My First Studio Portrait Ever (Page 3): NO!!!!!!!! The further the light is from the subject, the harsher the light is. Move the lights closer! If the lights cannot be dialed down, use...

sbohne

rdrechsler wrote:

I used two different lighting schemes. The first had a light box strobe to the front left and a backlight. In the second I used two lighgbox strobes on either side at a 45 degree angle. I might move the lights a little further away next time?

NO!!!!!!!! The further the light is from the subject, the harsher the light is. Move the lights closer! If the lights cannot be dialed down, use a lower ISO or put a white cloth over the front of the box or umbrella to cut down the power. I normally never do a single portrait at anything but f/4-f/5.6. Also, 45 degree set up is for making copies...not people. One light at camera position, one at a 45 degree angle is ok.

rdrechsler Loc: Channel Islands Harbor, CA

sbohne wrote:

NO!!!!!!!! The further the light is from the subject, the harsher the light is. Move the lights closer! If the lights cannot be dialed down, use a lower ISO or put a white cloth over the front of the box or umbrella to cut down the power. I normally never do a single portrait at anything but f/4-f/5.6. Also, 45 degree set up is for making copies...not people. One light at camera position, one at a 45 degree angle is ok.

Good to know. Thanks again.

rdrechsler Loc: Channel Islands Harbor, CA

I have now finished the entire series. To the extent possible, I have incorporated all of your input and comments. Four of them I consider "formal" portraits and the last bunch are some more that I Photoshopped just for fun

Thanks again everyone for taking the time to comment. Happy Holidays to you all and yours. Cheers, Dick

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willaim Loc: Sunny Southern California

he lighting seems to be a little a little harsh. Diffusing it would help. Don't really like the second photo as it looks like she is punching herself with her clinched fist and the hands look big. Otherwise, you did a pretty good job for the first time in portrait work.

rdrechsler Loc: Channel Islands Harbor, CA

willaim wrote:

he lighting seems to be a little a little harsh. Diffusing it would help. Don't really like the second photo as it looks like she is punching herself with her clinched fist and the hands look big. Otherwise, you did a pretty good job for the first time in portrait work.

Thanks, It's a steep learning curve to shoot portraits in the studio the first time. I'll need a lot more practice to perfect my techniques, but I appreciate the encouragement. Thank you....and happy holidays, Dick

SpyderJan Loc: New Smyrna Beach. FL

I agree with Nim. The first 2 look like they could have been improved with a soft box, or maybe some softening in post. I do really like the last shot. I think the model looks more natural in that pose.

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

#1 for me.