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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:)
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Photographer found comment helpful. |
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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 |
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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. |
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Photographer found comment helpful. |
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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. |
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Photographer found comment helpful. |
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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. ) |
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Photographer found comment helpful. |
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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! |
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Photographer found comment helpful. |
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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?
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Thanks Louis! |
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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. |
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Photographer found comment helpful. |
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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. |
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Photographer found comment helpful. |
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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! |
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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? |
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Photographer found comment helpful. |