My first Headshot attempt...

[abel]

I think I'm getting more comfortable shooting people now.

Here's my girlfriend Lisa shot with my new Ring-Of-Lights that I made this past weekend...

Canon 20D :: Canon EF 50mm f1.4 :: 1/100 s :: F 5.6 :: 50mm :: ISO 100 :: No Flash Fired

http://lifeatf8.com/temp/lisasoft.jpg

i left the color a bit flat since i really like how it worked out.. as for the lights, its made up of twelve 120w floodlights mounted in a complete circle and i shot through the middle of it... once its on, its like staring into the sun!

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/files/overall_205.jpg

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/files/close_602.jpg

lemme know what you think about the headshot photo... thanks!

[Rigrider]

I like the shot, and the concept (and effort) with the "ring o' lights" but I'm not sure I like the reflection it gives on the eyes. But, that's just a personal opinion.

L8r,

[Mercy299]

I too really like the photo, but not the ring of lights in her eyes. What would happen if you used something in front of the lights to soften the reflection in her eyes?

[GyRob]

i like the photo,and the effect but do you want that effect in every shot you do ,i would not think so but its a great ider and looks very well made hope you can as others say addapt it .
Rob.

[abel]

Ive heard mixed reviews about the catch lights, but i myself kinda like it... its something out of the norm so to speak... something u dont see in ever portrait photo

the equal lighting and the circular catchlights are the things that attract people to using a ring light... sure this isnt a true ring light by definition but its very similar and costs a whole lot less. hehe

catchlights can always be cloned out but im not sure if ill do it. i may try and see what it looks like if there were only say 2 catchlights in each eye etc...

[dashdot]

i dig the reflection!!! keep this technique! i did shots with Two TL-lights so there were strange lizard-like reflections in the eyes of a stylish-club-guy
GREAT!

[Andy_T]

Abel,

I really like the shot :D
Beautiful girl and great expression ... a little distanced, but very nice.

I also like the ring light effect ... at first I thought it was one of those little macro ring lights, but you have quite a setup there :wink:
Normally I'm not too fond of these, but I like the 'dot' design of these as opposed to a true ring.

Do you also have one where she's smiling a bit more?

Best regards,
Andy

[sugar_babygirli]

Looks great I really like the effect personally! Would you mind saying how you made this, and did you do any sort of PS work afterwards? It looks a bit like a diffuse glow was added, but it could just be the effect of the lights maybe?

I *really* am interested how you made this and how much it cost? :) Thanks!

[abel]

thanks a ton for the compliments... the shot was PS's a little. i added a soft effect to her overall face while leaving her eyes, mouth & hair sharp...

as far as the light is concerned. i think it ran about $140 U.S.

$60 for 12 lights
$40 for 12 surface mount sockets
$20 for the garmet rack to hang it from
$20 or so for the wood, wire, junction box, extension cord, switch & plate etc

the junction box, and switch etc hasnt been shown but its mounted on the back of the light so that i can flip it on and off as needed...

[sugar_babygirli]

Ah ok! Cool thanks so much! If I ever need help in the future to figure out how to make something like this, I'll pm you ok?

I don't mean to copy your idea, but take it as a compliment because I really like this effect! ;)

Oh, another favor to ask. :o Would it be a pain to see what the original image looked like before the PS work to see the exact effect this type of lighting gives? I understand if you don't wish to though. Thanks! :D

[kduncan80]

Cool shot and set up Abel. I really like the ingenuity behind it, and i think the effect on the eyes is pretty cool too. Love the way the light fills the fame also.


Finally moving to houston this week, cant wait to get settled and start taking photos again!!

[Johnny Thunder]

I REALLY like the effect in the eyes from the light, I cant help but stare deep into the eyes, really grabs your attention.

I can see how it wouldnt work for every shot though, may want to buy a cheap umbrella and cannabalize it to make a nice diffuser for the lighting.

-Johnny

[dorkn]

Here is a link on building a ring light like this.... http://www.noestudios.com/photo/ringlight/

[MattyB]

off topic: just a thought, image you couldn't see the photos, and you didn't know this was to do with photography? "I think I'm getting more comfortable shooting people now."

heh

[abel]

Here is a link on building a ring light like this.... http://www.noestudios.com/photo/ringlight/

thanks! thats the link i was looking for...

[Johnny Thunder]

off topic: just a thought, image you couldn't see the photos, and you didn't know this was to do with photography? "I think I'm getting more comfortable shooting people now."

heh

I was just talking to a friend about this. If you were to say "I'm looking for a good setup to shoot people"

If you said it in a photography place (forum, camera store, etc) It would be taken one way

If you said it in a Gun Shop, it would be taken a completly diffrent way

If you said it at a pawn shop, it could go either way...

Sorry to hijack the thread for a moment.

-Johnny

[sugar_babygirli]

Thanks for the link!