kurme Loc: Sudbury, Ont

I am learning to use my lighting and i had two lights on her and my pics still seem really dark could you please tell me what i am doing wrong? Did i get anything right? It was really hard getting her pic she was everywhere lol

I used a nikon d3100 with a 24-70 2.8 lens. I think i was f5 at 160. iso was 400

lesdmd Loc: Middleton Wi via N.Y.C. & Cleveland

Seems to me the problem is not so much with the exposure as with the shadows. If you want the background lit, you will have to use a separate light source for that. You don't mention whether your light source is from strobes or from set lights. Either way, try positioning the lights differently, use reflectors to fill the shadows, and set everything the way you want it (use an older, less antsy model) and then fire away.

kurme Loc: Sudbury, Ont

ok thanks for the tips. I used two soft boxes

lesdmd Loc: Middleton Wi via N.Y.C. & Cleveland

ok thanks for the tips. I used two soft boxes[/quote]

Still doesn't tell us whether the light sources are always on or used as strobes. With the lights always on you should be able to pretty much see what you are going to get before you press the shutter. Strobes have many advantages, but that is not one of them.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

You are REALLY close. You did not tell us where you had the two lights, but it appears to be one to camera left and a bit higher (judging from the catchlight in the eyes) and one as a hair light (judging from the light on the red band).
For a child, you need a little less shadow (a lower ratio) so just place a white or maybe silver reflector over on camera right to bounce some of that main light back onto the shadow side. You can vary the amount of fill by moving the reflector closer or farther away.

Do not aim that main light at the subject - aim it out in front of her - that alone will work to even the lighting for you.

The hair light appears to need a bit more light. Blondes and brunettes (and bald guys) all need different exposures.

If you are not using a flash meter - get one. Without a meter you are guessing and it really helps to know before you press the shutter what the exposures are on all sides.

kurme Loc: Sudbury, Ont

Ok thanks so much i really appreciate the help. I was using continuous lights. I don't have a flash meter so i guess that is definitely my next investment.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Well, if using continuous lights, you just need an incident meter. But getting one with flash capability would seem smart so as you move to strobes/speedlights, you are ready.

Continuous lights are fine to start with and have some real advantages - like seeing the light pattern - but they do lack horsepower. They can be tough with moving kids since they may require shutter speeds to slow to stop motion.

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

Continuous lights are nice to see lighting patterns. Some strobes have modeling lights on them too, so you can see the pattern also. Definately more expensive. Your photo is pretty good, but without a meter, you are really guessing. An incident meter is what you need so your exposures can be set properly. Once you buy one and become accustomed to using it, you'll never go without.

kurme Loc: Sudbury, Ont

[quote=CaptainC]

Well, if using continuous lights, you just need an incident meter. But getting one with flash capability would seem smart so as you move to strobes/speedlights, you are ready.

Continuous lights are fine to start with and have some real advantages - like seeing the light pattern - but they do lack horsepower. They can be tough with moving kids since they may require shutter speeds to slow to stop motion.[/I do have a strobe light as well. I just have trouble using it. I get major over exposure on one side of the face and body i tried putting the light more to the side and back. I tried my barn doors and still to much? Maybe my space is to small. I would try the strobe behind her which works well it is just to hide it that is the problem. Any suggestions?here is the pic of the big problem

tried to photo shop it to make it nicer but you see what i mean and probably more. These pics are the first time i tried using my little studio set up. Hey got to start somewhere:)

Copper Canon Loc: Oxfordshire UK

I have also just gone from landscape and sport photography to a bit of studio work. The short cut each time is to use a light meter to be sure. However, as with many things there is nothing quite like experience. You will spend alot of time doing shot, move lighting, shot, move lighting but from this you will learn. Practice makes perfect as they say. You have the kit,, keep using and asking and you will keep learning!

leroynunn Loc: Queen Creek, Arizona

Great subject, by the way! I got no advice. . .seems like what you have is good.

alggomas Loc: Wales, United Kingdom.

I am just starting a studio photo course. There are pros and cons in my answer so here goes:

Shoot manual ISO 100 and shoot sample shots at various f stops or whatever gives you good exposure, you can also use partial metering and focus on the eyes. Use a soft box synched to your camera. Once you have the exposure you can move your lights nearer/further and different power. Perhaps standing further back?
Perhaps a second light to the left but focused on background. You really have to play around with this until you are happy with the set up.
Other people use brolly lights. It's up to you.
This is one shot I took. Please note I am doing a course not a professional!

sjbegres Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Would you have used the lens she used?

Armadillo Loc: Ventura, CA

Hello,

You have chosen a very good subject for your first portrait shot in your new mini studio.

With the overall equipment you have you can make practice shots until you get what you really like. Barrow one of your daughters life size dolls to practice on. Set the doll up like your daughters test shot, adjust the lights the way you think they should be, and shoot away.

Use your camera's exposure meter to set your key light, measure the distance from the light stand to the doll, then move the fill light 1 1/2 times the distance of the key light away from the doll. This will give you the equivalent of a 2 stop difference in exposure.

Because you are using digital you can experiment all day long without spending a dime on film and processing. Your daughter will love playing with her other dolls while you practice on the one life sized model. You can experiment on moving the fill light closer, or farther away and in different directions to create mood changes.

You should be able to lower the ISO, or increase it, to make effects changes to the background lighting. Be careful of hair lighting. Too much light on brown hair may cause the red ribbon to become overexposed and blown out in white blobs.

Have a great time,

Michael G

Quickflash Loc: Loganville, Ga

You have a great model. You just need a fast shutter to with wiggly little kids! I am trying to learn the same stuff you are, so I'm happy to learn with you. The advice on this thread is enlightening, no pun intended.