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Lighting Basics Equipment Dynalite Fiber optics Modeling lights SolMate Light Pad Moving Modeling Lights Adjusting the intensity on the Dynalite Flash Powerpack Additional Equipment Used

Equipment Back Lighting Pad Magnetic Articulated Arms Sol-Mate Fiber Optic Illumination System Fiber Optics Modeling Lights Dynalite Modeling Lights w/ umbrellas

Lighting Basics Modeling/studio Lights: Modeling Lights can be physically moved The positions the lights are moved to depends on the specimen, the camera, the lens, the shape and size of the room. In some cases the modeling lights must be moved for individual specimens (Coleoptera, etc.) In some cases the modeling lights can stay in the same position for multiple specimens (Lepidoptera, etc.)

Basic Techniques Oblique Illumination Transmitted Illumination Photographing Reflective Objects

Backgrounds 18% Grey paper backgrounds OverusedCorrectWrong Side Pedestal with Grey background paper (The pedestal is where specimens can be placed) The larger background paper is where stands are placed

Umbrellas Umbrellas allow for light to be bounced onto the specimen. This brightens the image without washing it out. Umbrellas should always be positioned so that the inside is facing the specimen being imaged.

Diffusers (Diffusion Cylinders) Note: By adding a diffuser around the specimen in addition to bounce light for reflective subjects. This technique is used in controlling the reflections on surfaces.

Styrofoam Cutouts

Diffuser with Styrofoam Cutouts

Diffusers (Additional) Studio Light with Diffuser Studio Light without Diffuser Diffusers

Fiber Optics Magnetic Articulated Arms Arm w/ Fiber optic light Tenson Adjustment Receptacle Locking Knob Locking Lever Magnet Switch Magnetic Base

Fiber Optics Lock Un-Lock

Fiber Optics Fiber Optics setup

Back Lighting Pad Used for backlighting specimens Attaches directly to the fiber optics system

SolMate Trans Illumination System Illuminates THROUGH the subject Great for translucent subjects where internal parts need to be illuminated Backlight Source

Sol-Mate Locks the fiber optics in place Adjusts light intensity Diffuser Adjusts aperture Spotlight Position Illuminates transparent or translucent objects at 1:1 to 40X objectives Sol-Mate has patents pending

Lighting Concepts Lighting can be used creatively to highlight different parts of an object Different light Key Light – directly on subject Fill Light – on subject from side to fill shadows Hair light – on subject from behind to separate subject from background Background light – illuminates the background to eliminate shadows cast by subject or foreground elements

3-Point Lighting Key Light Fill Light Hair Light

4-Point Lighting Key Light Fill Light Hair Light Background Light

Modeling Lights: Example 1 Note: This is an example of how the modeling lights can be positioned.

Full and Full Intensity (Full Power Variation)

Half and Half Intensity (Full Power Variation)

Quarter and Quarter Intensity (Full Power Variation)

Quarter and Quarter Intensity (Power variation turned down 2 turns)

Quarter and Quarter Intensity (Modeling Lights Moved) Modeling Lights Example Position 2

Tricks and Hints For higher magnifications (i.e. 65mm, K2), lighting intensity will decrease For lower magnifications (100mm and 50mm), lighting intensity will increase Changing the apertures will also influence lighting intensity. A lower f-stop yields increased lighting intensity, as such a higher f-stop yields lower intensity.

Conclusion Lighting is important for the imaging process and will require adjustments and knowledge of different techniques for what works and doesn’t work depending on the specimen and equipment used It will likely take some trial and error – don’t worry! The magic will happen with enough effort. Additional support: