have produced the below image relative to my research within a studio setup controlled environment the below image is not in any way edited and has achieved what i set out to do, by producing a detailed macro shot and perfect white background as stated in my statement on intent.

MyStudio® Tips & Techniques for Product Photography: Glass

In this clip we can see how the use of black card can effect the outcome of a studio shot, and outlines some of the differences when and how to use ambient lighting, i used these techniques in my studio shots to enhance blacks on chrome [ref Theme 1 Studio shots]

My thoughts on this clip is that no matter how large or small the studio set-up the general principals are still the same, and experimentation and reflection lead to a better understanding of this type of work and ultimately, the desired effect.

The correct level of contrast shooting class on a white background without loosing the lines and shape of the image was also achieved.

How To Photograph Reflective Round Objects | LearnMyShot.com

Photograph a Rolex watch, product photography lighting techniques

Great example and advice in this clip, i really like the use of merging two images and pre-planning of the background shot, with considerations of how the background would react to the light, it's also nice to see the hours of perfecting studio lighting and experimentation the end result still required a little persuasion using photoshop, this fills me with hope if in future the shot i'm trying to achieve is not quite right initially, This photographers vision for the end product and its intended usage in the very beginning was very important, much like in my own work i will set out to create a similar, and highly professional level of my own work.

Relative to this research and the techniques used by the photographer, i have produced studio shots where  manipulation of light and reflections were achieved by experimentation with card and various lighting changes.

The desired result was a quality level of black which helps to show the depth on chrome, this will be selected as one of my final image for this reason.

Abstract Photography

After reflecting on the above image, and considering what is abstract art of photography and, it seems looking at something in an unusual way or delivering a message through imagery, being expressive or off the wall can be considered abstract, in the images on this clip are colourful and imaginative, with bold contrasts and lines that portray moods or expectations of what the images are. I like the level of creativity and will express my own ideas with abstract art and photography in mind.

Abstract Photography Research [Ref: online] http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=001QYy