Lighting Feedback

[Gary_Evans]

I normally only use my studio lights for university balls (proms for big kids) and high key family portraits, but have recently been playing around with different kinds of lighting. Both ladies are friends of mine and were prepared to wait while I tweaked settings and positions.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.ballphotographers.com/images/dana.jpg

http://www.ballphotographers.com/images/jess.jpg

[breathless]

What were you going for in these two pictures?

[Benji]

Image # 1. It needs a kicker light at camera right rear to illuminate her dark hair and dark jacket and break them loose from the dark background.

Image # 2. She rolled her front shoulder forward then slumped over. The main light was too low. The catchlights from the main light should be at the 11 or 1 o'clock position in the subject's eyes when the main light is postioned correctly.

Benji

[buurin]

The catchlights from the main light should be at the 11 or 1 o'clock position in the subject's eyes when the main light is postioned correctly.

Benji

I've heard this but never understood.. Why is this? How would it have improved this image (i.e. what is bad about the current light?)

[Benji]

I've heard this but never understood.. Why is this? How would it have improved this image (i.e. what is bad about the current light?)

The current position of the main light isn't "bad." A low main light will never flatter the subject as well as a properly positioned main light will. This is because a low main light lengthens the shadow on the opposite cheek making it appear fatter, and I have never met a woman that wants fatter cheeks. :) The name of the game when photographing women is the more beautiful, thinner and more alluring you can make her look the more $$$ she will spend!

Benji

[jonwee89]

The current position of the main light isn't "bad." A low main light will never flatter the subject as well as a properly positioned main light will. This is because a low main light lengthens the shadow on the opposite cheek making it appear fatter, and I have never met a woman that wants fatter cheeks. :) The name of the game when photographing women is the more beautiful, thinner and more alluring you can make her look the more $$$ she will spend!

Benji

That's the truth. There's really no right way to shoot a woman other than make her look as attractive as possible.