Photoshoot with Desiree - Harsh C&C Request

[Raginl3ull]

Hi all, I shot my daughter Desiree this weekend using my studio lights and off camera flash. This was my second time using my studio lights in the year I've owned them, and first time using off camera flash. I want to greatly improve my skills, therefore I prefer all C&C including harsh if necessary. Thanks for viewing! :D

1.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/3784641305_f6576e3a70_o.jpg

2.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3461/3785440954_7da34a8dae_o.jpg

3.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3490/3784631855_5b890f52b7_o.jpg

4.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3515/3784631675_27f0d2b919_o.jpg

5.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2582/3785440858_37ffea1821_o.jpg

6.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/3785440782_3978fcacb7_o.jpg

[thenaturephotographer]

I haven't done studio work, but the pictures look pretty good. A few ideas: In shot #1, I wouldn't of cropped off the top of her head; in shot #3 her left cheek looks a little overexposed. Just my 2 cents. John

[CosmoKid]

5 and 6 look a little dark. but my monitor is a bit dark to begin with and uncalibrated. did you use any fill on her face?

[jillybean]

#1 & 2 -both seem like the lighting is flat- no dimension at all
#3 the side light on her cheek is overexposed
#5 & 6 are too dark, you need some fill flash

[rox1e6]

The first 4 are really good for only your second time using your lights but I definately prefer her smiling, she has a great smile!
I really like #5 and IMO doesn't look that dark on my monitor, it suits the ambience of the photo I think. #6 looks like you've put a 'vintage' pp feel to it, tell Desiree to redo her nail polish before next time tho lol :)

[BigAlz1]

2 and 4 WOW great captures. Actually they are all great work. Good job.

[Benji]

I hope you own stock in a baseball bat factory as you are going to need a lot of them to keep the thousands of boys at bay. Wow she is beautiful.

Critique. The lighting is kinda flat in the first four and the last one. Number 5 is simply outstanding.

Benji

[Raginl3ull]

Thank you all so much for the honest critique and compliments on my daughter, I appreciate it so much! :D So it seems the consensus says that my lighting is a bit flat. Can someone please provide a suggestion on how to improve it? I understand there are several lighting configurations, but was hoping for a nudge in the right direction.

My setup was as follows:


- 300w at 1/4 power with huge softbox to subjects right at 45 degree angle

- 300w at 1/8 power bouncing off the wall to subjects left

- 150w at half power behind to subjects right facing towards backdrop


I assume flat means the lighting is too even through out the subjects face, is this correct?

[Benji]

So it seems the consensus says that my lighting is a bit flat. Can someone please provide a suggestion on how to improve it? I understand there are several lighting configurations, but was hoping for a nudge in the right direction.

My setup was as follows:


- 300w at 1/4 power with huge softbox to subjects right at 45 degree angle

- 300w at 1/8 power bouncing off the wall to subjects left

- 150w at half power behind to subjects right facing towards backdrop


I assume flat means the lighting is too even through out the subjects face, is this correct?

Yes. Flat lighting means there is the same amount of light on both sides of the subject's face. The cure is to put more power on the main light and move the fill light behind the camera. As you have it now the fill light pretty much cancels out the shadows cast by the main light.

Benji