Drag the Shutter for Creative Effect.
Dragging the shutter is a technique that allows you to combine the effects of
flash with ambient light. To do this, you will select a shutter speed that is
longerthanyourcamera’sflash-syncspeed.Duringtheexposure,theflashwill
firetoilluminatethesubject.Then,theshutterwillremainopen,allowingthe
ambient light in the scene to record. How long the shutter remains open will
determine how much ambient light is recorded. Let’s look at this technique
in practice.
The light for this shot (7-1) was simple: I used a White Lighting strobe
with a 7-inch parabolic that had diffusion material taped over it. The only
other source of light was the scene of city lights behind the model. To make
my exposure, I determined the correct aperture for the optimal exposure on
the model. Then, I set the camera at series of slow shutter speeds, from^1 / 2
secondupto2seconds.Thisprocessrequiressomeexperimentation,andyou
must bracket the shutter speeds until you arrive at a result that provides the
balance you’re looking for.
After you determine the correct combination of shutter speed and aper-
ture, try handholding the camera, so you can move it from side to side or up
and down during the exposure. Camera movement was what created the
swirling lines of light around the model. Note that the model, however, is al-
most completely sharp behind these lines of light. This is because she was lit
only by the very quick flash source, which froze her in place.
Control the Background with Light.
Now that you know how to drag the shutter, keep in mind that this same
technique can be used on location to control backgrounds that are lit by am-
bientlight.Thiscanhelpyoutoadjustthevisualeffectofabackgroundwhile
keeping the model’s exposure constant. Let’s look at this whole shoot—start
to finish (images7-2to7-9).
To elevate your work as a photographer, you can’t go wrong by teaming
up with professional hair and makeup stylists. Regardless of how stimulating,
creative,orwell-lityourimagesmaybe,withoutthefinishingtouchesofgood
makeup and hair styling, you will not be viewed as a top professional. (Note:
Always instruct the model to arrive at the shoot with clean, natural hair—no
102 LIGHTING TECHNIQUES FOR PHOTOGRAPHING MODEL PORTFOLIOS
7. Creative Techniques.
7-1(facingpage).Dragging the shutter
allows you to create some dramatic
lighting effects.camera on tripod7-inch parabolic with diffusion material
taped over frontat elevation of 6 feetcity lights in background