Methods of Lighting

1. Methods of Lighting Bio 498/698

2. 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

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

4. 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.)

5. Basic Techniques • Oblique Illumination • Transmitted Illumination • Photographing Reflective Objects

6. Backgrounds 18% Grey paper backgrounds Pedestal with Grey background paper Overused Correct Wrong Side (The pedestal is where specimens can be placed) The larger background paper is where stands are placed

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Styrofoam Cutouts

10. Diffuser with Styrofoam Cutouts

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

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

13. Fiber Optics Lock Un-Lock

14. Fiber Optics Fiber Optics setup

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

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

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

18. Full and Full Intensity (Full Power Variation)

19. Half and Half Intensity (Full Power Variation)

20. Quarter and Quarter Intensity (Full Power Variation)

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

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

23. 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.

24. 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: http://www.visionarydigital.com/Support.html