Mostly lighting, first attempt...

[ElTigreBlanco]

Okay this is my first attempt at this type of lighting, I generally do not use flash at all. I set this up in my room(not much space) with a black sheet for background, white foam core reflector to camera right, and my on camera flash bounced off of the foam core. I literally had no room to crop this any differently so just note that when critiquing. As always I appreciate all constructive criticism so do not put a skirt on your replies
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[gonzogolf]

They look underexposed. Otherwise nice work given the constraints.

[John E]

Originally Posted by gonzogolf

They look underexposed. Otherwise nice work given the constraints.

Agreed. Also I would clone out the reflections from the stool he is sitting on. Like the pose.

[ElTigreBlanco]

I was on the fence about cloning the stool out so I just posted up now since I don't have any time to work on these yet With the underexposure, it was part of the look I was trying to get out of these. I am not sure how to get this look without underexposure as I could not move the bounce board any further out to create faster light fall-off(I believe that's how it works?) Maybe someone that does know how could give me an idea? Remember I only have one flash and it doesn't even swivel haha so it couldn't involve multiple lights...

[gonzogolf]

If you want to keep some areas in the shadows and but not overexpose you have to raise the contrast considerably. Most shots going for this look also convert to BW because you dont get the same effect with color being muddy because of underexposure.

[ElTigreBlanco]

Ok that's right along what I was thinking, I still want to keep the color so underexposed it stays...Thanks for the replies everybody, so far everyone has confirmed my thoughts which is good! Keep the comments coming!