Response to Ever a time when two lights won't cause two shadows on a model/subject?

I have a question for this most interesting thread:

The wise Robert Anderson wrote: ". If your main light reads f/11, that's all you care about, you set everything from that, including your camera. "

This contradicts my experience. When I set my meter to the main light, I get blocked up blacks -- I only shoot black and white. Following Phil Davis' advice in a recent issue of Photo Techniques. I've been basing my exposures on the shadow (or fill, if you will) value of my meter. Then, as long as the main is two stops stronger, all is well, and I develop normally. If it's less than two stops, I add a little time to the development, and so forth.

I would think your method would cause a lot of empty shadows.... I only set to the main light if I want this look.

Any comments?

Bryant

[ Previous | Next ]