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Response to Ever a time when two lights won't cause two shadows on a model/subject?

from shawn gibson (SeeInsideForever@yahoo.com)
1) shadows are set by main light which sets exposure ("this pic will be an f11 pic"...)

2) The main light should be the one casting the shadow, if only one shadow is prefered. The secondary light (in my case the Metz 60/40, which is a 'twin' flash to go with the 60, at GN40, operating of the same dryfit...) should be used to soften shadows and/or create effects. But I find this a little confusing since my secondary light is a 'bare' flash head...

From what I've learned, the bigger the source, and the closer it is to the subject, the softer the light will be (the smother and less contrasty the shadows...). But if I am using a small source as a secondary (fill, effect) light, won't that cause a second shadow which is 'harder' than the one put out by the umbrella-ed main light? This is what seems to happen every time I use 2 lights. BUT:

I have never taken ratios into account. I usually like to have thee secondary light add about one stop to the exposure of the area it is affecting; i.e., if the umbrella is giving f11 on the front of the face itself, and I want to add 1 stop of 'hard' light to the forehead, I set the secondary light so that the total exposure of BOTH lights equals f8...but I always end up with 2 shadows, 1 soft, one hard, and both groos as a result of their duplicity (;-<).

I'll drive you nuts yet.

I think what I need to know is what you have hinted at with ratios: How much of a difference should there be between 2 sources placed in different parts of the composition (different angles) in order for one to be strong enough to overpower the other. THAT'S IT!!! That's the question I need answered: CAN such a setup be had? and if yes, what ratios practically guarantee success (better yet, what number of f-stops should the difference be?)?

thanks very very much, Robert.

shawn

(posted 8776 days ago)

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