Lighting Questions: How to create rim light effect?

[dr_who]

I've been playing with my studio setup (just a few flashes and 2 umbrellas), and I can pretty much execute the basic light setup for porttraits. What I'm interested is the rim light effect I see in so many arty photos and magazines. I fail to creat that thin, yet soft line of light.

Please see this photo from Lorek's post. I'm not asking the exact effect to create this, just to demostrate what I mean by saying rim of light. Would've asked in G&N section, but I can't post there.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=398536&highlight=lorek

Any pointers to books or articles are appreciated as well.

[forkball]

I've been playing with my studio setup (just a few flashes and 2 umbrellas), and I can pretty much execute the basic light setup for porttraits. What I'm interested is the rim light effect I see in so many arty photos and magazines. I fail to creat that thin, yet soft line of light.

Please see this photo from Lorek's post. I'm not asking the exact effect to create this, just to demostrate what I mean by saying rim of light. Would've asked in G&N section, but I can't post there.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=398536&highlight=lorek

Any pointers to books or articles are appreciated as well.


When all else fails, look at the light pattern and study direction. The photo appears to be lit from the camera left, and behind the model.

[dr_who]

When all else fails, look at the light pattern and study direction. The photo appears to be lit from the camera left, and behind the model.

Nice hint! What I can't figure out is how to light just a thin line of the skin, yet manage to be so smooth. I tried various things, but I always light up a large area of the skin.

[bolantej]

there was a thread where someone (I think it was Lorek) tested lighting with an egg, to gain a better understanding without wearing out a model. I'd try that until you get what you want.

[Headcase650]

The light has to be close to the subject so it will fall off over a shorter distance. Then meter for the part of the subject thats closest to the light. I hope that makes sense.

[forkball]

Nice hint! What I can't figure out is how to light just a thin line of the skin, yet manage to be so smooth. I tried various things, but I always light up a large area of the skin.

Well if I were to guess... I'd say that flagging the light off would be an effective way to do this.

[freebird]

Yes what forkball said. Thats the way I have seen it done.

[Harleypugs]

Make a straw snoot for your flash....

What is that you ask?

http://lightingmods.blogspot.com/2007/06/diy-black-straws-snoot-grid-part-1.html