The next diagram is one of the Biglow studios. Mr. Biglow is the author of a book on lighting and posing, which had a large sale, and is a valuable book for positionists.
These three views represent forms of skylight and side-light with north exposure, by which all the finest effects possible are obtained, but other forms of exposure are capable of being utilized with fine success.
The studio of Sarony, of New York, is lighted with a top light similar to the top light of the Biglow studio, and without any side light at all.
A prominent artist of Brooklyn produces very fine p84 work under an east light, or rather a light a little south of east, which to the ordinary photographer would be considered a very difficult light to work. Good effects can be produced, however, under any form of light by the use of shades, screens and reflectors, so that no photographer need regret a favorable location, because unable to have a northern exposure for his light.
The studio should be furnished with every requisite for the production of the finest work, such as
- Lenses and Camera boxes,
- Camera stands,
- Pneumatic shutters for the lenses,
- Scenic grounds; interior and exterior accessories, such as balustrades, rocks, grass-mats, flowers, tables, chairs, draperies, rugs, etc.; head-rests, screens, reflectors, and all such articles as can be advantageously introduced in a picture to improve and embellish.
All these things are of importance, but should be used with taste and judgment. The photograph should never be a picture of a piece of furniture, with a figure thrown in, but rather the accessories should be used only to improve the figure and make it more prominent by increasing the perspective, when possible or allowable.
CAMERA LENSES.
THE OPTICS OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
A solar beam of light is a bundle of rays; a ray being the smallest portion of light which can emanate from a luminous body.