Attempting to improve lighting subjects

I am looking for feedback on the lighting only. Posing is another monster itself.

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I think you need to have lighting at 45 degree angle at either side.

Albertonman wrote in post #11020379
I think you need to have lighting at 45 degree angle at either side.

I strongly disagree with that. If you want a pleasant, flat-looking image, then go ahead and do that.

I think the lighting is pretty good the way you have it, it's nice and dramatic. You could have the key light a little more to the left, so that less of her face is in the shadow, but that could go either way.

The rim light coming from the left is very nice, it really helps to separate the subject from the background. The only thing you should really watch out for is losing dark hair against a dark background. If you have another light to play with, I would suggest putting a snoot or grid on it and aim it right at your subject's hair. If you don't just play around with moving the rim light a little higher to see if you can hit the hair too.

It looks to me like you know what you're doing with your lights, just go out and focus on the content of your images now.

Albertonman- Thanks for your suggestion. I am however attempting to get away from the "olan mills" look.
mltn- Thank you for your insight. Your suggestions will help me as I go forward. Thank you so much!

I like it, that is a nice shot! Your on the right track. Just keep shoot'in em.

yeah i think the lighting on it is very nice, gives it a dramatic look,
I love working with dark skin tones and lighting, they give such awesome results!

I agree with mltn about the dark hair disappearing into the background but otherwise I think the lighting's nice.