New studio lights

[cbrown]

First time shooting in new studio with new lights. Shot these at ISO 100 125 at F8. I think this is right. I am using a 30D with a 28-135 IS. The lights are 2 Interfit EXD 200’s.
Main light has a shoot thru umbrella and the other has a soft box. Let me know what I am doing wrong so I can improve. Thanks for your help.

[cbrown]

Two more.

[Robert_Lay]

With the exception of #4, I would say that the pictures are too busy. There is just too much stuff that is unnecessary to include. The lighting in #1 is good, so far as I can tell. However, the little girl's face is so small in the picture, I am seeing pixels and posterization when I get to the to the level where I can see any facial detail (3X).

In #2 and #3 the subjects eyes are not on the camera. That can work in some portraits, but not here.

In #4 we have a nice background and very good composition but a rather dour expression.

Very nice pictures, and it is easy to see that a lot of work went into each one.

Keep up the good work!

[JustinLawrence]

I would suggest removing 90% of the "set" and try to stick with soft items for baby portraits, the tin metal vase especially. The satin type fabric is not working for me either, it looks cheap and its too shiny, it also looks like you have just unfolded it and it has not been ironed. Also if you must have the trees? in there consider moving them away from the backdrop a bit so that the shadow is not as harsh.

I love the boys expression in #2, its a good shot. I imagine this shot with uncluttered background, with the boy on the floor (maybe on a cushion or bean bag) next to the cart and rabbit, crop it in a bit tighter and viola, simple and effective.

Less is more..

keep up the good work and kudos for getting into home studio :)

[cbrown]

Thank you both for your good advice. I will keep working at it.
I love this forum. Thanks again.

[Trisha418]

hey cb, I have these lights, except mine are the 150's...my first thing, is to move the subject further from the background...second, I just wanted to link up and stay in touch with fellow photogs who have my same lights because I hate mine, because I dont know what im doing with them....I want to like them,..can you show me a snapshot of how you have your lights set up, what power you set them to, and what shutter speed your using..I too shoot a lot fo kids....