feeble attempt

[burntpixel]

My feeble attempt on studio lighting. Running out of time and had to at least make some kind of attempt. Alien bees are coming, just not before Madison. Enjoy, all CC are very much welcome.

[TMR Design]

Hi burntpixel,

I actually like the shot very much but I don't like the soft focus. Not sure if that was intentional but I would like to see it a bit sharper. I'm not sure what you were going for in terms of the lighting but I could use a little seperation between subject and background. I do like the mood of the shot though.

[burntpixel]

Hi burntpixel,

I actually like the shot very much but I don't like the soft focus. Not sure if that was intentional but I would like to see it a bit sharper. I'm not sure what you were going for in terms of the lighting but I could use a little seperation between subject and background. I do like the mood of the shot though.
Yeah, I agree about the soft focus not sure what happend there. May have happened in RAW process? Distance between subject and background = 8', that lighting set up is a collection of lamps through out the house. Not the greatest setup I know, just had to do something before baby arrives (which should be any day).

White balance was set to flash. The only flash that I have is the one integrated with the DRebel. I was using a piece of notebook paper to bounce it.

This was my very first studio shoot too. I knew nothing about shooting in a studio till I started reasearching how to build and light a studio a couple of weeks ago here on POTN.

Thanks for the CC we may give it another go if baby does not show in the next couple of days.

Regards,

[TMR Design]

When I said more seperation between subject and background I did not mean distance, but rather, seperation using lighting.

So right now you have no lighting? Try taking one of your desklamps or small lights and put it behind your subject pointing at the background. SInce they do not give off a lot of light you may have to use higher ISO's and perhaps have your subject hold still so you can use slightly longer shutter speeds.

[burntpixel]

When I said more seperation between subject and background I did not mean distance, but rather, seperation using lighting.

So right now you have no lighting? Try taking one of your desklamps or small lights and put it behind your subject pointing at the background. SInce they do not give off a lot of light you may have to use higher ISO's and perhaps have your subject hold still so you can use slightly longer shutter speeds.

1. No, no lighting
2. Please see picture #1
3. Tried with running the ISO up but did ot like the grainy outcome.
4. No way to sit still for that long, lighting very dim.

Here are a couple of more that are a little sharper. B/W conversion I think helps.

[TMR Design]

Hi burntpixel,

I like these 2 much more. I understand you are working with what you have while waiting for the Bee's to show up. I think it's a pretty good effort and I love the black and white. If you can't create that background lighting then perhaps you can try with a lighter or different color top so there is more contrast. Right now the black sweater gets lost in the background but I'm not sure you did not intend for that to be the case.
I'm not sure why but you are not getting sharp images. I would look into that to figure out why that is happenning.

[burntpixel]

Hi burntpixel,

Right now the black sweater gets lost in the background but I'm not sure you did not intend for that to be the case.
I'm not sure why but you are not getting sharp images. I would look into that to figure out why that is happenning.

The black sweater blending with background was what I was after.
? I can not figure it out why they are not crisp and sharp either

Thanks for the tips,

[hawk911]

poor focus possibly because there isn't enough light? Isn't it hard to get tack sharp focus when the camera has to search for the subject?

[TMR Design]

poor focus possibly because there isn't enough light? Isn't it hard to get tack sharp focus when the camera has to search for the subject?

Sure but there's always manual focus....and you can focus with another light on and then turn it off... of if you have Speedlite you can make use of the AF Assist beam and not have the flash fire or contribute to the exposure.

[burntpixel]

I used manual focus and as noted the only flash I have is the one integrated on the DRebel.

Begining to think Alien Bee's won't even help me ? ;o(

Your comments are helpful though. Try, Try again ;o)

[TMR Design]

Well the lighting and the focus are really seperate issues. Can we just see an image shot with good lighting or outdoors with natural light to make sure you are getting sharp images from your camera/lens?
Don't be discouraged. I'm sure we'll sort through this and you'll be taking great pictures of your new family addition.

[hawk911]

TMR- agreed, but with only camera-flash there no AF assist beam. OP wasn't clear at first if this was manual or AF.

Good suggestion about posting other outdoor or well-lit pictures to see if focus if always an issue, or just in certain situations.

[burntpixel]

hawk911, sorry about that. it was shot manual. at work pc right now but will upload image details when i get home.

robert, here is a link (http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=107535&page=20)to a couple of photos here on this forum that were shot using the same camera and lens.

thanks for all the help guys :D

[lhoney2]

Sure but there's always manual focus....and you can focus with another light on and then turn it off... of if you have Speedlite you can make use of the AF Assist beam and not have the flash fire or contribute to the exposure.

When I am taking long exposures in a dark setting of a still life or something, I use a flashlight to lock the auto-focus. Works good for me. Personally, I cant' see well enough through my viewfinder to achieve a sharp focus usually, especially in dim light.

What were your camera settings for this shot? Was the camera telling you it was a good exposure?

[photochick]

robert, here is a link (http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=107535&page=20)to a couple of photos here on this forum that were shot using the same camera and lens.

thanks for all the help guys :D

Looks to me like there are some focus issues on those shots as well (especially the one with the fence....the fence seems quite soft).....anyone else agree?

[TMR Design]

Yes I do. I don't feel like I am looking at sharp images that have lost something on the web. They look like they were not sharp in the first place. I would like to see something that is daylight, lots of light, auto focus.