self portrait with my home-made softbox

[circa]

My first time using my softbox. I've only got one for now but plan to make another. I'll take any hints and tips that you guys can give. One thing I noticed was the hotspots (more noticable in colour pics), is there any way to get the same lighting I have here but reduce that hotspot? Is there any way to get rid of them in CS2 or something?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/140/389717602_6ca9f67cdf.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/141/389721106_3b189f56bb.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/389721107_e825f5d221.jpg

I'd love to hear what you guys have got to say, especially you studio and softbox heads out there.

[killerbab]

i like the first picture the best. :)

[nattydreadz]

cool....i like DIY projects. post pics of softbox.
to get rid of hot spots, use clone stamp tool. use a soft brush-> darken mode-->opacity 50% or so. Paint away hot spots

[elTwitcho]

Move the softbox further away to get rid of hot spots. This makes the light less soft, so it's a bit of a balancing act. If you mean the spot on the wall, stand further away from the wall

[BGrounds]

Nice shots, I like the first one myself. Any chance of seeing the setup?

[Reed Goodwin]

Yeah, good shots here. I'll second (or is it third) the request for the setup pics.
Reed

[KROHN27]

I know this is a stupid question...but how do you guys focus the lense when doing a self portrait? Or do you need a remote shutter?

[Reed Goodwin]

I usually put something where I'll be, let the camera focus on it, once it's locked, I switch to MF, move the object and shoot away. I also stop the lens down a little so I have some DOF to work with.
Reed

[circa]

In answer to focusing...Well, I have two lightstands. I was only using one of them for my flash in this and I had a helmet in my room (this was in my bedroom and just put it on top of my other light stand, put the stand+helmet where I'd be and focused on that.

here's a picture of the setup I was using. This is just to get the idea. When taking the pictures I had the light in my room off and of course the flash was going off.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/171/390774069_9f91f60637.jpg

oh, and picture of the softbox. looks pretty bad from the outside but it still works real good.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/157/388620353_d831412434.jpg

[Jim M]

The hot spot looks like it is actually a reflection of the flash on the somewhat glossy wall, although I certainly could be wrong. Even if that isn't the case, I would suggest moving back from the wall a bit.

About 20 years ago I made a soft box for a Vivitar 283, but it was much larger – the face was about 2.5 or 3 ft square. That way I could back it away from the subject and still soften the light. However,it took up quite a bit of real estate. I made it out of foam core, frosted mylar, some sticks, a few pieces of steel strap and some other hardware. I also rigged a clear light bulb in front of the flash to provide a modeling light. If you had something like that, you could see where the reflections would be. Yours would be a little small for a light bulb inside, though. My wife finally made me throw it out last month. It was pretty well trashed, I have to admit, and I hadn't used it in years.

[dcp]

Mmm, it might just be the wall, but it looks like you got some dust in the camera? Again.. may just be the wall.

[Kelsey-Lee]

Cute :D

Like the first pic best.

They seem a little underexposed/dark, but that just may be my screen.

[circa]

Mmm, it might just be the wall, but it looks like you got some dust in the camera? Again.. may just be the wall.

either way my sensor is filthy haha. I plan on getting a copper hill brush soon.

[stonefence]

Hey Circa! I would raise your light higher. I think you did a great job on the soft box! Sometimes you have to improvise! Heck my snoot is made of bristol board and duct tape! I have learned that feathering the light is much more attractive.

Oh and turn the light head to more of an angle towards ths middle of the room, not alot but it will do nicely.

[circa]

thanks!^