[Tom Edgerton]

Michele--

I'm a dinosaur in that I like tungsten floods. A number of artists have recommended various strobes to me, notably the White Lightning brand--saying that the modeling lights correspond closely to the final strobe results. But I like to see what I'm going to get in advance; it makes it easier to experiment for me. I use a large softbox for the main light, a conventional umbrella for the fill, and a cheap tungsten bulb in a cheap aluminum reflector for the skim light if I use one (I don't always), with barn doors--not "snooted"--to keep it from reflecting into the lens.

When I go outside, I use natural light. It's a lot trickier and less predictable, but I just haven't seen a convincing painting that has an artificially lit subject with an outdoor background painted in behind. I'm sure someone's done it, but I can't seem to pull it off to my satisfaction.

I'm looking forward to going digital, in that I will be freer to experiment in "grab it and go" situations, and won't have to rely so much on the same approach. Painting personal pieces helps here also.

Hope this is what you wanted.

Garth--

This is high praise, given what you've been posting. Thanks so much. If I might be hit with your lightning, I'd stand outside a lot.

Best--TE