How to set-up a 50/50 shot.

[FITZ TITS]

Any advice on setting up a good 50/50 shot? Where to position the shop light, how to angle the camera, etc...?

[VroomVroom]

In spite of what I'm about to say....it depends. [:D] Every shot is different, but in general....

Assuming no glare, I try to position the light(s) as directly as possible - straight on for vertical panels, and as close as I can get to the same for the horizontal ones. Add indirect light (sunlight, flourescent overheads, etc.) to the mix, and this will take some experimentation. Same goes for a light colored finish, or even one with a lot of metallic content. Ideally, I like to shoot with as little 'other' lighting as possible. A dark environment against the bright focus of the work light offers good consistent results. But, we don't always get to work in a shop or garage. FWIW, I do mine with cheapo cheapo Home Depot halogen worklights....the kind with two lights per stand. I try to match the tape line with the tripod itself, so there's ample light being focused on each side of the 50/50 effort.

After that, I experiment with the camera. I like to use my 35mm or 50mm lenses, and if possible I'll shoot from above. If that doesn't work, I try to capture the shot from the side that hasn't been polished, which seems to offer a bit more contrast between the before & after effort. No flash, and since I shoot these shots fairly high on the aperture range (i.e. f/4.0 or higher) for as much clear focus as possible, I either use a tripod or boost the ISO.

I hope that helps.... Detailing is what spurned my interest in really learning about photography. Nothing like capturing shots as you imagine them.

[FITZ TITS]

Great info! Thanks, Jerry.

[JJPquattro]

Awesome info Vroom! I have always wondered myself so thank you for the explanation! [up]