My First Pool/Model Photos

My first attempt at the pool with models, was with my wife, so that I could experiment to see what was needed to accomplish decent pool shots with models.

I wanted a nice very large soft light source so I used a 3 x 6 foot lastolite panel with softbox material over the frame and the frame was positioned about 3-4 feet from the pool from a high angle aimed down towards the pool. I then positioned 2 Profoto strobe heads behind the panel each on their own separate pack at max power 2400 watts per head, so I was putting out 4800 watts. I then used a Profoto ProB 1200 watt battery pack with a 22inch beauty dish and grid for the rim/hair light set to half power so 600 watts.

I was shooting at 200 F-11 ISO 100, which was not enough so I dropped down to F-8 and I still ended up bumping the exposure a little in Lightroom for the main light source.

Lessons learned and what I'll be trying this Tuesday

--I'm going to go with a 2 x 3 softbox with a silver lining and remove the front layer of diffusion only leave the small inner layer of diffusion, using a Profoto V-Twin Head that will be plugged into two 2400 watt packs giving me the option of 4800 watts and moving the softbox a lot lower about a half foot away from the pool edge. If this does not give me the power I want I will switch the softbox out for a 22 inch silver beauty dish.

I'm also going to add a 600-1000 watt Arri hot light just to light up the pool for working and composing images, but this should not have an effect on the exposure, at least that's my intent.

The rim/hair light will remain about the same, I think I had good power on that.

**Note all safety precautions were taken, 25lb sandbags on EVERTHING, used only GFI outlets and no cords or packs were on the ground.

Mark

Sweet!

Thats a pretty awesome lighting unit you used. Great results for the first try - seriously!

Cal

I agree! The shots have a great diffuse glow to them that I like - and good reflections. That's a lot of light!

I am doubtful that GFCI outlets would provide the protection you need, should something get knocked into the water. It would only take a millisecond for the capacitors to discharge into the water to stop your heart - and the GFCI wouldn't trip that fast. Not to mention that I have heard of them "plain old melting down" and fusing under high load :-( Just a warning I feel I have to put in for anyone using this type of equipment - check w/ an electrician before using AC or high amperage DC around the pool.

Cheers

James

Just saw these; I agree, very nice, definitely more than enough light to play with.

I think James has a very good point about the electrical issues. I, like you, use studio strobes, and yet still caution folks against using them unless you are as certain as you can be that these will not land up in the water. The reality is that photographers use potentially hazardous studio lighting outdoors on location, even around water, in advertising shoots etc. As you point out Mark - the lights must be weighted / overweighted, away from the edge of the pool, cords away from trafficked areas etc, being obsessive about this is key. Also of course power disconnect AND strobe discharge BEFORE setup and take down, which is probably the most hazardous time.

Nice job. I like #4 the best.

Todd