Head shot critique please
Jul 21, 2012 11:21:01 #
Adjusted exposure slightly but not edited yet so you can still see the lights in the eyes. The cabinet in the second photo is a distraction but intend to PP that a bit.
Looking for critique. First try at this. I do not have a background to do this the right way yet and lights are going to be an investment in the near future.
Taken with 2- 6 dollar clamp lights, The first set 5' front-left of the subject about 18" off the floor pointing up. The second softer light was 5' front-right of the subject at about 5'. a white t-shirt to adjust lighting from the floor light, and a florescent light in the dining room (10' front-center of subject above/behind the camera).
I hope that makes sense. Originals included so you can see camera settings. This is me... After setting the camera and tripod, showed daughter how to aim and snap for me. I was just missing the mark trying to do it alone. Nice to have kids every once in a while LOL.
Looking for critique. First try at this. I do not have a background to do this the right way yet and lights are going to be an investment in the near future.
Taken with 2- 6 dollar clamp lights, The first set 5' front-left of the subject about 18" off the floor pointing up. The second softer light was 5' front-right of the subject at about 5'. a white t-shirt to adjust lighting from the floor light, and a florescent light in the dining room (10' front-center of subject above/behind the camera).
I hope that makes sense. Originals included so you can see camera settings. This is me... After setting the camera and tripod, showed daughter how to aim and snap for me. I was just missing the mark trying to do it alone. Nice to have kids every once in a while LOL.
Jul 21, 2012 12:26:55 #
What software do you have?
There are several great portrait photographers here that I am sure will help if they gee this.
I will PM you
There are several great portrait photographers here that I am sure will help if they gee this.
I will PM you
Jul 21, 2012 12:48:40 #
Jul 21, 2012 14:50:59 #
I think they look pretty good, but would prefer a little less shadow. However, that seems to be a personal preference and some like more shadow. Did you use the in-camera flash? An external flash? If not, maybe you could try the same set up again, but hold camera with flash on right side, then snap the pic. I think this will rid your photo of some of the darker shadows.
Considering you were working with cheap lighting, I think you show much potential. Thanks for posting. I am also planning to purchase my lighting set-up very soon, so am interested in seeing what seasoned photographers suggest.
Lou Ellen
Adjusted exposure slightly but not edited yet so you can still see the lights in the eyes. The cabinet in the second photo is a distraction but intend to PP that a bit.
Looking for critique. First try at this. I do not have a background to do this the right way yet and lights are going to be an investment in the near future.
Taken with 2- 6 dollar clamp lights, The first set 5' front-left of the subject about 18" off the floor pointing up. The second softer light was 5' front-right of the subject at about 5'. a white t-shirt to adjust lighting from the floor light, and a florescent light in the dining room (10' front-center of subject above/behind the camera).
I hope that makes sense. Originals included so you can see camera settings. This is me... After setting the camera and tripod, showed daughter how to aim and snap for me. I was just missing the mark trying to do it alone. Nice to have kids every once in a while LOL.[/quote]
Considering you were working with cheap lighting, I think you show much potential. Thanks for posting. I am also planning to purchase my lighting set-up very soon, so am interested in seeing what seasoned photographers suggest.
Lou Ellen
Adjusted exposure slightly but not edited yet so you can still see the lights in the eyes. The cabinet in the second photo is a distraction but intend to PP that a bit.
Looking for critique. First try at this. I do not have a background to do this the right way yet and lights are going to be an investment in the near future.
Taken with 2- 6 dollar clamp lights, The first set 5' front-left of the subject about 18" off the floor pointing up. The second softer light was 5' front-right of the subject at about 5'. a white t-shirt to adjust lighting from the floor light, and a florescent light in the dining room (10' front-center of subject above/behind the camera).
I hope that makes sense. Originals included so you can see camera settings. This is me... After setting the camera and tripod, showed daughter how to aim and snap for me. I was just missing the mark trying to do it alone. Nice to have kids every once in a while LOL.[/quote]
Jul 21, 2012 15:06:22 #
LouEllen wrote:
I think they look pretty good, but would prefer a little less shadow. However, that seems to be a personal preference and some like more shadow. Did you use the in-camera flash? An external flash? If not, maybe you could try the same set up again, but hold camera with flash on right side, then snap the pic. I think this will rid your photo of some of the darker shadows.
I did not use a flash at all. I feared that I would blow it out considering the lighting system I am trying to work with LOL. I too think I need more light and hope to have a couple soft boxes before too long... I hoped to avoid a flash but I may have to wait till I have the right equipment.
Thank you for taking the time to look. I want to improve and appreciate everyone here who is willing to help.
Jul 21, 2012 15:11:38 #
Sorry LouEllen - You NEED shadow. Light illuminates - shadow defines. It could use MORE shadow. Men look great with deeper shadows. This would make a great B&W with nice deep shadows.
I am in the middle of High School Senior portrait season, so I won't be here much for the next month or so, but there is one thing you can do that will improve these. Note I only use Photoshop, so everything is based on that.
Open the image. Cmd-L opens Levels. slide the right slider to the left until it is even with right side of the histogram. Close Levels.
That alone will pop this image. I downloaded it applied that Levels fix and that works great.
If you understand how to use Curves, that will work even better.
Your lights are a bit low. Not terrible, but raise them a bit.
I am in the middle of High School Senior portrait season, so I won't be here much for the next month or so, but there is one thing you can do that will improve these. Note I only use Photoshop, so everything is based on that.
