Best method for reviewing slides? And a lighting question.

[StormGirl_LP]

Hi,

I'm hoping you can help me here. I've been an ametuer for about 8 years and shoot mostly nature and wildlife. I began doing some work for a group of friends who are developing a new design business. I am shooting large artwork in their studio in 35mm slide format. (Using Genuine Fractles to avoid medium format, since I don't have the gear for it.)

1. Viewing slides. What is the best method for viewing slides for selection? I thought about purchasing a slide projector, but don't projectors portray the image falsely? (I recall them looking sharper than they'd really look if you enlarged them.) Or is there a better method?

2. Moving away from ambiant light. Up until now, I've been shooting in ambiant light, but the wind has posed a problem for us. Next week I will be shooting about 70 images for them and decided to do it indoors. I think I'm going to go with two lights and will avoid flash since I've never shot with studio lighting before. I already know what filter is suggested for that lighting and Kodak EPP film. Should I buy a filter kit, though, and use a color meter just incase? Or will I be safe with just the one filter?

[Michael Fanelli]

1. Viewing slides. What is the best method for viewing slides for selection? I thought about purchasing a slide projector, but don't projectors portray the image falsely? (I recall them looking sharper than they'd really look if you enlarged them.) Or is there a better method?

I can answer this one. You want to buy a light table. This is a device that has a balanced light source and allows you to spread the slides out and examine them with a loupe. They range in size from a small 5x7 up to large actual tables. You can't judge anything with a slide projector.

[Clemmie]

Hi,

2. Moving away from ambiant light. Up until now, I've been shooting in ambiant light, but the wind has posed a problem for us. Next week I will be shooting about 70 images for them and decided to do it indoors. I think I'm going to go with two lights and will avoid flash since I've never shot with studio lighting before. I already know what filter is suggested for that lighting and Kodak EPP film. Should I buy a filter kit, though, and use a color meter just incase? Or will I be safe with just the one filter?

I'll tackle part 2 here. So long as your pair of lights are the dominant light source on the subject, you should be OK with just the recommended filter.

The thing to watch out for, would be if significant lighting from other sources is present -- daylight streaming in a window, or fluorescent overhead lighting in an office, for instance. For best results, turn off or cover up these other light sources.