Starting to use lights: I'm starting to use some external lighting. Plenty turned out poorly, some OK (the more OK ones are here). Lots of fun experimenting.

jkatpc Loc: Virginia Beach

I'm starting to use some external lighting. Plenty turned out poorly, some OK (the more OK ones are here). Lots of fun experimenting.

My youngest

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Some of my wife's costume jewelry

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Braided gold

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More costume jewelry

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More braided yellow, white and red gold

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jimmya Loc: Phoenix

jkatpc wrote:

I'm starting to use some external lighting. Plenty turned out poorly, some OK (the more OK ones are here). Lots of fun experimenting.

I really like the portrait - she's not only very pretty but her pose is quite nice. The light looks almost like window light so your technique was good here. Keep that up.

By the way what camera and what lighting kit or type.

jkatpc Loc: Virginia Beach

Thanks! I was using a D5200 with a 50mm 1.8 prime for the portrait and a Tokina pro 100mm 2.8 macro for the jewelry. I bought a very inexpensive kit (three stands, two white umbrellas, 5700K (I think) bulbs) just to practice with. Oh, and a Meike ring light for the jewelry also.

Kingmapix Loc: Mesa, Arizona

Your portrait is good, but in my view it needs a little more "punch".
Try adding a little more light coming in from one side so that her
beautiful face is more illuminated, and her eyes have some highlights.

jkatpc Loc: Virginia Beach

Kingmapix wrote:

Your portrait is good, but in my view it needs a little more "punch".
Try adding a little more light coming in from one side so that her
beautiful face is more illuminated, and her eyes have some highlights.

Yes, I thought about that while reviewing on my computer. Getting her to pose at all is no small undertaking.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

jkatpc wrote:

Thanks! I was using a D5200 with a 50mm 1.8 prime for the portrait and a Tokina pro 100mm 2.8 macro for the jewelry. I bought a very inexpensive kit (three stands, two white umbrellas, 5700K (I think) bulbs) just to practice with. Oh, and a Meike ring light for the jewelry also.

Nice gear.

BlokeOzz Loc: Morphett Vale South Australia

Jkatpc One very pretty young lady, well shot thanks for sharing :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

jkatpc Loc: Virginia Beach

BlokeOzz wrote:

Jkatpc One very pretty young lady, well shot thanks for sharing :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Thanks! She's off to college next year and we're empty nesters.

creativ simon Loc: Coulsdon, South London

Last one is great

Daughter is a beauty and looks good in the photo

jkatpc Loc: Virginia Beach

Thanks! She gets it from her mother, I'm sure :)

Kingmapix Loc: Mesa, Arizona

I mentioned that in my opinion your picture of the lovely young lady needed a little more "punch". Here is a recasting of your original photo using some lighting and shading techniques that are available in most post processing softwares. I essentially brightened up the face using a "spot light" technique, then followed this be shading the photo left side of her face. This resulted in a look like there was some lighting coming in from the right side. Note also, that the illumination on her hands is somewhat reduced, thereby giving preference to her beautiful face.

Please forgive me if you are offended. Your original photo is very much OK also. However, I just wanted to show another "take" on your lovely daughter.

Adjusted photo

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jkatpc Loc: Virginia Beach

Kingmapix wrote:

I mentioned that in my opinion your picture of the... (show quote)

Thanks very much for your input and the touch up to the photo. I definitely have a lot to learn about post processing, and this pesky day job gets in the way!

Kingmapix Loc: Mesa, Arizona

This is the joy of digital photography. A lot to learn as we move forward. And, yes it does take a lot of time at the computer.
Being retired, this keeps me off the streets.

By the way, it is much easier and more direct to get the lighting you want by arranging the same in the process for the taking of the picture.

jkatpc Loc: Virginia Beach

Kingmapix wrote:

This is the joy of digital photography. A lot to learn as we move forward. And, yes it does take a lot of time at the computer.
Being retired, this keeps me off the streets.

By the way, it is much easier and more direct to get the lighting you want by arranging the same in the process for the taking of the picture.

I am going to try to copy what you did with that photo. I use Aperture, and I think I know how to do it. Next time I can get her to sit still for me, I'll do something different with the lights.