CC Help with lighting

[liam5100]

I've been playing with studio lighting, trying to get that "traditional" portrait look if you will. These are a couple of test shots I did with my daughter, who is getting VERY sick of being infront of the camera.

I'd appreciate any direction, ideas, suggestions on improving the lighting etc for this type of portrait.

Thanks.

[SwingBopper]

In #1 your light is too low. #2 looks good. Coax a smile next time.

[FlyingPhotog]

In #1 your light is too low. #2 looks good. Coax a smile next time.

And turn lead into Gold while your at it... :lol:

[SwingBopper]

And turn lead into Gold while your at it... :lol:

LOL...I hear that!

Ok then maybe powder her nose and face a bit to dampen the highlights a bit; then ask her to recite the first line of the Declaration of Independence. If she laughs at you then CLICK - if she starts "We the Pe..." CLICK.
Good Luck.

[liam5100]

And turn lead into Gold while your at it... :lol:


LOL, yeah no doubt. We werent working on poses or composition, just lighting. She's pretty tired of having dad tell her to sit there for me for a few minutes while I try something.

[liam5100]

In #1 your light is too low. #2 looks good. Coax a smile next time.

The main light on the right? What level would it be best at. Main was a 28", fill is a 52".

[FlyingPhotog]

LOL...I hear that!

Ok then maybe powder her nose and face a bit to dampen the highlights a bit; then ask her to recite the first line of the Declaration of Independence. If she laughs at you then CLICK - if she starts "We the Pe..." CLICK.
Good Luck.

Ooooh ... neat trick.

Gotta remember that one!

[SwingBopper]

The main light on the right? What level would it be best at. Main was a 28", fill is a 52".

Can't quote heights; but when you set up, just watch the highlights in her eyes and try to position your main (or her) so the highlight is close to 2 or 10 o'clock. You'll then see the nose shadow pointing down instead of up.

[midnitejam]

#2 rocks! Totally righteous! I am always partial to broad-light Rembrandt lighting.
My only issues would be the lighting ratio is a tat on the high side (too much exposure from the broad light on her cheek.

You have a good handle on lighting technique. Posing, not so much but still good.

You may want to remember not to display any white beneath the iris of the eyes. White area beneath the iris is indicative of mental depression as well as being unattractive.

[liam5100]

#2 rocks! Totally righteous! I am always partial to broad-light Rembrandt lighting.
My only issues would be the lighting ratio is a tat on the high side (too much exposure from the broad light on her cheek.

You have a good handle on lighting technique. Posing, not so much but still good.

You may want to remember not to display any white beneath the iris of the eyes. White area beneath the iris is indicative of mental depression as well as being unattractive.


See, tips like that are exactly what I want to know...thanks. And we werent "posing" it was a "sit there for a minute damn it, and let me play with this lighting.."