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About David Barry
Expertise
I have a lot of experience in most traditional forms of photography, so I`m quite knowledgeable about things like camera types and formats, techniques, exposure, film types, colour, filters, lighting, standard colour and black and white developing and printing. I do not make recommendations about brands or models, and I am not a camera technician so I may not be able to tell you what is wrong with your equipment if it`s not working . I also know a little about digital photography and imaging with scanners and digital cameras, so ask me and I will answer if I can.

Experience
Experience in the area I have been seriously involved in photography for over 25 years, including about 4 years as a professional, as well as 2 years providing administrative service to government photographers, requiring interpreting photographers' requirements and trade technicalities for those unfamiliar with such. I have successfully trained several beginners in photography, helping them to become competent in basic techniques. Organizations belong to: None at present, but have been in about 4 camera clubs, having won or had placings in 2 club competitions. Publications: A lot of my photos have been in educational / training manuals, books and some photography magazines, as well as 2-3 dozen images been on the Web so far. Education/Credentials: Completed 4-year diploma in professional photography technique at Sydney's Technical College Awards and Honors: 3 placings and / or merits in camera club competitions.

You are here: Experts > Arts/Humanities > Visual Arts > Photography > lighting

Topic: Photography

Expert: David Barry
Date: 5/6/2008
Subject: lighting

Question
hi there

Thanks so much in advance.

Im trying to be slack, and get professional looking photos, without doing a 3 year degree! (or get better pics beyond the usual)

im a working artist and wanting photos to use alongside the paintings.

The easiest way to achieve this would be how?

Camera- film camera with amazing lens off ebay , something simple like a koni omega rapid. (states its a rangefinder, does this mean id not be able to focus accurately through view finder?)

Or a consumer level DSLR

Lighting- I saw some amazing lighting (Tv photo comp competiter) , that just involved a constant light, with "barn door" flaps. The colours seemed so rich.

Her website portfolio is; http://www.lucindachua.co.uk/

HOW WOULD SUCH RICH LIGHTING BE PRODUCED?...(special bulb or lens filter?...or special kit?)

Many Thanks

David

Answer
". . . wanting photos to use alongside the paintings."

Photos of what ? Paintings of what ? Anything in particular ?

Do I understand correctly : Do you want to paint a picture based on the photo ?
Or do you want to take a photo of a photo alongside a painting ?
I'm not sure I understand what you are trying to achieve.

Rangefinders can be accurate over a medium to long distance, but can be not so good for close-up or macro work (depending on the rangefinder mechanism's design and distance range). Generally good for portraits, journalistic, documentary pictures of general subjects.
I don't know what limits or features the Koni Omega has.

For close-up / macro work this is where an SLR (film or digital) camera is better, or if you want to use very wide or powerful long lenses where the rangefinder viewfinder may not show the same view as what the lens covers, and again the SLR is better for this.

I looked at Lucinda's site, and I am not sure which particular shots you are talking about. Quite a lot of them seem to have been done using a studio light (possibly but not necessarily with barn doors).
I suspect the colour may have been more a result of the film used, but partly also due to the strength and directional nature of the light.
No special bulb or filter or kit. I think most lights of that type have that effect.
Why don't you actually contact Lucinda and ask her ?

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