New Home Studio Lighting - First Pics

[Soliz387]

Just got in some studio lighting and back drops. Took a few shots of my stepson to get my lighting set up. I really like the look of the photos, but obviously since I've never shot portraits/studio, i need lots of work and a better understanding of lighting techniques. But I do like the challenge and seeing just what the light does to the subject even with subtle moves. Tell me what you think. Thanks

The set up was 3 light source, main light 45 degrees to the left about 7 feet up shining down pointed at the face (continuous light umbrella). Fill light 45 deg to the right about 4 feet high pointed at the chest (softbox umbrella). Very tiny back light to try to separate the background, but not a very good job at it. The subtle differences you see are me messing around with PS to try to get color tweaks in.

[Soliz387]

Black and white test.

[FLphotoguy]

Nice start. Just one tip. If you have room, try to move the subject away from the backdrop, or use pp to take out the wrinkles.

[Soliz387]

he was about 3 feet in front of the back drop. But I was thinking the same thing when reviewing the photos. Thanks for the feedback

[James D]

I have never done studio photography and have no equipment or lighting but have an interest in learning and one day having a studio. The first picture the backdrop is solid black and the picture and color looks good to me, the others the backdrop you can see the wrinkles. The second picture is too pale in color or underexposed in MHO. Just keep practicing and it will come, and I will watch to learn from this and other threads regarding studio photography.

[Brett]

Honestly, and don't take this wrong because I'm pretty new to off-camera lighting, but the light you've achieved is pretty flat. He's so evenly lit, that very little of his (admirable) definition is highlighted.

I was told by people I trust to start with one light, and build from there. Remember, our world is lit by a single natural light source: the sun. Because of this, our eyes are naturally inclined to find any image more appealing if it is lit by a single light source. Of course that light bounces, which is what is really attempted to be emulated in the studio. Many positive critiques of studio lighting say "it almost looks like natural light", because that is really the ideal.

Any time you consider bringing in extra lights, there has to be a very definite reason that the photographer feels he needs more than one. Separation from the background (with a hair light) is one of the more obvious.

[Soliz387]

Originally Posted by Brett

Honestly, and don't take this wrong because I'm pretty new to off-camera lighting, but the light you've achieved is pretty flat. He's so evenly lit, that very little of his (admirable) definition is highlighted.

I was told by people I trust to start with one light, and build from there. Remember, our world is lit by a single natural light source: the sun. Because of this, our eyes are naturally inclined to find any image more appealing if it is lit by a single light source. Of course that light bounces, which is what is really attempted to be emulated in the studio. Many positive critiques of studio lighting say "it almost looks like natural light", because that is really the ideal.

Any time you consider bringing in extra lights, there has to be a very definite reason that the photographer feels he needs more than one. Separation from the background (with a hair light) is one of the more obvious.

Hello Brett,

I completely agree with your comment about flat lighting. That's why i wanted to post and see if there was any idea how to reposition the light. While he is evenly lit, there is a lack of depth. I was so focused on taking out the shadows (based on online tutorials eliminating harsh shadows)I believe I lost depth. Thanks for your detailed explanation. I will experiment more separation from background in the future. This is actually quite cool

[Soliz387]

Originally Posted by James D

I have never done studio photography and have no equipment or lighting but have an interest in learning and one day having a studio. The first picture the backdrop is solid black and the picture and color looks good to me, the others the backdrop you can see the wrinkles. The second picture is too pale in color or underexposed in MHO. Just keep practicing and it will come, and I will watch to learn from this and other threads regarding studio photography.

The first pic is more out of the camera, the last two are my attempts at post processing/experimenting. Shooting raw is new to me but I find the flexibility to be well worth the effort. But as you can see, that added flexibility can run you outside acceptable retouching. Thanks again for the feedback!

[Brett]

Originally Posted by Soliz387

Hello Brett,

I completely agree with your comment about flat lighting. That's why i wanted to post and see if there was any idea how to reposition the light. While he is evenly lit, there is a lack of depth. I was so focused on taking out the shadows (based on online tutorials eliminating harsh shadows)I believe I lost depth. Thanks for your detailed explanation. I will experiment more separation from background in the future. This is actually quite cool

Thanks. I wrote that late at night, and re-reading it this morning I thought I may have been a little harsh (no pun intended ).

Rembrandt lighting got me off to what I think is a decent start, and it attempts to emulate natural light, so it appears attractive to the eye naturally.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rembrandt_lighting

If you're interested, the following YouTube link has great info, and if you click "More Info" on the right, she's got tons of really nice tutorials.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYEJR0lF8lk

[lukeap69]

This is a very informative thread regarding lighting diagrams with sample results

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...hting+diagrams

[Spidy]

The first one works for me, except for the funny undies! They really do not go with the "macho" muscle look. Nice start though, and I agree with the others about the background. It's an easy fix.

[Soliz387]

Originally Posted by Brett

Thanks. I wrote that late at night, and re-reading it this morning I thought I may have been a little harsh (no pun intended ).

Rembrandt lighting got me off to what I think is a decent start, and it attempts to emulate natural light, so it appears attractive to the eye naturally.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rembrandt_lighting

If you're interested, the following YouTube link has great info, and if you click "More Info" on the right, she's got tons of really nice tutorials.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYEJR0lF8lk

Thanks so much for the links Brett. Very interesting and informative.

[Soliz387]

Originally Posted by lukeap69

This is a very informative thread regarding lighting diagrams with sample results

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...hting+diagrams

Nice. . thanks for the info!

[Soliz387]

Originally Posted by Spidy

The first one works for me, except for the funny undies! They really do not go with the "macho" muscle look. Nice start though, and I agree with the others about the background. It's an easy fix.

lol. . yes I know, we werent' really going to do any formal shoot, just experimenting with lighting really. So he didnt' prep for anything other than helping old stepdad with the setup. I really just wanted feedback regarding how to position the lighting to get a 3d feel to the image. But thank you for the comments. They are appreciated.