Lighting used for copying

While a range of lighting can be used to copy work each has its own specific characteristics.

Natural light

Many artists copy their work under natural daylight. They wait for an even overcast day with no harsh shadows that gives even non reflective illumination to photograph the work. While placing the work in shade on a sunny day can provide even illumination with no reflections, the light tends to have a blue cast.

Tungsten Lights

Much copy work has been done under tungsten lights - these can work well, but be aware that as the lamps age the colour temperature changes. Of course these lights are not balanced for colour and you will need to either set the white balance on a digital camera or with film - use a conversion filter or tungsten film. Thee lights ar also hot to work under for any length of time.

• Tungsten lights at 35-45% to the original for reflection copying

Studio Flash lights

Studio Flash light are balance for a mid day sun and can be excellent for copying work. The modeling lamp lets you see how the work is illuminated in cooler temperatures than tungsten lamps.

Want to learn more? - do a workshop or one on one with Lloyd Godman