CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Let's ignore for the moment that we could add a separation light for her hair against the dark background. This does come across as underexposed, but if shot raw would be very correctable.

This is really nice for a one-light portrait and I can easily accept the merging of her hair into the background as an artistic choice.

I think the light is well-positioned off to camera right, but maybe a bit too low. In a classic lighting style, that nose shadow would fall down very close (or even touching) the right corner of her mouth. It is called loop lighting or closed loop lighting respectively.

I want to know your light source. Umbrella? Shoot through umbrella? softbox? It is hard to make suggestions without knowing the DETAILS.

I would like to see exactly the same image shot with your light source really close to the subject. Close as in JUST outside the frame. That would make the light a bit softer.

toptrainer Loc: Wellington

ok, f/6.3 1/250s iso 100 28-135@100mm I used flash at camera right and a light behind her camera left.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Is the flash bare? into an umbrella? The camera left light is not doing a thing, so that needs to be turned up - or moved closer.

You are mixing a flash and a "light." Is the flash in manual or TTL? What brand is the flash? Where is this light aimed?

I'm sorry, the problem is you don't know enough to even know what information we need to help you. It is like pulling teeth. I asked for details. I need to know what modifiers you are using, how close is the light? Can you control the light output?

I know you cannot afford a meter, but that is what you need. Until then, you are flailing without the tools you need. It looks like your flash is way more powerful than this light you refer to. How you can balance those without a meter is by using one at a time and seeing what exposure you need to get a decent image.

If mixing continuous and flash you have a problem of the shutter and aperture affecting the continuous light, but ONLY aperture affecting the flash.

toptrainer Loc: Wellington

Ok, I know you needed more info but as photography, typing is not my strong point. I started with a black backdrop and my wife in a fairly large room in my house with high vaulted ceilings. I used a 16 inch umbrella black outside, silver inside. a 5500 lumes light bulb and placed it about a foot away from her head just above her and slightly to the back of her on camera left. The flash is a 4300ex ii shot through an umbrella placed about 2 feet away from her on camera right set at manual and 1/2 - 1/4 power. That was placed about face level. I told you the settings of the camera, and I think that is all you need to know. Thank you, and sorry for my lack of knowledge but, that is why this forum is here.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Lighting webinar August 17th.
Presented by ProPhoto a top-of-the-line lighting equipment company.
ProPhoto equipment is expensive (and really nice! Think Ferrari, Lambo...), but the basics are universal.

http://www.macgroupus.com/webinar/profoto/Profoto-Webinar-Invite-08172012.html

"In this webinar, we will cover everything from several lighting styles (including how and when to use each), to lighting ratios and how to set a proper exposure for each light. We will start with simple solutions then progress through complete lighting scenarios. You will see every aspect of working with a main light, fill and rim light. So join us for the most informative hour anywhere!"

Let others know if this link works for you or if you are locked out.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

No need to apologize for a lack of knowledge, but you are trying to do things sort of "out of schedule." I mean that most people would have more basic knowledge before trying studio lighting.

Having said that , let's see where we are.
Umbrellas are measured around the dome - not across the face. So if that really is a 16 inch umbrella, it is WAY too small. You should have a 42" at least. Remember this - write it down and tape it to your lightstand: The larger the light source IN RELATION TO THE SUBJECT, the softer the light. So a 42" umbrella right up close will give you wonderfully soft light. It still needs to be high enough to make the nose shadow fall down and away, but that should be your starting point.

I cannot address what to do with a 5500 lumens light. I don't even know what that means. If you used that in the image of your wife (beautiful lady, by the way), then your flash is way too bright for the hotlight as I cannot see any rim or separation at all.
I think mixing flash with continuous light at your level is counterproductive. Use all hotlights or all flash. I am not saying you cannot get good results - you can. An experienced photographer could use a studio strobe, speedlight, and a candle, but it would take few years experience to know how to place them!

If you set the flash to half or quarter power, how do you know what to set the hotlight to? Did I mention you need a light meter? :-)
I have to tell you I am not interested in "I cannot afford it." If you want to do this kind of work, then you need the appropriate gear. Period. Look on Ebay, Craigslist, etc. Or wait until you save up.
I agree with GoofyNewfie - watch that upcoming webinar by Profoto. Of course if you want to see gear that is expensive, check out the Profoto pricelist!

Wendy2 Loc: California

Did you use the extreme silver, soft silver or white PLM? Do you use the same PLM for low key?

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

That PLM belongs to a studio I rent occasionally and I am embarrassed to admit I have no idea. I just LOVE it!

I do not use it for low key. It certainly could be used, I just like smaller softboxes a bit easier to maneuver.

Wendy2 Loc: California

Does it have a 'silver lining' ;)

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

It has the diffusion material on it, but come to think of it, I believe it has the white.

Wendy2 Loc: California

Thanks again Captain C!

Shakey Loc: Traveling again to Norway and other places.

Thanks again, CaptainC. You are an inspiration to us all and we are so glad you are here.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

I purchased the 86" white PLM from Paul Buff with a black front spill kill fabric cover for about $70.
The basic 86" white PLM umbrella alone costs about $40 and yields such a softer-than-a-diffused-window controllable light.
They work beautifully with the Alien Bees and Einsteins.

Captain, unless you do not have the room, you deserve to have one of these!!
In appreciation for all the invaluable help you have so generously offered here on UHH, I'll even have one shipped to you.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Oh that is funny! The studio I use has one and I certainly cannot put it up in my basement.

Those things really are an amazing bargain.

Hey - tell you what - just send me the cash! :-)

toptrainer Loc: Wellington

Hey guys, I'm the poor, want to improve my photography..... I'll take it :-)