Open the image. Cmd-L opens Levels. slide the right slider to the left until it is even with right side of the histogram. Close Levels.
That alone will pop this image. I downloaded it applied that Levels fix and that works great.
If you understand how to use Curves, that will work even better.
Your lights are a bit low. Not terrible, but raise them a bit.
Jul 21, 2012 15:33:31 #
CaptainC wrote:
Sorry LouEllen - You NEED shadow. Light illuminate... (show quote)
Thank you. I had hoped you would have the time to check these. I will be trying your suggestions this weekend.
Jul 21, 2012 15:33:52 #
Thanks, Captain. I do know that shadows define and I think these pics look really good. However, it just seemed a bit dark to me. That is why I thought perhaps a bit more light. I can understand what you are saying about the PS fix and positioning of the lights, though. Are you saying you would not have used a flash, at all?
By the way, I always eagerly read your opinions as they are spot on and your photos are phenomenal!
Lou Ellen
Sorry LouEllen - You NEED shadow. Light illuminates - shadow defines. It could use MORE shadow. Men look great with deeper shadows. This would make a great B&W with nice deep shadows.
I am in the middle of High School Senior portrait season, so I won't be here much for the next month or so, but there is one thing you can do that will improve these. Note I only use Photoshop, so everything is based on that.
Open the image. Cmd-L opens Levels. slide the right slider to the left until it is even with right side of the histogram. Close Levels.
That alone will pop this image. I downloaded it applied that Levels fix and that works great.
If you understand how to use Curves, that will work even better.
Your lights are a bit low. Not terrible, but raise them a bit.[/quote]
By the way, I always eagerly read your opinions as they are spot on and your photos are phenomenal!
Lou Ellen
Sorry LouEllen - You NEED shadow. Light illuminates - shadow defines. It could use MORE shadow. Men look great with deeper shadows. This would make a great B&W with nice deep shadows.
I am in the middle of High School Senior portrait season, so I won't be here much for the next month or so, but there is one thing you can do that will improve these. Note I only use Photoshop, so everything is based on that.
Open the image. Cmd-L opens Levels. slide the right slider to the left until it is even with right side of the histogram. Close Levels.
That alone will pop this image. I downloaded it applied that Levels fix and that works great.
If you understand how to use Curves, that will work even better.
Your lights are a bit low. Not terrible, but raise them a bit.[/quote]
Jul 21, 2012 15:36:12 #
WildBill wrote:
Adjusted exposure slightly but not edited yet so y... (show quote)
I have to go to work, but I'll look at your pictures later. Nice looking man, is that you? ;-)
Jul 21, 2012 15:43:25 #
LouEllen wrote:
[/quote]Thanks, Captain. I do know that shadows define and I think these pics look really good. However, it just seemed a bit dark to me. That is why I thought perhaps a bit more light. I can understand what you are saying about the PS fix and positioning of the lights, though. Are you saying you would not have used a flash, at all?
No, I use flash/strobes on virtually everything - inside, outside, all over. But light is light - flash, strobes, continuous lighting, sunlight - it all works if applied properly and creatively.
But the original post indicated what lights were in use - not flash, but those can work.
Jul 21, 2012 15:59:14 #
LittleRedFish wrote:
I have to go to work, but I'll look at your pictures later. Nice looking man, is that you? ;-)
I have to go to work, but I'll look at your pictures later. Nice looking man, is that you? ;-)
That is me. Thank you.
Jul 21, 2012 16:49:12 #
Agree, more shadow = more definition. For me the two catchlights in the eye look odd !!
stableflame
stableflame
Jul 21, 2012 17:22:44 #
I agree with Captn.
One thing that might help is getting your main light closer but diffusing it with a $4.00 walmart shower curtain; it's opaque white and works great!
Then just reflect a slight amount of light back into the face using a white piece of cardboard or a piece of cardboard with tinfoil on it or a car sunshade also.
One thing that might help is getting your main light closer but diffusing it with a $4.00 walmart shower curtain; it's opaque white and works great!
Then just reflect a slight amount of light back into the face using a white piece of cardboard or a piece of cardboard with tinfoil on it or a car sunshade also.
Jul 22, 2012 00:44:25 #
stableflame wrote:
Agree, more shadow = more definition. For me the two catchlights in the eye look odd !!
stableflame
stableflame
I have not put the photos into editing yet. I made the JPG out of the RAW file and posted it essentially. I figured that the actual shots would give me more of the critique I needed to improve the camera shot. That is why there are 2-3 lights reflecting in my eyes. Shadow is what I need to practice with and getting the lights to right. I will be trying again very soon to see if I can do better. Thank you.
Jul 22, 2012 01:25:15 #
rpavich wrote:
I agree with Captn.
One thing that might help is getting your main light closer but diffusing it with a $4.00 walmart shower curtain; it's opaque white and works great!
Then just reflect a slight amount of light back into the face using a white piece of cardboard or a piece of cardboard with tinfoil on it or a car sunshade also.
One thing that might help is getting your main light closer but diffusing it with a $4.00 walmart shower curtain; it's opaque white and works great!
Then just reflect a slight amount of light back into the face using a white piece of cardboard or a piece of cardboard with tinfoil on it or a car sunshade also.
I have read about the shower curtain somewhere before... I got to do that. I do need reflectors too. Thank you for the help.
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