First shots with new studio C&C please

[rodddy]

These are some of my first attempts with my new(1st) studio. Just a few of my favorite subjects. I'm specifically looking for critique on my lighting and exposure and any sugestions. Thanks!
1.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/3120746677_1b4af89359.jpg

2http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/3121571734_99f2234c35.jpg

3http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/3121572168_a60706cefb.jpg

4http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/3120745355_37d1173b2d.jpg

[Metalstrm]

I have absolutely no experience with portraiture, but I love the 4th photo! Nice backdrop, and the lighting is not too even. The shadows on the first look a tad weird.

[SwingBopper]

I agree #4 is the best. The others have too much flat lighting. You need to create shadows. And in #1 he seems to be floating in space, maybe put him on Earth by not blowing out the floor and BG so much.

[ashjamesgav]

I think in 1 he looks a little pinkish.

[mai_lin]

#2 has too much blue
all the rest have too much red

The light is very flat in all of them. White can be hard to work with - how did you have your lights set up? To get a bright background you really need seperate lights on it (preferably 2, one on each side of the background). Then you need a key light for the subject and a fill light on the opposite side (sometimes). The fill light needs to be less than the key light to create shadows. I typically use a reflector for fill but the studio I shoot in has white walls so sometimes I don't even need that.

Share your light set up and we can help some more.

Also - you'll be amazed at what post process can do to your pictures. On #2 for instance just increasing the contrast will probably blow out the background appropriately.



Jen D.

[rodddy]

Thanks for all the input. I used two umbrellas, one key and one as fill. I only have the two lights as of now. My latest set up I used an umbrella to blow out the white background and the other as key and a reflector as fill.(better results) I have a couple of lighting books and I'm experimenting as I learn more. Any C&C is always helpfull, thanks.

[Walczak Photo]

I know you were looking for comments on the lighting and such but I just have to say this...break out some toys and get those poor kids to smile!

As far as the lighting goes, I think the second and fourth shots are probably the best. In the first and third shots, to me it looks like you were trying to flood the whole set with light.....very flat lighting there. Maybe try easing up a bit.

Just my $.02 worth,
Jim