What am I doing wrong?!

[heathermarie]

Ok, third ever baby shoot, 2nd time ever using a white background(Something other than black), 2nd time attempting my off camera lighting kit, 2nd time ever processing RAW files... so what am I doing wrong? I shot these at f 5.0, iso 100, shutter 1/60, softbox to left and strobe with umbrella to the right, both set at 1/4th power, subject about 4 feet from background. I know the shadow on the right of the head is, well, generally we shouldn't have such a shadow on a young subject right? I got some really good shots, but it's a good thing I shot in RAW because everything was BLUE. C&C Please. I just can't figure out why after I adjust to what I think is good white balance, why the background is still blueish. I know the calibration is off on my monitor, I'm just waiting for the kit to come in the mail. Thanks a lot!

[heathermarie]

Another.. I'm just grabbin photos, I haven't gone through most of them yet

[heathermarie]

Ack screw this $90 Interfit 9x10 thin white backdrop, I need some good paper!

[chauncey]

You have CS3 and you shot in RAW and I assume that you opened them into ACR

You need to establish a workflow within ACR to adjust your images starting with setting your white balance and moving down, moving each slider as you see fit.

In the first one the WB and exposure are off.

[kirkt]

To get a "white" background you usually need to light the background - otherwise the exposure on the main, flashlit subject will make the white background appear gray. For example, you can have a key light, a fill light and a background light. The first two light the subject and the third illuminates the background so the exposure is consistent.

Even though you are not shooting with Speedlights, I found this link to be a good introduction to understanding how Canon cameras meter with multiple lights:

http://super.nova.org/DPR/

As far as WB goes, you can set it ahead of time if you would like to, but if you shoot RAW you can correct it in post with a reference shot. If your lighting does not change, you can batch correct all of the shots. A WB reference is helpful because if your monitor is not spot on, you can read the RGB (or L*a*b or whatever) numbers of the reference and go by that. Flash light can tend to be bluish.

The link above is also a nice reference for getting a handle on understanding lighting ratios. That may also be helpful as you develop your studio lighting. So, to answer your question, you aren't doing anything wrong, you're just learning like the rest of us. Have fun! That is one cute kid. I am no portrait photographer, but I'm sure there are others here that can offer crit on your light placement, etc.

Kirk

[Robert_Lay]

Here's my version of Greg -
Adjusted the mid tones a bit with "Levels", and then did a color balance to get the background to look gray.

Seems to give him a bit better skin tone and less of a washed out look.

[LeuceDeuce]

I also did an edit earlier. I know that your main goal was to get a white background, but failing that you still needed to control the blue cast in the image. At the fear of stepping on bob's toes (I respect his opinons very much) I don't think little greg is quite that yellow. Even if he's not quite this pink, it's a healthier colour :D

We both agree that the image is a bit high key, and went in the direction of bringing back some definition in the little guy.

Here's my go:

[chauncey]

My take. Playing in ACR and adjusting curves in CS3 until I got the correct RGB ratios.
.

[richardyoung]

The last one is getting better.. buy a whibal.. and just do it right.. it will help.. once you get it balanced.. then just add a bit of warmth to the picture

My take. Playing in ACR and adjusting curves in CS3 until I got the correct RGB ratios.
.

[Bill Boehme]

And ... this is my effort.

257828

I used several layers and masks with different levels of exposure for each.

[heathermarie]

Looks great you guys, any input on my shooting process, ie shutter speed, app, etc? Thanks so much :)

[Robert_Lay]

I also did an edit earlier. I know that your main goal was to get a white background, but failing that you still needed to control the blue cast in the image. At the fear of stepping on bob's toes (I respect his opinons very much) I don't think little greg is quite that yellow. Even if he's not quite this pink, it's a healthier colour :D

We both agree that the image is a bit high key, and went in the direction of bringing back some definition in the little guy.

Here's my go:
I like yours better. I too thought mine was too yellow, but I was in a hurry.

[unlimited6986]

Heres my go at it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v151/oethero/Cars/nnnbhgfff.jpg

[Robert_Lay]

Looks great you guys, any input on my shooting process, ie shutter speed, app, etc? Thanks so much :)

Your shutter speed of 1/60" would be the longest allowable shutter time for that lens and hand-held. It would have been safer to use a shorter shutter speed at the expense of either aperture or ISO setting. The ISO setting would be my choice for picking up the necessary speed change. Using ISO 200 would allow you to go with 1/125".

Whether one uses a tripod or not is a matter of personal preference. However, I would recommend using one just to give that extra margin of stability and sharpness as well as keeping the framing where you want it.

[kirkt]

If you use a tripod and a remote shutter release, you may also be able to step out from behind the camera a little to help interact with the model, if that becomes an issue.

Kirk

[doidinho]

And ... this is my effort.


I used several layers and masks with different levels of exposure for each.

Yes, we can see that.