Contrast can also be controlled by using softboxes with a white interior for
softer light or a silver interior for more contrast. In addition, adding egg crates
or grids on the front of the softbox will increase the contrast, as the grids will
focus the light tighter.
Continuous Lights: Fluorescent and Tungsten.
Fluorescent and tungsten lights are considered continuouslight sources. Flu-
orescent light sources are cooler, softer, and more forgiving than tungsten
light sources. Fluorescent lighting is a wonderful light source to utilize when
working with older subjects, as it reduces the appearance of blemishes and
A NOTE ON COLOR, DISTRIBUTION, AND CONTRAST
The color, distribution, and contrast of light depend on the quality of
the light (e.g., the originating light source, such as tungsten, fluores-
cent, or studio flash), the “angle of incidence is equal to the angle of
reflection” rule (which also determines the appearance of shadows and
how soft or hard the light in an image appears), the size and shape of
the modifier, and even the voltage stabilization of the power source.
Erika was styled in cool colors to
contrast with the warmer colors of
the car while posing for photogra-
pher Tom Suhler during our U.S. Vir-
gin Islands glamour workshop. Tom
had an assistant position a Zebra-
striped California Sunbounce reflec-
tor to put fill light on the subject.
(CAMERA:Nikon D3 fitted with Nikon
70–200mm f/2.8 lens, SETTINGS:
90mm effective focal length,^1 / 500
second shutter speed, f/8, white bal-
ance at 5880, ISO 200)