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Application 6 : Indoor photography
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Bryan Chester
An architectural photographer at times has to work under extreme conditions, and it is often necessary to carry large amounts of equipment to satisfy the clients'needs. Areas to photograph are often restricted and difficult to light while concealing the light source, especially small areas as shown at left. Finding the right source of power for lighting and accessing it with power leads adds unnecessary stress on the photographer and his assistant.
In the past, portable flash units have been used with limited success; the outcomes are often unsuccessful as photography on 35mm format has limited Polaroid test facilities and therefore extremely high usage of film would be necessary to ensure correct exposures, shadow placement and reflections.
It is important to understand that the lighting effects as produced by the architect, as well as the color balance and ambience, should be maintained as much as possible. The addition of extra lighting must blend with and complement the existing ambience. I felt that the 550EX was more than adequate for this exercise.
The photo at left illustrates the effect of the 550EX with mixed ambient lighting. The available light varied in intensity, color and contrast, making the overall image flat and lacking in detail on important items. |
| Two Speedlites were used (as illustrated by the diagram). The advantage of the 550EX is the camera central of exposure, but more important is the "STROBE" effect as a modeling light which allowed me to position the shadow of the balustrade and reflections on the timber railings. This is important to have under contral before the final exposure is made. The manual zoom contral was used on each 550EX to contral the intensity and spread of the light. |
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Born in Tasmania, Australia, in 1938. Began photographic career in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1958. After 12 years ventured into private practice in a large studio for furniture and cars, and later into interior design and architectural photography. A Master of Photography with the Australian Institute of Professional Photography and a member of the Arts Training Council. Held several public exhibitions of illustrative and architectural works in Australia. My architectural client base is varied and the EOS system has become the key equipment in my everyday work for interiors and exterior photography.
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EOS-3, TS-E 24mm f/3.5L, Tripod, Manual exposure at F8 Shutter speeds were altered to maintain the ambient lighting effects and natural warmth.
Speedlites 550EX x 2, Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 Slave A: zoom setting at 24 mm reflected in umbrella Slave B: zoom setting at 50 mm; balustrade and shadow on wall
FILM: Fuji Astia ISO 100
The spiral staircase was photographed at the Marriott Hotel Brisbane by courtesy of GOLDHILL PROPERTIES (AUSTRALIA) |
Part of Canon "Flash Work" / E-Version © by Daniel ROCHA
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