Using the Large Dome Accessory Kit

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See the "Special Promo-Starlite Large Promo Kit" link directly above, or the link at the bottom of this page.

Positioning the Large Starlite Kit

For our first shot, we placed the large SilverDome approximately 4 feet away from our model (Figure 1). The model was positioned 3 feet away from the backdrop (Figure 2). We kept the distance of the model to the backdrop consistent for our demonstration to best show how the light affected both the model and backdrop. However, we encourage you to experiment with other distances to see how the backdrop can be affected.

With our camera securely mounted on a tripod, we composed our first image. The light was positioned at about 45 degrees to the left of the camera and about 45 degrees above the model pointing down (Figure 3). It is a good idea to point the center of the light slightly past the front of the model's face as this creates a softer, wrap around effect.

We posed the model at a slight angle to the light, with his face turned to look directly into the camera, and took our first shot (Figure 4). As you can see, the light coming from the Large SilverDome is very spread out, lighting both the subject and background with almost equal intensity. This image will serve as a basis for comparison when we begin to alter the light using the Large Dome Accessory Kit.

Installing the Louvers

Next we attached the large louvers to the front of the SilverDome (Figure 5). The louvers are held on with Velcro, which makes them very easy to attach or remove in no time at all. When attaching the louvers, make sure to align the outer vertical louvers parallel with the outer rim of the SilverDome, and flush against the top and bottom edges as well.

Without changing the position of the light, we took our next shot (Figures 6 and 7). The effect created by the louver attachment is quite obvious when compared with the previous image taken without the attachment. The louvers act to direct the light at the model while preventing the light from reaching the background. This creates a much more dramatic effect, helping to separate the model from the backdrop.

We decided to repeat the procedure described above, this time with the light positioned at about 2 feet (half the distance) from our model (Figure 8). We took a shot without any louvers to serve as the basis for comparison (Figure 9).

Then, we attached the louvers back on to our large SilverDome and took another shot (Figure 10).

Figure 10

To review what we've done so far, let's compare the images below. First we positioned the light 4 feet away from the subject and took a shot without any light modification (Figure 11). Notice that the light in this image is spread out, reaching both the model and the background evenly. Also, pay close attention to the quality of light in our first image. Even though we used the largest SilverDome available, the light is still relatively harsh. This causes unpleasing, hard edged shadows on the right side of the model's face, while the entire left side of the image is over-lit and slightly washed out.

At this point, we installed the louvers to the front of our SilverDome soft box. The resulting image (Figure 12) shows how the louvers affect the direction of light. Notice that the light reaching the model has not changed. However, the background is now slightly darker. From this comparison we can see how the louvers act to direct the light onto the model's face, while preventing the light from reaching the background. This result is often referred to as "split gradation", because the gradation (transition from dark to light) on the background is opposite to the gradation on the model. In other words, the model appears to be lighter on the left and darker on the right, while the background is lighter on the right and darker on the left. Therefore, the lighter side of the model's face is set against the darker side of the background. This creates better separation between the model and the background.

We repeated the same procedure with the light set closer to the subject at 2 feet. The first image (Figure 13) in the comparison below is taken without louvers. Here we can see the advantage of moving our Large SilverDome closer to the model. Doing this adds a higher degree of diffusion, which lessens the contrast between the light and dark sides of the face. More light is able to wrap around the face, making for smoother transitions from highlights to shadows. For more on the effects of diffusion, check out our lesson titled, "More Diffusion = Less Contrast."

Then we reattached the louvers and took another shot (Figure 14). The effect is consistent with our previous image made with louvers from 4 feet away. This time, even more light is directed at the model and less light is reaching the background.

Using the Strip Mask and Circle Mask

Next, we decided to try out some of the other light modification accessories that are included in the Large Dome Accessory Kit. We removed the louvers and replaced them with the rectangular mask (Figure 15). We took a shot with the light positioned at 4 feet away (Figure 16).

Then we replaced the rectangular strip mask with the circular mask (Figure 17) and took another shot (Figure 18).

The effects of both the strip mask and the circle mask can be seen in the comparison below (Figure 19). These three images show our progression (left to right). The first image (left) shows the original result without any modification and with the light set 4 feet away from the subject. The next image (middle) was taken with the rectangular strip mask. The third image (right) was taken with the circle mask. From these results, we can see that both the strip and circle mask help to direct the light at the subject, but to a lesser degree that the louvers.

In relation to one another, the strip and circle produced a very similar result with one noticeable difference. If you look closely you may be able to see the difference in the model's eyes. We will elaborate this point with a close-up view in the steps below.

To continue our exploration of the Large Dome Accessory Kit, we decided to repeat the procedure with the strip and circle masks, this time with the light positioned 2 feet from the subject (Figure 20).

Here is our result image using the rectangular mask (Figure 21).

Figure 23

Here is the image made with the circle mask (Figure 22).

Figure 24

The comparison below (Figure 23) shows our results using the strip mask and circle mask with the light set at 2 feet away from the subject. As mentioned above, moving the light closer results in more diffusion, which means softer light and lower contrast. This prevents loss of detail in both the highlight and shadow areas.

The difference between the circle mask and strip is very minimal in terms of the quality of light produced. One of the more useful aspects of these extra light modifiers included in the Dome Accessory Kit is the ability to control the shape of reflections. This is most readily apparent when we examine the light reflected in the model's eyes. As the diagram on the left (Figure 24) illustrates, a plain soft box without any mask will cause a large, white square reflection in the eyes. With the strip, the refection is long and narrow. As you might have already guessed, the circle mask causes a round reflection.

The ability to control the shape of reflected light, gives us the ability to fine tune our image and attain the look we want for our model. You will also find these masks useful in product photography, particularly when dealing with highly reflective surfaces.

As you can see, the Photoflex Dome Accessory Kit is an indispensable tool that helps us gain more control over the already fabulous SilverDome. As we mentioned above, studio lighting does not always need to include a half dozen light sources. In this lesson we saw how a few simple modifications made to a single SilverDome can go a long way towards creating a dynamic, well-lit portrait.

Still hear that screaming? Your mind's eye is still after you. Order the Starlite Large or Medium Digital Promo Kit, and get the FREE accessories, yes, the same accessories we just showed you how to use. Say it, “HUSH, mind, HUSH... I’m creating the PERFECT image here!”

Visit www.photoflex.com, click on "SPECIAL PROMO OFFER" in the left-hand product menu to find our current products on special. Once on a product page, click the "Web Dealer Locator" to find pricing info and dealers who are carrying these products on their online store. Keep checking back to find out what Photoflex will come up with next!

TIP: These promo offers can save you nearly 50% of the cost of purchasing all items separately!