How should I light still-life photos of leaves for controlled, even results?
Asked 12/27/2012
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I want to photograph individual leaves as still lifes with controlled lighting and a more technical, repeatable setup. Direct front lighting looks too harsh, and when I add side lights I get shadows. I’m currently using basic household lamps. What lighting approach works best for leaves, especially if I want soft, even light while still showing some texture? Any setup tips for background, reflections, or supporting the leaves would also help.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
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I did shots of Autumn leaves which I placed on the floor near a doorway and used side lighting. There were harsh shadows, but it brought out the texture of the leaves. Front lighting will lose all that texture.
If you find side lighting too harsh, then try a main light close and to one side, and the fill with another light further away, and either behind the camera, or to the other side from the main light, just as you might do with a portrait. As long as the fill isn't too strong, the main light from the side should provide some texture and light shadow.
If you want really soft light, ditch the lights, and place the leaves near a window and use a white reflector to bounce some light back into the shadows if you need to.
Originally by user4191. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4191
13y ago
0
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For leaves, the “best” lighting depends on whether you want texture or very even illumination. Front light tends to flatten texture, while side light reveals surface detail. A good controlled setup is a main light from one side, fairly close, plus a weaker fill light from near the camera or the opposite side to soften shadows without removing them.
If side light still feels too harsh, diffuse it. A light tent is a simple way to get soft, even light, and DIY versions work fine. Window light can also work well if you want very soft illumination; add a white reflector to bounce light into the shadows.
To reduce distracting shadows, place the leaf well away from the background so shadows fall out of frame. Lighting from an angle also helps reduce glare on shiny leaves. A dark gray or black background can make the leaf stand out, especially with a shallow depth of field.
For support, you can suspend the leaf by the stem, use a rod hidden behind it, or hang a small backing piece with thread that blends into the background.
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