Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Classic "Short Lighting" throws the broad side of the face in shadow.
It's a lighting scenario which provides heavy contrast thus is ideal for low-key images.
Also useful when you need to create renderings with a lot of depth.
Used here as a variation of iconic Rembrandt Illumination

Illumination: Single 30x40 inch double baffled softbox very high (8 feet) on camera right.
btw, Rembrandt's studio only had a single light source, I very high ceiling skylight...
Seems he figured out how to make it work

Image Usage? For an Agency Model's portfolio...
Questions? Please ask...

Cheers!
.

Camera: Nikon D3X; Lens: 24-85 mm f/3.5-4.5 at 85mm; Manual exposure, 1/250 sec, f/8, ISO 100

(Download)

Murray Loc: New Westminster

TerryVS

I like the lighting and model but the white blotch on her bottom lip bugs me. I'm for sure not a portrait photographer but that really jumps out at me for what it's worth.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you for your wonderful positive support Murray...
And yes "Light Rules"

(Photo) is Light in Latin
(Graphia) is Writing in Latin

Light is everything!
There are very compelling reasons why doctors and lawyers are required to take Latin.
Enough said.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you for taking the time to review and comment TerryVS
It is greatly appreciated...

All the best on your Street Photography journey TerryVS

photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

Well done.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you so much for taking the time to review and comment photophile...
Truly appreciated especially coming from the bellwether of "Photo Contests, Challenges, Periodicals"

Your Herculean efforts on this web portal are so dearly loved by a multitude of UHH members!
Including me! Epic inspiration latent within in those wondrous threads...
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-25-1.html

All the best on your blessed journey photophile

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Wonderful image and lighting Thomas. Always appreciate the description of your lighting setup.
Stay safe.

Don

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you so much for your continued support Don...
Greatly appreciated! Always have to view your epic vintage sports cars on flickr
Reminds me of wonderful days gone by... So nice to see these machines restored to the prime!

All the best on your journey Don

sscnxy

Thank you posting and teaching us technique, Thomas. I've admired the many beautiful images you've shown, taken with a beauty dish front and high. Here's a wonderful sample of lighting from a different angle sculpting the facial contours, and I look forward to seeing even more variations from your extensive experience.

NY

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you so much for taking the time to review and reply...
And for your very nice words! They are greatly appreciated...

Yes a Beauty Dish is my fav... As a makeup artist Beauty Genre is my forte... Many of my bridal makeup assignments come from my portfolio, thus I endeavor to showcase the makeup artistry in what I believe is the best illumination scenario... If you thumb through VOGUE or simular you'll quickly see that the Lion's share of Makeup Ads are shot with "Butterfly" or "Paramount" lighting... a.k.a. a beauty dish.

However for model tests editorials are far more germane... I'm charged with the responsibility for portraying a model's persona, his/her ability to visualizing a narrative to underscore its meaning and translate concepts into compelling metaphors... Here more drama is called for... This the iconic Rembrandt Illumination.

I'll post more iconic Rembrandt as time permits... It's a joy to shoot... albeit the margin of error is razor thin... even the slightest turn of the head loses the pivotal cheekbone illuminated "triangle"... And this isn't a "spray & pray " deal... Studio strobes require a couple of seconds to recycle to full power (which typically needed to push light through a diffusion sock and grid)...

Butterfly comes for the nose shadow... lighting patterns are typically categorized by nose shadows...
The most common of all is "Loop" Lighting (the nose shadow forms a loop on the cheek). Look as any magzine stand and the lion's share of cover shots are on a While Background with Loop Lighting.

Thanks again NY
All the best on your photographic journey.

maggiemae Loc: North Carolina

I love this one Thomas! That red hair is gorgeous and I love the strength in her face. She looks like she isn't going to take anybody's bs! Well done as always. I finally got a soft box to play with. Haven't had a chance to do it yet but I am so looking forward to it. I have a friend who is expecting in February and she is going to let me do the newborn pictures (yay!). I will be practicing with it quite a bit to get ready for that.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...love the strength in her face..." What an intriguing analysis... you are so spot on here...
She is now practicing law in North Carolina... Lyndsey worked her way through a Washington DC university as an agency model. We meet through her agency... After graduating she traveled abroad and did graduate work in Italy before returning to the states.

Megan you'll absolutely love your soft box... likely the most useful of all modifiers... Bring it in tight for drama (rapid falloff) or back it off for soft velvety smooth skin/features. Newborns are a wonderful challenge... Just be certain that "Mom" is the creative director and is on set for the entire session...

Below is one of my few efforts at "Newborn"... Photo VOGUE Italia liked it and published it on their web portal...
Mom here is a former NYC agency fashion model... She deserves all credit for making this session happen...
Always wanted to be published in VOGUE... lol

Looking forward to seeing your exciting Newborn efforts with the new Soft Box!
Cheers!
.

Large shoot through umbrella... High on camera left...

maggiemae Loc: North Carolina

That is a beautiful shot! It really shows the connection between mom and baby.

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

I didn't notice the white blotch till you mentioned it. Now I agree.
Thomas, here on the Hog you (in my opinion) are the master of photographing models and also master of lighting. I also know you oversee the makeup and hair and you do a brilliant job on every aspect of your photo shoots.
You use the word "journey" often in your communication with other UHH members. I respect your journey and comments on this vehicle of photography communication. Thanks for all your comments and advice to so many.