# Lighting Basics ※ {% embed url="" %} ### **Tripod** A tripod assists in stabilising a camera. It is recommended to use a tripod where possible to stabilise your camera when shooting studio/indoor model photography. This is due to the indoor light levels and the ability to re-adjust your camera settings without constantly repositioning your camera. ![Manfrotto O55 Tripod](https://3741542021-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M4GujUN9NxlzIS-BJ-X%2F-M4RMPoBenYmHvA4e7uP%2F-M4RN5ij7w4eqEUZk-bX%2FManfrotto%20Tripod-01.jpg?alt=media\&token=21364eb1-8c4d-41e9-b780-e2298e8a4a7a) Further information about ABP Tripods can be found [here](https://ms-kb.msd.unimelb.edu.au/abp-loans-desk/abp-loans-desk/broken-reference). ### **Lighting** Artificial lighting is a critical element of studio/indoor model photography. To get the best results, it is recommended to switch off any room lighting in the space you are in and to use a lighting kit to illuminate your space. Further information regarding ABP Lighting can be found [here](https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/maker-spaces/loans-desk/services/lighting). ![Aputure LED portable studio lights ](https://3741542021-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M4GujUN9NxlzIS-BJ-X%2F-M4MyBccMYuCsSrK92nQ%2F-M4N0WC2NkqSuu41VpKR%2FAputure%20LED%20Lighting%20Kit.jpg?alt=media\&token=ad88a52d-13bd-4bd4-b3be-0a1c9e58f8ab) When setting up your lighting kit, your aim is to reduce shadows cast upon your model while clearing showing your design. A common technique here is to utilise 2-point or 3-point lighting to illuminate your model. ![A 2-Point lighting setup used to illuminate the model](https://3741542021-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M4GujUN9NxlzIS-BJ-X%2F-M4RG317XKNJzCJMnrpg%2F-M4RM6mz7zy8Kf9xlEfw%2F2-Point%20Lighting-02-01.jpg?alt=media\&token=2cee7ac3-0e95-42fb-8edf-5ecd9c0a44c4) It is ***recommended*** to: * Place lights opposite each other - to avoid casting shadows over your model. * Soften shadows using light position and diffusion (this can be done through adjusting the position of the light, brightness of the light and/or diffusing the light source using a translucent cover). * Not use the camera flash - instead adjust your camera settings and lighting positions to get the best results. ### **Background** When positioning your model, it is important that your background doesn’t detract from your design. A commonly used background setup is called a ‘sweep’, where a piece of flexible material (including paper or cloth) is hung to remove corners and blemishes from a photograph. The sweep provides a gentle curve up to a vertical surface which is invisible in a photograph; perfect for showcasing your design. ![Photography 'Sweep' backdrop - Note the curve of the material down to the floor](https://3741542021-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M4GujUN9NxlzIS-BJ-X%2F-M4NQJI5tXwKCTFL8iK3%2F-M4NT21tbalZpU4uIL0C%2FPhotography%20Sweep.png?alt=media\&token=0825095e-c55d-4c1c-9c46-22ba62b66080) A sweep can be simply set up using a vertical surface and a piece of paper. It is recommended to use the MSD photo studio spaces where possible, which contain a sweep and lighting setup. More information regarding the ABP Photo Studios is available [here](https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/maker-spaces/loans-desk/services/photo-studios).