I see the light!!! I think I got it!

[serissolutions]

I think I have figured out how to make my lighting work.

Please critique the lighting on this portrait.

Am I there? Or at least getting there?

http://www.serissolutions.com/temp/lightTest.jpg

Attention mods: I posted this pic on another board but with a different question. I hope thats ok.

[tim]

The left side seems almost blown out to me. I'd try reducing the light on the left, and maybe increasing the light on the right a little. Not that i'm an expert, far from it.

[mbze430]

Lighting is very subjective. Even when it's "blown out" or too dark. It's all matter of taste. Some will like it, some will not. There isn't a way to satisfy everyone.

The real question is, when to use what type of lighting...that's whole new subject matter.

[serissolutions]

Better?

http://www.serissolutions.com/temp/Dishwasher.jpg

[Doug Rowan]

Your main light (from your left) is too many stops brighter than your fill light (in front). Ideally, the difference should be around 1.5-2.5 stops.

[jimsolt]

I think I have figured out how to make my lighting work.

Please critique the lighting on this portrait.

Am I there? Or at least getting there?

I hope you can see from your pictures and from what has now become mostly subjective criticism, that you are in fact getting there.

In your is that better shot, you have also changed the model's pose a little -- for the better.

Congratulations. Getting there is half the fun, right? :D

Jim

[mbze430]

You can call that half and half lighting. However "usually" you want the lit side that is closer to the camera. and the dark side away. This way you don't cast weird shadows.

If you are able to control the light, you might want to light up the opposite (darker eye).

Finally, have your model to "push out". Nothing worse than looking at someone slouching.

If you look at any decent models, they will never slouch...instead they are always pushing their chest out

[DocFrankenstein]

If you look at any decent models, they will never slouch...instead they are always pushing their chest out
Same goes for the bottocks usually

[Longwatcher]

second shot is very close,

For my taste I would move the fill light in about 4-6 inches (presuming same setup described in other threads) and I think it will be perfect lighting. Just need victi..I mean model to turn head to other side and give a hint of smile and that would be a very good portrait shot. Probably better then a lot I take.

Just my opinion and taste.

And then let us know where and how your lights are set up.

[blue_max]

First of all, I must say that it is a good job I am this side of the camera and not in front of it.

Now, the poor girl is not the most attractive thing in the world – at least how you have shot her. You have made her skin look "oily". In the first pose, it looks like her head it too large. In the second, she is more proportioned, but with the black, stark background and slightly tacky top, she looks like a failed glamour model.

All this would be minor if at least she smiled!!! I am convinced there is an attractive girl there and it is up to you as a photographer to be honest and strive to bring the best out of the model. Perhaps shoot her in the day against an open window where she can glow.

This is my opinion and I am sorry if it offends anyone, but it either of you wish to continue, it is better to hear it now. However, I may be completely wrong, so please believe me that I write this with grave reservations. I don't wish to be personal and it's much easier to criticise. I am far from a professional photographer and less competent and much uglier than all concerned.

Hope it motivates you to re-shoot.

Graham
(sorry if it was just the lighting you were concerned about )

:oops:

[iwatkins]

It is starting to look good.

However, two things:

1. Try and soften the light striking the model a little more, still a bit harsh.
2. Model has fairly oily skin (we all have oily skin, just different degrees), ask her to wear some foundation with a matt finish, it'll help a lot if you cannot soften the light much more.

Cheers

Ian

[mbze430]

I think you guys are touching the basis where a make-up artist is required. I truly believe make-up breaks or makes it for a model.

The subject at hand is more for lighting.

[mdm]

Is that your wife? How does she keep letting you snap shots? My wife now runs from me and the kids are starting to hide. I need new subjects.

[redbutt]

Personally, I think if you were going for that kinda "stark" effect, you got it. I agree though with a few others here though, that you should soften the main light a bit and pump up the fill light a stop or two. But, I like it.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I think your getting there!.. I like mbze's point about which side of the model should have the stronger lighting (relative to the angle towards camera. This could help a lot. I also agree that he contrast you have set is still alittle strong for most applications.. but it is a look that works as well for others.

By the way,.. many of us think your wife is a stunning natural beauty!

[serissolutions]

Now, the poor girl is not the most attractive thing in the world – at least how you have shot her.

(sorry if it was just the lighting you were concerned about )

Graham,
I respect your opinion about her not being the most attractive thing in the world, I just disagree with you.
My wife is a stay at home mom and was washing dishes when I came home and asked her to pose for me. So she was not prepared for a shoot. We all have our days.
This post was for help with lighting not with the model.

Here are some shots of her when she is prepared... BLAMO!
http://www.serissolutions.com/photos/images/Portraits/Seductive.jpg

http://www.serissolutions.com/photos/images/Portraits/Mystery.jpg

http://www.serissolutions.com/photos/priv/IMGP2294.jpg

[serissolutions]

I think you guys are touching the basis where a make-up artist is required. I truly believe make-up breaks or makes it for a model.

The subject at hand is more for lighting.

yes lighting is the topic here.

I am seeing alot of common advice from the folks who have repsonded.

I will do a new shoot, and for the sake of those who cant see past the model, I will make sure the model is prepared.

Thanx to all for your good advice.

-A

[toddb]

I think this one is much better. The lighting is not flat. I think your getting closer. I agree with trying to slightly lower the main and get that ratio a little tighter. Great model, I like real women...it's refreshing. Your a lucky guy.

[blue_max]

[QUOTE=serissolutions]Graham,
I respect your opinion about her not being the most attractive thing in the world, I just disagree with you.
My wife is a stay at home mom and was washing dishes when I came home and asked her to pose for me. So she was not prepared for a shoot. We all have our days.
This post was for help with lighting not with the model.


Apologies for any offence caused and thank you for posting those other shots. They do confirm that it was the way you shot her! I would still love to see her smile. The straight on black and white shot doesn't look like the same woman. You are lucky to have such a willing model to hand. Keep on shooting.

Graham