Off camera lighting practice

Hey guys, I usually use my speedlights for action photography, and have played with portraits very little. Here's one from last night, my buddy agreed to hang out while I lit him up
I think my rim light is a little harsh

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I'll agree with ya.... perhaps come a stop back down. But over all, looks good. It definitely has pop. What kind of light modifier were you using?

Are you using any modifiers to soften the light? Pose is odd, but as you said it was a buddy helping you out. Keep practicing.

yeah I'm shooting through an umbrella camera right and bare light behind him

So you really have two options then. Get something to diffuse the backlighting.... or bring the rations down.... or both..... I like the pop the image has.... just need to smooth out the light a bit. The funny thing is now that you mentioned where the lights are, I can see their effect in the water in the stream.

I do like the look though if you perfect it. It is almost like he is being rim lighted by a shaft of light through the tree canopy.

Definately a good mix between the background and your friend. Your accent light is 1/3-1/2 stop too bright and hits too much of his face although is does look good on shoulder shoulder & hat.

Overall you did very well with what you had, just minor tweaks!