"With the use of a diffused single light, experiment using it from different directions. Find a subject that is no larger than the diffuser on the front of the lamp, the important thing is that it should have a variety of planes to show the differences in shadows and light. With the camera in a fixed position, on a tripod, aimed horizontally at the subject, there needs to be room to move around the object with a light. Take photographs as the light is moved around keeping it at the same level as the subject. Beginning with the front, then sides, rear to the side and finally with the light directly behind making a silhouette of the subject. Then raise the light so that it points down at about 45 degrees, move it round again, taking photographs in similar positions again. Finally, with the light overhead, pointing down, take three pictures, directly overhead, from slightly in front and from behind. Look at the photographs, study the differences in order to become familiar with the effect of moving the light. Certain qualities of the subject are revealed better by some lighting directions, which position gives the best three dimensional affect and of all them, which do you prefer, and why?"
I chose an old twin lens Yashica film camera as the subject for this exercise, flash was used for the light source, eliminating the white balance problem I had in the previous exercise. For clarity I have included a photograph of the home made diffuser that was used.
All the photographs taken are below, I've identified the angle of lighting on each one.
If I had to choose a favourite photograph from the above set, it would be "light above front left". Had this been product photography, then this angle of lighting shows off the camera to best advantage. The texture on the side shows up well along with the majority of the camera's controls, I feel it looks imposing and important. This impression might have been strengthened had the camera angle been lower so removing the table and stand it was on.
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