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Practice With New Lighting
Practice With New Lighting
TCGuru


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Camera: Kodak P880
Date Uploaded: Jan 27, 2007

Viewed: 442
Comments: 11
Favorites: 0

The one on the left is clearer because the camera was farther back. The bg light was used in both but I left it more prominent in the second one by turning off the forward lights and turning the clamp lights out instead of in. I am feeling like one of the forward lights should have been just a wee bit lower to wash the shadow out from under my chin on the first picture? The second was meant to be shadowed on the face but I got a very bad focus... will have to try some more :) Any suggestions on how these can be improved will be welcome. PLEASE, be brutal, I gotta get good with these lights.
1st pic:
2 umbrella reflectors with 350w bulbs used at a 45 degree angle on either side of the front from above (~7 1/2 ft) behind the camera, two clamps at 150w aimed at the ceiling on either side behind me and one 200w on the bg just below my waist.
2nd pic:
clamps turned to the outside (same wattage) for reflected light off ceiling and same 200w aimed to separate bg.
PP:
USM
Neat Image
Remove noise
Reduce d&s
levels

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AuthorThread
01/29/2007 04:22:30 AM
I've never used lights, and I think louis has pretty much summed it all up lighting wise:)
I do like the poses in both shots although the angle is a little low on the first for me. However, if you had a different outfit on for the first shot, say like a business suite or something, I reckon it would work, it's a very powerful and authoritive angle.
Looking forward to seeing some more light shots:)

  Photographer found comment helpful.
01/28/2007 10:21:16 AM
Originally posted by Louis:

Originally posted by TCGuru:

I use GE lights... some are clear, some are flouresced I thought about changing them all to clear 200w 3500l bulbs but I am nervous to change anything LOL is the brand OK?

I guess by brand I meant the brand of flash unit, or whatever light you are using, not the actual bulb brand.


OHHHH *sorry* Smith-Victor
01/28/2007 08:41:55 AM
You look so tall in the first one!! The second one (although I like AC/DC, too) is a little too soft, IMO.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
01/28/2007 07:28:54 AM
Originally posted by TCGuru:

I use GE lights... some are clear, some are flouresced I thought about changing them all to clear 200w 3500l bulbs but I am nervous to change anything LOL is the brand OK?

I guess by brand I meant the brand of flash unit, or whatever light you are using, not the actual bulb brand.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
01/28/2007 05:21:42 AM
I like the dyptich. I wish the right shot were as focused as the left. I like the perspective and the lighting of the left one. You have resolve and determination in your expression. Not a fan of the red border. I think it might've been better in gray for some reason (pay me no mind I've only had one cup of coffee this morning. )
  Photographer found comment helpful.
01/27/2007 08:30:38 PM
cute i love the one on the right. it seems to really represent you!!! and a big two thumbs up from me for having the patience to work with lighting... i really respect that!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
01/27/2007 07:56:48 PM
Originally posted by Louis:

You already know that the focus is off, I'd say on both. Focusing on your eyes is always a winner with portraits like these. The light in #1 is good, though I'm personally not crazy about the low angle.

I had a short tripod... I am waiting on a taller one... good point, I will keep the angle in mind when shooting in the future!

I don't think you have a shadow problem under your chin in #1.

good to know... maybe it was the focus being on my middle rather than my eyes?

The bigger issue is focus, and, for me, the unflattering angle. There is a small hotspot on your forehead in #1.

good eye! I missed that!

Am I reading correctly that you used FIVE lights in #1?

yes, five... too much?

That seems like way too much to me somehow (not that I have tons of experience though). I know that many portrait pros will bring exactly one light, with an umbrella, to a session with a client, with stunning results.

Duly noted, I will practice with 1 for a couple days :)

I have three 800w flash units, but rarely use all three, and generally use only one with either a softbox or umbrella. I also think I understand the desired effect for #2, but the focus is simply too poor to tell for sure.

It is really really bad isn't it... I moved the camera after focusing (silly me)

A side-lit effect keeping the middle of the face in shadow... if it can be pulled off, it's a neat effect that really adds drama to a portrait. Keep going for that, I think it'd turn out great.

that was exactly it... I will use this SP to work on it! :D

By the way, you give the wattage of your lights but not the brand... it'd help to know exactly what lights you work with.

I use GE lights... some are clear, some are flouresced I thought about changing them all to clear 200w 3500l bulbs but I am nervous to change anything LOL is the brand OK?



Thanks Louis!
01/27/2007 07:24:20 PM
You already know that the focus is off, I'd say on both. Focusing on your eyes is always a winner with portraits like these. The light in #1 is good, though I'm personally not crazy about the low angle. I don't think you have a shadow problem under your chin in #1. The bigger issue is focus, and, for me, the unflattering angle. There is a small hotspot on your forehead in #1. Am I reading correctly that you used FIVE lights in #1? That seems like way too much to me somehow (not that I have tons of experience though). I know that many portrait pros will bring exactly one light, with an umbrella, to a session with a client, with stunning results. I have three 800w flash units, but rarely use all three, and generally use only one with either a softbox or umbrella. I also think I understand the desired effect for #2, but the focus is simply too poor to tell for sure. A side-lit effect keeping the middle of the face in shadow... if it can be pulled off, it's a neat effect that really adds drama to a portrait. Keep going for that, I think it'd turn out great. By the way, you give the wattage of your lights but not the brand... it'd help to know exactly what lights you work with.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
01/27/2007 07:24:08 PM
I am not one to give advice on lights, but I am glad you have them and are using them. I bought my lights and have barely used them. Louis seems to be a pro at lighting, hopefully he can give you some comments that will help. Looking forward to seeing what you do next. Good luck.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
01/27/2007 07:19:58 PM
Originally posted by DianeS:

Hmmm... I suck at giving advice on this kind of stuff :) I'd say you're on the right track, just keep experimenting. I usually have one light that's directly on the face and one coming from the side.

I can see the effect you're going for on the 2nd pic, and I like the shape of the light on the sides of your face. Maybe try making the shadows more dramatic and contrasty?


I will try the light directly on the face... should it be right behind the camera or just wherever I am facing?

I will do the harsher shadows... drama is good! Thank you!
01/27/2007 07:15:27 PM
Hmmm... I suck at giving advice on this kind of stuff :) I'd say you're on the right track, just keep experimenting. I usually have one light that's directly on the face and one coming from the side.

I can see the effect you're going for on the 2nd pic, and I like the shape of the light on the sides of your face. Maybe try making the shadows more dramatic and contrasty?
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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