Exercise - Contrast and Shadow Fill

 

As per the instructions, the set up had the camera level with the subject, on a tripod, and the light source to the left of the subject, at right angles to the camera.  The light was approximately 3m from the subject.

2013.04.09.Contrast&ShadowFill (1)
f/8  1/20  ISO-800
Taken with no diffuser.

2013.04.09.Contrast&ShadowFill (2)
f/8  1/20  ISO-800
With a diffuser (umbrella).

2013.04.09.Contrast&ShadowFill (3)
f/8  1/10  ISO-800
With a white card (2'x3') opposite the light, 3m from the subject.

 



2013.04.09.Contrast&ShadowFill (4)
f/8 1/10 ISO-800
White card now positioned 1.5m from the subject.



2013.04.09.Contrast&ShadowFill (5)
f/8 1/10 ISO-800
White card now covered with foil, dull side facing out.

2013.04.09.Contrast&ShadowFill (6)
f/8 1/10 ISO-800
White card now covered with foil, shiny side facing out.

2013.04.09.Contrast&ShadowFill (3)
f/8 1/10 ISO-800
The foil was crumpled, smoothed out and placed over the white card again, shiny side facing out.

The most contrasty image is (1), with no diffuser or reflector.  Then I would put them in the following order: (2), (3), (5), (4), (6), (7).  The dull side of the foil appears to reflect less than the white card, so providing less shadow fill.  The shiny foil seems to fill more shadow after crumpling and smoothing it out.  I think perhaps the light reflects at a greater number of angles, so covering more area of the subject.

The contrast could have been increased by moving the naked light further from the subject, or placing black card opposite the light.  Black velvet reflects less light still, so would work even better than card.  I should consider the walls opposite the light source, and ceilings, as they also act as reflectors.  A second light would obviously lighten the shadows more.