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What are vignettes? Do you
use them or recommend them? I shoot with a Mamiya 645.
Amal
Dear Amal:
Vignettes are drop in devices that you put in front of
your lens (in some sort of holder) to cause part of your
photograph to look different. The most common effect is
to darken the photograph near the edges to draw the
viewers eye toward the center. This can cut down on
custom printing costs where that area might be
"burned" down to make it a little darker. For
high key work (where everything is white or very light)
there are vignetting techniques to do the reverse.
Lighten the outer areas of a photograph using frosted
glass or plastic usually with light striking the
vignetter. Usually the light coming from the scene and
background is enough to lighten the edges but it is not
unusual to fire a small strobe at an angle directly
toward the vignetter. This is not my preferred method but
it is occasionally done with varied results. Many other
techniques are also frequently done including using
vignettes that have clear fingernail polish painted
around the bottom and sides to add a soft dreamy quality
to the image. All vignettes can be used to good effect
but unfortunately are frequently over done or done
incorrectly and as a result, the negative is not suitable
to use. I use them very sparingly myself. I choose my
locations carefully and light my subjects carefully to
include natural vignetting. I use home made vignettes and
filters to soften the outer edges and bottom of many of
my romantic portraits, portraits of children and some
images of couples. Remember, that filters and vignettes
are best used like spice in food. Just enough to taste
but not quite enough to identify.
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