Softening the light

20th January 2013

Using the camera at a 45 degree angle pointing down at the subject and an overhead light, I took 2 photos- the first with a naked tungsten light and the second using a diffuser (material from a flash soft box) in front of the light.

      
Naked                                                          Diffused
1.5secs F22 ISO100 47mm                             3secs F22 ISO100 47mm
                -1 exposure compensation tungsten white balance

I observed that when placing a diffuser in front of the lamp, the exposure time is doubled. The ratio was the same for f16 and f19. At f22, most of the subject was in focus. Shadows on the naked picture are dark and harsh.There is very little detail noticeable. Using a diffuser enables the relief to be seen. The colour on the hands and bird are more natural in the diffused light.