Problem with lighting. HELP!

[technar]

Hello Everyone!

I need to make some pictures of appliance parts (belts, shelves, pumps, etc.). I am working with a digital camera (Canon S200). The parts are positioned on a plastic (non reflective) surface and are shot from the top. I'm using four 450 watt lights - two on each side. The camera is set for Tungsten.

The problem is, even though I am using some pretty powerfull lights, the pictures come out dark. Somebody told me that I might be using too much light. I have tried using umbrellas, but it didn't help.

This project is pretty important. I would greatly appreciate any help.

Thanks!

[jonnaro]

i'm not sure if your camera has exposure compensation, but you might try that, or if you can even set the aperature, but try opening it up a bit (lower f number) if you can.. also you could go for a longer shutter speed. i apologize if you don't have manual capabilities on your camera, i'm not too familiar with it.

[martcol]

Hmmm

Can't you shoot them outside and use a bit of board to reflect? Does that sound daft?

Martin