Q&A ON STUDIO LIGHTING FEATURING DAVE DOEPPEL
One of the many advantages to the lighting modifier business is that we get to work with clients with all different experience levels within the photography industry; from the beginner photographer purchasing their first soft box, to world renowned photographers gathering equipment for the classes they’ll teach at Expo’s and Conferences. One thing that all of our clients have in common is that they like to possess the capability to manipulate and control the lighting used during their photoshoots. Though there are plenty of amazingly talented natural light photographers out there, we wanted some information on why studio lighting is important, and how it could “turn a simple snapshot into a work of art.” according to Professional Photographer and Photoshop Expert Dave Doeppel.
Dave is a long time friend and associate of ours here at SweetLight Systems, and is the owner of LA Pinups, a Boudoir style studio based out of Los Angeles, CA. When he isn’t spending time doing webinars, photoshop and lightroom training, he is speaking at conferences like Imaging USA and Shutterfest, and even our own LightPro Expo, so when we had some questions, we knew just who to go to for answers.
Q: How Important is lighting in Photography?
A: “Lighting is one of the most important things for people to learn. It could turn a simple snapshot into a work of art. A lot of natural light photographers don’t use equipment other than their cameras because they don’t know how, but it is necessary to learn how to use other equipment and modifiers.”
Q: Are there any products, tools, or techniques that could be useful for other photographers to know about that could impact the lighting for their shoots?
A: “I don’t use lighting diagrams as much now because after so long, you become familiar with your equipment and tend to develop your own lighting styles, but I do teach about them at shows and conferences. They can be helpful when starting out. My SweetLight Hybrid is excellent. I also loved my Paul Buff Strobe, but I recently got rid of it to become more portable. Now I’m using a MoLight. It’s small, lightweight, and the output can overpower the sunlight during a shoot.”
SIDENOTE: For those whom are unfamiliar with a Lighting Diagram, it is a diagram that shows where the studio lights and modifiers should be in relation to the subject. Here’s an example contributed by Judy Host:
Q: What is a common question you get asked and what do you generally respond?
A: “People often ask me ‘What type of equipment should I buy?’ and my usual response is, ‘Well, what’s your budget?’. You have to be willing to spend in order to grow your business. If you’re new to modifiers, a reflector is the 1st thing you may want to invest in.”
Q: If you could give advice to beginner or inexperienced photographers, what would it be?
A: “Take the time to read manuals and learn your equipment. It’s critical to understand how to use your equipment. At first you may not understand all of the lingo that’s in the manuals but after becoming familiar with your equipment, they’ll start to make sense. Learning is a continuous process. Also, there is a difference between being an expert and being a professional. An expert has a lot of knowledge, but to be a professional, you also need to know the business aspect of the industry, not just the photography portion.”
Have more questions for Dave? Checkout his website AskDaveForHelp.com — the website contains tips and tricks for Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as information pertaining to workshops, Dave Doeppel Photography, and LA Pinups.
You may also use the links provided below to connect with Dave:
https://www.facebook.com/davedoeppel
https://www.facebook.com/lapinups
