How to Create Sunshine Effect in Studio with Artificial Sunlight

Video by Robert Grant, Article by SASHA GiTiN

In this tutorial video we’ll give you tips on how to cheat Mother Nature and show you How to Create Your Own Sunshine in the Studio.  

Sunshine always evokes warmest emotions when we look at the image.  Sunny day associates with pleasant emotions caused by increase of vitamin D3 that is produced in the skin when 7-dehydrocholesterol reacts with UVB.  However our mind can trigger positive emotions just by anticipating the drug (vitamin D). If an image with sunshine can make us happier, how about photographing sunshine indoors on a rainy day?

Ideal lighting scenario outdoors would be morning or evening light with some puffy clouds to create good mid-tones and beautiful highlights.

Conceptual breakdown:

a.   Sun:Direct source of hard light = clamp lamp with clear bulb

b.   Time of the day: 6pm early evening = position clamp lamp at a low angle

c.   Clouds:Diffusion = Roll of Drafting Vellum

d.   Sunlight picking through the clouds: cut a hole in the drafting vellum

e.   Now that you have control of the sunshine you can even go grab a sandwich and the sun will be there when you return.  (that’s what I did)

Extras (if desired):

a.   Use a fill-light or bounce-light from the front of your subject to soften hard shadows caused by direct light. 

b.   Use Selective focus.  Shallow Depth of field often helps to make your photograph more interesting. And to draw viewers eye to particular part of the image.

Final Shot:

Equipment and sets:

DSLR camera, 17-85mm lens,Tripod, Surface, Background, Two clamp lamps on light stands, Roll of diffusion vellum on Boom arm, White foam-core board clamed to a light stand

Camera Settings:

                  Av mode, 85mm, f5.6

For more info on equipment used see: Photo and Grip Equipment for Clamp Lamp Studio

Please let us know what do you think, and share your image when you get the shot!

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Sasha Gitin is the editor and co-founder of LearnMyShot.com.  Also, he is a busy New York based commercial food photographer shooting for advertising and editorial industries.