tainkc Loc: Kansas City

This kid has cost me a ton of money. Probably more than all of the professional models ever posted on UHH. Let's see; I raised her from day 1. Paid for her undergad degree. She is now in her 4th year of med school at age 27, studying cardio leaning toward cardiac surgery. This will be an additional $450,000.00 (no loans. I am paying for it) on top of the 200 grand cumulatively that it has taken to get her to this point.

She is an exceptional young woman. She is a single mother of two (a 5 year old boy and a 3 year old girl), a home owner, a master of the violin and bass guitar. She even plays in a band. She is also an excellent marksman. A redneck all the way, she has a 9mm Glock that she shoots in her huge backyard for target practice and relaxation. Her house only being 4 blocks from the police station in the town she lives in. And the cops all know it. Go figure.

Shot under incadescent, LED, and natural light. Have I mastered lighting?

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Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

Nice, but would like some shadow for definition in other words to flat for my taste.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

Once she graduates she will be in a residency - where she will be getting paid. Maybe not enough to live the life of luxury - and she is going to have a challenge with child care - the grandparents may play a BIG role here if willing. Best wishes to all - she sounds like she had good guidance growing up and has a good head on her shoulders.

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

Hmmm... Alright. I will see what else I have from this session. I tend to agree that it may be a bit flat. I did like the overall warmth, though. Thank you for commenting.

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

I am just hoping that she pushes me around ion my wheelchair when the time comes. That will be payback enough. Lol. As far as the children are concerned, She has excellent support right now, and it will probably continue as long as she never moves anywhere. Even her ex and his family are very good at helping out with the kids. Cost so far for daycare so far - $0.00

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

If you want more contrast and richer shadows in you portraiture you need to control you lighting ratio. The differential in effective light output between the main light sour and the fill light source has to be grater than what you are getting now. More dramatic effects can be achieved with a lighting ratio of between 1:3 or 1:4. There is some formulas and mathematics involved or you can do individual meter readings of the highlight and shadow areas of you subjects' faces. With digital photography, however, it's easy enough to do the job visually. Set up the main light in the patter you wish to use, add the fill light, assess the results and then either increase the distance of the fill source or attenuate its output until you see the effect you prefer. If there is a differential of 2 or more f/stops between the two light sources, you will be in the ballpark. In smaller rooms with white or light colored walls, there is more light bouncing around the area so less fill light is oftentimes required to adequately fill the shadows. This unseen secondary light is frequently the cause of over-filling and the resulting flat lack of modeling. This is why a visual assessment is more accurate that calculations or meter readings.

Oh- Investing in our kids' education is money well spent. It's our most important job to make certain that the kids have every opportunity to secure a good career, earn a decent living, and become productive and helpful members of society.

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

Thank you! Yes, now to think of it, a couple of f/stops probably would have been in order. The good thing is that I can duplicate this lighting exactly and then work from there. The bad thing; getting her to cooperate. As far as her education goes, my way of thinking is that a good education is an end in and of itself. With a good one, one can basically choose their own destiny. I am fortunate enough to be able to use mine to help her and not have to sacrifice my own wants and desires. Oh, and I have enough discipline that I don't have to have the latest and greatest camera. Darn. Lol.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Here's a tip for getting reluctant models to pose!

When I photograph little kids, I let them play with their toys. They will "help" me take a picture of Kermit the Frog or their Dolly etc- meanwhile I get great natural expressions. I use the same tactic with big kids, like reluctant business executives, impatient adults and other camera shy folks. So...tell your big kid that you want to photograph her with one of her musical instruments, her kids, or even that GLOCK! Be creative and make a really cool LIFESTYLES portrait the tells a story about the subject- beyond a simple head shot! Med students have stethoscopes! I won't pose for a portrait unless I have my camera in hand! We all love our toys and stuff we are proud of. Psychology!
Give folks a remembrance of important stages of their life- they'll appreciate it later! Oh- Don't forget to up that ratio!

And...don't forget to post your results and get a critique!

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

Thanks again! Why did I not think of that?. Now, if you could only tell me how to get her from being such a snot nose. Lol.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

OK- Just tell her you are into a major career change and you need the shots to build you portfolio. That's bet best I can do! I am still dealing with my own gang of family "snot noses". My son is my only ally- all the rest are female- even the cats! Goo luck! I'm still looking forward to the portraits!

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

Alrighty, then! I will see what I can come up with.