Can I use two household flashlights to photograph artwork indoors, and how do I make the lighting even?
Asked 6/13/2019
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I want to photograph my artwork indoors on a very small budget. I have two household flashlights/torches, but the room lighting is weak and the flashlight beams look harsh and uneven on the drawing. I know people often suggest placing two lights at about 45° angles, but with these torches the light still looks sharp and patchy.
Can flashlights work for photographing artwork, and if so, how can I make the light more even? Also, if I hold the flashlights by hand instead of mounting them, will movement of the light affect image quality?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
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Frame Challenge Answer: On cloudy days, just go outside. On sunny days, go under a patio or use a thin white sheet over a large window. Alternatively, you can build a scrim using PVC pipe and anything that will diffuse the light (sheets work well. I've built one using a more industrial version of parchment/wax paper as well).
How to properly use 2 household torches for taking Photo indoor?: Use the same principals as above - put something thin in front of the torch to diffuse the light. However, two torches will be such little light that you'll need to use a tripod and a very long exposure to not end up having to crank the ISO. Alternatively, experiment with light-painting (though, this probably won't work well as you'll end up having a "streaky" image. This technique is not normally used to light artwork but is instead used to create interesting images).
Don't be cheap answer: Yongnuo makes some cheap speed lights that could be used, or you could try to find a used speed light in good condition. Bouncing these off of the ceiling/wall will work well to diffuse the light. Studio Strobes can also often be found used, or an entry level AlienBee400 or similar could also be acquired fairly cheaply (in the grand scheme of things).
Originally by user67377. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user67377
7y ago
0
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Yes, you can use flashlights, but they’re not ideal because they’re small, hard light sources and usually not very bright. The key is to diffuse them: place a thin white material between the torch and the artwork to spread the beam and soften hotspots. A white sheet or other thin diffuser can help, and a larger diffuser/scrim in front of the light generally gives more even illumination.
Because flashlights are weak compared with studio lights, you’ll likely need a tripod and a longer exposure rather than raising ISO too much. Holding the torches by hand can cause uneven lighting during a long exposure, so mounting them is better if possible.
A simpler low-cost option is to use soft natural light instead: photograph the artwork outdoors on a cloudy day, or indoors near a large window with diffused light, such as through a thin white sheet. This often gives more even illumination than two bare flashlights.
So: flashlights can work in a pinch, but diffuse them well, keep them steady, and expect longer exposures.
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