First attempt at "studio" with girlfriend.

I took this over the weekend. This was my first attempt at studio lighting, all of the other portraits I've done have been outdoors. The setup was far from ideal, I hung a white length of cloth for the background and used 3 500 watt el-cheapo halogen lights that I got from Wal Mart. Seing as I only spent about $40 for the setup, it's not too bad if I may say so myself....

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there not to bad at all and for that setup very good ,you have a nice even looking background too.
i would try putting the lights a little higher so the shadow near her nose is lower and try to sofen the light a little to make that shadow weaker. be carfull though those lights can get hot and melt things .
rOB.

Looks like you got pretty even lighting considering what you were using. Just another great example of the photographer making the shot and not the equipment.

That set-up looks good enough to convince me to go get one myself...

Steve

You might help out others on a budget if you post a picture of your set up, or at least the lights and stands you used.

Ok, will do. Unfortunately it will have to wait a day or two since I was in a rush and left the lights at her house.
For those of you familiar with Wal Mart, if you go to the hardware section with all the power tools you will see that they sell these ugly bright yellow 500 watt halogen "work lights". For 10 bucks you get a single 500 watt unit that sits on the ground. For 30 bucks you get a dual 500 watt light that sits on an adjustable tripod. It goes from a foot or so to about 6 feet, and though its not the most solid thing ever built, it's sturdy enough. You're right about them getting hot, but it wasn't terrible. I was able to use two pieces of tracing paper taped in front of the glass to soften the light, but your right, it could have been softer. Anyway, I used the dual 500 watt with tracing paper in front to light her, and I used the single 500 watt on the ground lighting the background.
I'll post some pix of the set up as soon as I can.
-Jeremy

Looks good, but the white border takes away and leaves people wondering where her left arm went in the first photo...this is how I started although myset up was 8 bucks with one walmart lamp...

Cheers,

She actually doesn't have a left arm....

Hehehe. Just kidding.
Good point, it's funny that I didn't even notice that. Well I guess I need to give it another go.

The white background will make for a easy cut and paste. I'm sure you know that. I am willing to bet you have many backgrounds available.... pretty woman...

Very nice work. You have some real talent. As mentioned, a softer light will help tremendously.

What are you looking to get here? Lighting setup or a girlfriend?

Well, I'm not all too picky...

Steve

new or used?

supraintendent wrote:
She actually doesn't have a left arm....

Hehehe. Just kidding.
Good point, it's funny that I didn't even notice that. Well I guess I need to give it another go.

Ha ha, that cracked me up big time.......nicely shot btw, I have those very lights at home, have to give them a shot.
Roger.