First Studio Shoot. Would Love CC.

I posted the over in Critique Corner but didn't really get the feedback I was looking for. Thought I'd try here.

My set up included three alien bees. 2 B800's on the sides and one B400 for backlight. As stated, this was my first studio shoot. I would love to hear what you guys think. What could/should I have done differently?

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/q34C​P3

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/q2L6​2Z

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/q34y​F3

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/p68X​1Y

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/pKxb​2Y

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/p6bw​Hn

I don't do studio, so my opinion might be void. Lighting looked good on most. Her face does look a little shiny in some. The main thing standing out to me is most of the posing looks very forced and awkward. Was the model experienced? She looks quite uncomfortable in all but the last. The last one is the best in my opinion but the crease in her dress (at the stomach) is unflattering and you need to clone out that rogue few strands of hair above her left hand. They are distracting.

I will now open the floor for those who actually know what they're talking about.

Exposure looks good but I think the lights are too low . From the catch lights it looks like they are at eye or forehead level. Do a search for loop and/or butterfly lighting. Those are two good lighting styles to start with.

What modifiers are you using? As mentioned above there are contrasty hot spots.

These are awesome!

Thank you all for your input. Much more helpful over here! I will definitely try the butterfly technique next time. As for modifiers, I was using two small soft boxes.

MrJack787 wrote in post #17284065
Thank you all for your input. Much more helpful over here! I will definitely try the butterfly technique next time. As for modifiers, I was using two small soft boxes.

How small is small?

gonzogolf wrote in post #17284104
How small is small?

I don't remember off hand. Probably around 2'x2'.

MrJack787 wrote in post #17284126
I don't remember off hand. Probably around 2'x2'.

Your next move should be bigger modifiers and get them closer to the subject. That will help with the hotspots.

I think you should consider working on a one light set up. Your lighting in these don't look natural from the standpoint of direction of your key. One light setups for this subject matter can look really nice by bringging the light closer to axis.

This photog does some awesome work
https://farm8.staticfl​ickr.com …99831812_3547de​5a66_c.jpg

Blending fill and key can be more difficult than it would seem, at least to have it look good.

larger modifiers as stated above would look better with what you were try to achieve, but still need better direction of the lighting.

Thinking back on it, I did just throw the lights up without much thought as to there placement. This was also my first shoot with multiple lighting. I'll do my homework and studying for the next one.

As stated previously your lights are a little too low. Try raising them to about 45 degrees higher than your subject and bring them in a close as you can without getting them in the frame.

All of your shots are done with the same exact lighting setup so the only thing to critique from one shot to the next is the posing.

Unless there is a specific reason for the three quarter length shots try to come in for a tighter shot.

Have your model put some foundation makeup on that is flat with no sheen.

And lastly try a different lighting ratio so that the light doesn't look so flat. Your fill should be about 1-1/2 stops less than your main.