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The Rotolight Interview Lighting Kit - part 2 of 1 2

by Tom Lee Published 01/10/2014

I have two simple set-ups that I use which tend to work no matter who or what I'm shooting (see diagrams opposite). My preferred method (A) is to shoot with lights mounted on separate stands 180° apart. This gives good light modelling and allows me to place the units closer or further from the subject to vary the light intensity without resorting to using the ND filters (which are included in the kit). The second method (B) is less flexible as one of the units is fixed to the camera and quality will depend on the lens used on the camera, however, both produce excellent results.

Shooting still images is done in exactly the same way or, as I found out when in Malta, can be hand held by an assistant for ultimate versatility in a mobile scenario during a model shoot. (Photos opposite middle) The images (right) show a head and shoulder portrait shoot 'on the fly' using the two-head kit (set-up A). My son, Simon, had just passed his Krav Maga grading (that's a personal protection and defence skill - Ed) and I wanted to capture the 'spirit' of his achievement without a complicated lighting set-up or cumbersome equipment. Although taken in my studio, it was shot against a plain background and in less than five minutes. That's about all the time he could spare for his old man! The quality of the light is unmistakable and very little retouching was done to preserve the gritty nature of the shot - he is, after all, a martial arts specialist.

This is typical of the gear I needed for corporate headshots of busy businessmen (see photo of Noel Farrar) who have similar time constraints in their lives. It's an incredibly versatile kit for very little money and will fulfil a multitude of roles where time is of the essence and quality will not be compromised. An essential part of my 'away' kit from now on.

Tom Lee - fswpp fmipp Crswpp Master Photographer

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1st Published 01/10/2014
last update 09/12/2022 14:58:39

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