Ultra Violet light source. Advice needed

[weka2000]

I have a model who wants to do a Dita von Teese style with only ultra violet lights as the source. I have 5D and a 24-105 and 70-200. I know I will need tripod.

Advice needed

[BradT0517]

that is an odd request

[weka2000]

Its still a request, and a challange

[FlashZebra]

Do you mean real ultraviolet light, or that fake, so called ultraviolet light sometimes called "black light"? But it is not really ultraviolet light because if it was you could not see it (it is not called ultra for nothing).

This "black light" is typically produced by florescent tubes that look purple and create a florescent effect when reflected from day-glow like colors or fabrics doped with optical couplers (these optical couplers are in all laundry detergents now).

If you intend to use real ultraviolet illumination you are in for a grand experience as true ultraviolet light is:


Very dangerous as it can burn human skin easily (as with sunburn).

Is very hard to work with because it is invisible to human beings (it is not called ultra for nothing).

Sundry light meters will be of no use as they are typically filtered to ignore ultraviolet light.

Is very hard to find ultraviolet light sources.

If you do find ultraviolet light sources to purchase, they are very expensive. So, this one ultraviolet "Dita von Teese style" session will likely cost you several thousand dollars (not including the hospital bill for severe skin burns).

If it is the fake, or so called ultraviolet light, just purchase a lot of those specialized florescent "black light" tubes. Crank up the cameras ISO and use a fast lens. Also, take an image and check the histogram often.

Enjoy! Lon

[BradT0517]

Do you mean real ultraviolet light, or that fake, so called ultraviolet light sometimes called "black light"?

This "black light" is typically produced by florescent tubes that look purple and create a florescent effect with day glow like colors.

If you intend to use real ultraviolet illumination you are in for a grand experience as true ultraviolet light is:

Very dangerous as it can burn human skin easily (as with sunburn).
Is very hard to work with because it is invisible to human beings (it is not called ultra for nothing).
Sundry light meters will be of no use as they are typically filtered to ignore ultraviolet light.
Is very hard to find ultraviolet light sources.
If you do find ultraviolet light sources they are very expensive.If it is the fake, or so called ultraviolet light, just purchase a lot of those specialized florescent "black light" tubes. Crank up the cameras ISO and get yourself and use a fast lens.

Enjoy! Lon


Lets hope its the black light otherwise buy some sunscreen also

[weka2000]

I think its the lights they use in nightclubs :rolleyes:

[BradT0517]

I think its the lights they use in nightclubs :rolleyes:

I would think that is black lights then

[FlashZebra]

I think its the lights they use in nightclubs :rolleyes:
Then it is the so called "ultraviolet" (not real ultraviolet light) often called "black lights".


Get yourself as many florescent fixtures and "black light" florescent tubes as you can afford. The light output of each individual florecent tube is pretty pathetic, so you will need several.
Keep your set small so you can get the lights in very close to your model.
Use as high an ISO as necessary.
Use a fast lens
Expose, chimp, and check the histogram during the session.
I suggest a rigorous test run before the would be Mr. or Ms. "Dita von Teese" shows for the actual session.
Enjoy! Lon

[Mark_48]

Googled "black light photography" and this was one of the first hits among others. Googling a little deeper may get you some ideas on what you need for lighting.

http://blacklightnora.com/