Light Painting And Compositing To Complete A Scene

Sometimes it helps to combine several techniques to complete a scene, including using a tripod, pin lighting, and moving furniture around to fill out a space. You may find this more useful for styled shoots versus an actual wedding because it takes more time, but the pin lighting and compositing technique works regardless.

Here are some steps and considerations for light painting and compositing to complete a scene:

1. Find the best room angle (artemis)
2. Identify the “Hero” table
3. Place camera on a sturdy tripod
4. Shoot from the shadows: Frame and compose
5. Expose for desired ambiance
6. Find existing light direction
7. Add controlled light via grid/zoom
8. Constant = flash at 1/16-1/32
9. Analyze histogram/highlight alert
10. Lock settings, shoot the plate shot (starting image without added light)
11. Move scene (shift furniture if necessary), shoot with same settings
12. Composite via Photoshop (chapter 6)

Here is another example:

Before (above) and after (below):