How Can I achieve this type of shot? -->

[Smokeylatin]

Hello, i am starting out as a new modelling photographer. I wish to take a shot like in the photo shown. I own a Minolta Z1 Digi cam. I would be grateful if anyone you guy could give me some tips on how to achive similar looking results. Like what settings to use on the cam, their are so many on manual. Also where to place lights etc.

Thank you!

http://www.members.aol.com/playhard85/pic4

[w10d]

Also where to place lights etc.

Look at the shadows and highlights, that should tell you enough about the type/position of lighting to allow you to get a close approximation of the lighting used in almost any shot. This assumes you have some idea of the types of lights available, and how to use them.

As for camera settings, I'd really recommend you get hold of a good, basic book on photography and have a play with your camera (one of the great advantages of digital - it'll only cost you time!). Can't beat your own knowledge when it comes to a choice of ISO/aperture/shutterspeed...

BTW, what is a modelling photographer?

[msvadi]

I'm just a beginner, but I don't think that the example you posted is an attractive one. The lighting is not good, too strong and no shadows at all.

[bigsexy]

The picture you referenced appears to be an example taken with a ringlight. This is a flash that fits around the lens and results in a very distinctive (shadowless) look. Ringlight shots are currently very popular. You can see them all over the place. Maxim magazine comes to mind as a major source of ringlight glamour. You can usually tell a ringlight photo by the slight shadow all the way around the subject and highlights on the leading edge of the subject (as opposed to one side as with a traditional flash). I hope this helps you out a little.

[evilenglishman]

The picture you referenced appears to be an example taken with a ringlight...

Doesn't look like a ringflash to me. Save the photo and zoom in on the hightlight. Looks like a softbox to me

[w10d]

This is why I made my original post about looking at the highlight and shadows: You can learn a lot about lighting from them.

My first thought was a small softbox, very close to the camera, something like an MSQ. Harsh highlights and small 'sudden' shadows. Then I looked at the shirt and thought 'ringflash'. Small shadow above the shoulder (uplight) and under the chin (downlight) pretty much confirm that for me...

[grewal]

Who makes ringlight flashes. Are they universal or camera specific? How much do they cost?

[w10d]

Who makes ringlight flashes. Are they universal or camera specific? How much do they cost?

Canon make a small ringflash, as do some indie brands like Sunpak. The Sunpak can be bought with a module for auto shooting, the Canon is obviously dedicated to Canon cameras. These units are very small and underpowered for pictures like the one above. (They are really intended for macro work, like dental pictures).

Most fashion shot with RF is done with a much larger unit powered from a pack, 1500 to 3000j. These units are usually too large to mount onto a lens, but instead mount onto a bracket along with the camera. I think many manufacturers produce such a unit. These are naturally universal as far as camera brands go, but would only work with the same brand of pack...

Prices in the UK would range from about 300 pounds to about 3000. (Very aprox!)

[pradeep1]

My vote is for the softbox with a ring lite.