Where do I get a manequin bust to use for lighting experiments?

TMR Design wrote in post #2446549
Ater much searching and looking at mannequins all over the web I decided on one from ebay. It's the exact same model as one mentioned earlier in this thread that was selling for about $10 more.

Here's the item and just in case the item number changes the ebay store is displayfasion.

It seems they're sold of out this one (which happens to be the most realistic looking one). Anyone buy anything of similar quality on Ebay lately (in the same price range)?

I believe that same merchant has other types and styles.

TMR Design wrote in post #10197574
I believe that same merchant has other types and styles.

This one comes in a close second but doesn't have a full bust which is what I want.

Thanks for digging up this thread!!!

I think I have found mine
http://www.roxydisplay​inc.com …ins/female/sexy​/ack1.html

I think this one will look good from the front side or rear (because of the pose) and be a great subject to work with.

A hundred or so bucks for a model that will be there at my beckon call is a no brainer

Haven't read the whole thread, but I uses one of the "Barbie" heads for awhile - you can find them in toy stores - they are made for girls to style, apply makeup on, etc. Slightly smaller than an average adult head, but good tones.

TMR Design wrote in post #9760612
I've been very happy with mine and I've learned a ton and been able to work when I wanted to experiment or teach myself a new technique. For actually seeing highlights and shadows it's a great tool. Not only that but when I was originally setting up my white seamless for pure white and hi key work it let me see exactly when I would get wrap on the neck, cheeks and ears. I found that to be invaluable and it allowed me to trouble shoot and understand my space more.

I got one of these to learn my lighting as well. I noticed that the features and proportions of the head seem a little "off". But for the purposes of learning to light a human bust, it will suffice.

Rob, did you ever try to remove the painted catchlight from the eyes? If so, were you successful?

frugivore wrote in post #12570186
I got one of these to learn my lighting as well. I noticed that the features and proportions of the head seem a little "off". But for the purposes of learning to light a human bust, it will suffice.

Rob, did you ever try to remove the painted catchlight from the eyes? If so, were you successful?

The mannequin is great for studying how light falls on the face, modeling the facial mask and working with the dimensionality of the face but is far from an accurate reference, for sure.

I never bothered removing the painted catch lights because in the end is just didn't matter. I never use the mannequin to look at catch lights because the material used for the eyes is very strange and doesn't replicate the catch light you see in an actual eye or on a sphere.

When I really want to look at catch lights I either use a globe diffuser that's normally used on a Speedlight flash or the dome of my meter.

It's no big secret but a lot of people don't even think of the fact that you can just hold your meter in the intended light and see exactly how the catch light will appear, and at a scale closer to that of an actual eye.

TMR Design wrote in post #12570221
I never bothered removing the painted catch lights because in the end is just didn't matter. I never use the mannequin to look at catch lights because the material used for the eyes is very strange and doesn't replicate the catch light you see in an actual eye or on a sphere.

When I really want to look at catch lights I either use a globe diffuser that's normally used on a Speedlight flash or the dome of my meter.

Use a Dremel tool to bore out the eye sockets, and insert two prosthetic eyes...much better catchlights. Then also spray matte Krylon spray over the 'skin' to make it a bit less lustruous and give it a touch more texture. Unfortunately, you might find you want to kiss her, though...just remember to never get involved with your models!

Wilt wrote in post #12570710
Use a Dremel tool to bore out the eye sockets, and insert two prosthetic eyes...much better catchlights. Then also spray matte Krylon spray over the 'skin' to make it a bit less lustruous and give it a touch more texture. Unfortunately, you might find you want to kiss her, though...just remember to never get involved with your models!

But she is not needy nor does she talk back!!

Wilt wrote in post #12570710
Use a Dremel tool to bore out the eye sockets, and insert two prosthetic eyes...much better catchlights. Then also spray matte Krylon spray over the 'skin' to make it a bit less lustruous and give it a touch more texture. Unfortunately, you might find you want to kiss her, though...just remember to never get involved with your models!

LOL, Wilt.

We (the mannequin and I) don't spend enough time together for me to want to put in that much work.

I just went to the local beauty school and got a free head mannequin that had been used up. It allows me to check most things. The hair is short and it has some markings from a magic marker but It works for training. The subject isn't a beauty queen but I can check for shadows and highlights and that is what you need to check for. The head didn't cost me anything but I did buy the mounting post that clamps to a stool or table and allows for pivot and tilt of the head.

here: http://realdoll.com NSFW

Ha ha, they photoshopped the head on that doll on the initial page. Otherwise, the doll has a broken neck.

Thanks for the link to this thread Robert. I just checked their site and it has many items to choose from.