11-16, Working the Lights

I recently purchased an Impact 16" x 55" strip box.  I had a specific purpose in mind when I made this purchase, but after a few test sessions I realized that my plan needed modifications.  I snagged my husband for a few minutes in the studio for some brainstorming.  I'm truly astounded by the results, specifically for one photo.  I've read about this particular style of photography, and knew how to do it in theory, but didn't believe the results could be so easily achieved.  Here's a rundown of the various lighting techniques I used.  (Thanks to Impact and B&H Photo for the product photos.  All of my images are sooc.....straight out of the camera- no editing.)

1.  One light scenario:  Stripbox (at subject's side)

Results:  Strong light from subject's side with unmodified light falling off and hitting background

2.  One light scenario:  Stripbox with attached Grid (at subject's side)

Results:  Strong directional light falling only on near side of subject's face with no fall off onto the background.  This image was made in a white room with a cream-colored canvas backdrop, but since the only light source was the gridded softbox everything else fell into black.

3.  Two light scenario:  strip box (to the front and side of subject)

                                      ceiling mounted softbox (behind and above subject)

Results:  The light falling on subject's face isn't as directional as when the strip box was placed at his side.  The shadow side of his face has more detail although it is still darker than the side of his face closer to the stripbox.  The cream-colored background is now evenly lit with the ceiling mounted softbox giving the subject separation from the background.

4.  Three light scenario:  strip box (behind and to the side of the subject)

                                        soft box (mounted above and behind subject)

                                        umbrella (in front of subject)

Results:  The background is well lit from the ceiling-mounted softbox.  The subject's face is lit from the umbrella placed in front of him, opening up the shadow side of his face.  The strip box angled at the rear of the subject throws light on his side creating more visual distance from the background.

So, which photo achieved the most surprising results?  The single gridded strip box.  I couldn't believe that the background actually went to black when there was no light falling on it!  This was definitely a worthwhile experiment.  I feel as if a whole new world of lighting combinations and techniques has been revealed.  Awesome!