Methods of LightingBio 498/698

Lighting BasicsEquipment

DynaliteFiber opticsModeling lightsSolMateLight Pad

Moving Modeling LightsAdjusting the intensity on the Dynalite Flash

PowerpackAdditional Equipment Used

Equipment

Back Lighting Pad

Magnetic Articulated Arms

Sol-Mate

Fiber Optic Illumination System

Fiber Optics

Modeling Lights

Dynalite

Modeling Lights w/ umbrellas

Lighting BasicsModeling/studio Lights:

Modeling Lights can be physically movedThe positions the lights are moved to depends

on the specimen, the camera, the lens, the shape and size of the room.

In some cases the modeling lights must be moved for individual specimens (Coleoptera, etc.)

In some cases the modeling lights can stay in the same position for multiple specimens (Lepidoptera, etc.)

Basic TechniquesOblique IlluminationTransmitted IlluminationPhotographing Reflective Objects

Backgrounds

18% Grey paper backgrounds

Overused Correct

Wrong Side

Pedestal with Grey background paper

(The pedestal is where specimens can be placed) The larger background paper is where stands are placed

Umbrellas

Umbrellas allow for light to be bounced onto the specimen. This brightens the image without washing it out.Umbrellas should always be positioned so that the inside is facing the specimen being imaged.

Diffusers (Diffusion Cylinders)

Note: By adding a diffuser around the specimen in addition to bounce light for reflective subjects. This technique is used in controlling the reflections on surfaces.

Styrofoam Cutouts

Diffuser with Styrofoam Cutouts

Diffusers (Additional)Studio Light with Diffuser

Studio Light without Diffuser

Diffusers

Fiber Optics

Magnetic Articulated Arms

Arm w/ Fiber optic light

Tenson Adjustment

Receptacle

Locking Knob

Locking Lever

Magnet Switch

Magnetic Base

Fiber OpticsLock

Un-Lock

Fiber Optics

Fiber Optics setup

Back Lighting PadUsed for backlighting specimens

Attaches directly to the fiber optics system

SolMate Trans Illumination SystemIlluminates THROUGH the subjectGreat for translucent subjects where internal parts need to

be illuminatedBacklight Source

Sol-Mate

Locks the fiber optics in place

Adjusts light intensity Diffuser

Adjusts aperture

Spotlight Position

•Illuminates transparent or translucent objects at 1:1 to 40X objectives•Sol-Mate has patents pending

Lighting ConceptsLighting can be used creatively to highlight

different parts of an objectDifferent light

Key Light – directly on subjectFill Light – on subject from side to fill shadowsHair light – on subject from behind to separate

subject from backgroundBackground light – illuminates the background

to eliminate shadows cast by subject or foreground elements

3-Point LightingKey LightFill LightHair Light

4-Point LightingKey LightFill LightHair LightBackground Light

Modeling Lights: Example 1

Note: This is an example of how the modeling lights can be positioned.

Full and Full Intensity (Full Power Variation)

Half and Half Intensity (Full Power Variation)

Quarter and Quarter Intensity (Full Power Variation)

Quarter and Quarter Intensity(Power variation turned down 2 turns)

Quarter and Quarter Intensity(Modeling Lights Moved)

Modeling Lights Example Position 2

Tricks and HintsFor higher

magnifications (i.e. 65mm, K2), lighting intensity will decrease

For lower magnifications (100mm and 50mm), lighting intensity will increase

Changing the apertures will also influence lighting intensity. A lower f-stop yields increased lighting intensity, as such a higher f-stop yields lower intensity.

ConclusionLighting is important for the imaging process

and will require adjustments and knowledge of different techniques for what works and doesn’t work depending on the specimen and equipment used

It will likely take some trial and error – don’t worry! The magic will happen with enough effort.

Additional support: http://www.visionarydigital.com/Support.html