Second portrait attempt

[keleko17]

This is the second attempt to use my newly purchased monolights. I have no clue about editing and post processing. Baby steps. I am sure these can look really great in the hands of a skilled Photoshop enthusiast.

My question is about the lighting set up, I tried to do simple, with the lights at 45 degree angles, and as low as they would go. To me the pictures look flat, without a real pop to them, do I need to dial down the lights to get some shadows? I don't have a light meter, again, baby steps.

#1 -
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/3874267547_341a56e0df.jpg

#2 -
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2454/3874267515_7fb4d1e183.jpg

#3 -
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/3874267383_0065dbb77f.jpg

#4 -
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2488/3875055290_c6d04d5675.jpg

[Rhinotherunt]

This is the second attempt to use my newly purchased monolights. I have no clue about editing and post processing. Baby steps. I am sure these can look really great in the hands of a skilled Photoshop enthusiast.

My question is about the lighting set up, I tried to do simple, with the lights at 45 degree angles, and as low as they would go. To me the pictures look flat, without a real pop to them, do I need to dial down the lights to get some shadows? I don't have a light meter, again, baby steps.

I highly recommend a light meter. Makes life easier. The trick is to have ratios with your lighting. Don't dial your lights at the same out put. One needs to be the main and one needs to be your fill.

[bobbyz]

Couple of quick things.

1. Use only 1 light. Make it come down from above like sunlight.

2. Move subject away from bg

3. Shoot with longer focal length at wider apertures.

[Fenster]

The lighting looks a little flat to me, overall.

[jenirose3]

#4 is the best of the bunch. Put a sheet of plexi beneath the rocker so the distracting wrinkles are gone and you've got a winner.