Portable studio with "lollypop softboxes"

The end result was actually (IMHO) pretty good! Mind you, I am still learning and practicing the art.

Equipment used was:
Nikon D5300
Three Godox TT600 speedlights
Godox speedlight controller
Pop-Up backdrop
24" reflector
Three "lollypop softboxes"
Four budget stands
Variable Neutral Density filter
35mm F1.8 AF-S DX (Love this lens!)

The portrait is untouched JPG fright from the card.

Constructive criticism is welcome.

What focal length did you use? This sort of shot would be much more flattering to her if you used a longer lens.

For the first photo, the portrait, the 35mm f1.8 was used. Had I gone much longer, I would have had to knock a hole in the wall (My living room just did support putting the lights up and the backdrop in place! After that my back was to the television when I shot the portrait). But I agree, a little longer lens would have been nice, Im looking to get a 50mm f1.8 soon, which will give me 75mm effective focal length.


Here is a picture from tonight's photo shoot using the "lollypop softboxes", they were easy to move around QUICKLY and the light
was a million times better than DIRECT flash!

For a lady like your first subject you want to be at least at 85. Perspective distortion is a huge factor here especially when dealing with a more rounded face.

I realize that my thoughts may be contradicted by the feeling you want to create, and your vision, but the first photo is underexposed to me. I look at her eyes, and I want the whites to stand out more. There is very little catchlight, and the shadows around her nose and mouth seem to accentuate those creases. I might prefer this if you brought your main light (the one on camera right) around to the front a little more, and consider increasing the exposure overall. You are at iso 100, if you want to stay there, you can adjust the output from the flashes. Bumping the iso to 200 or so might be a simpler solution.

I feel much better about the second shot. It has a nice edgy feel that is very pleasing.

This is my contribution to lollypop softboxes

Those are great!

sfinkernagel wrote in post #18552920
Those are great!

Thanks, it was first test using these.

sfinkernagel wrote in post #18551708
I realize that my thoughts may be contradicted by the feeling you want to create, and your vision, but the first photo is underexposed to me. I look at her eyes, and I want the whites to stand out more. There is very little catchlight, and the shadows around her nose and mouth seem to accentuate those creases. I might prefer this if you brought your main light (the one on camera right) around to the front a little more, and consider increasing the exposure overall. You are at iso 100, if you want to stay there, you can adjust the output from the flashes. Bumping the iso to 200 or so might be a simpler solution.

I feel much better about the second shot. It has a nice edgy feel that is very pleasing.

Understood, but know that I had to move the key light more to the side in order to eliminate reflection in her glasses. Had she not been wearing glasses I would have preferred it more in front, and minimize that AMOUNT of shadows you see. When I did bring it in front and raise the flash, the light was looking no-good with accentuated butterfly shadow.

The portrait as I took it was the best I could do and keep the glasses on.

I am re-reading your reply and digesting it for what I can apply for next time.

Thank you for looking & commenting!

Andrew

gonzogolf wrote in post #18551549
For a lady like your first subject you want to be at least at 85. Perspective distortion is a huge factor here especially when dealing with a more rounded face.

For the distance I had to work with, very small and cramped, I couldt have used the 85mm effective focal length, I was running my 35mm (52mm effective) focal length and that was as far back as I could get.

HOWEVER, I do have my eye on a 50mm f1.8 (75mm effective) focal length lens to do future portraits with (if space allows).

Thank you for viewing & commenting!
Andrew

Just an FYI on reflections- 2 ideas. Broad lighting usually eliminates them, so you can turn her that way. As a last resort, you can ask your model to tilt the frames. If they lift the ear pieces so they are a little higher than the ears, the glass faces down enough that the reflection is gone. Depending on angles, hair, etc, it's usually un- noticeable.

ShutterKlick wrote in post #18553494
For the distance I had to work with, very small and cramped, I couldt have used the 85mm effective focal length, I was running my 35mm (52mm effective) focal length and that was as far back as I could get.

HOWEVER, I do have my eye on a 50mm f1.8 (75mm effective) focal length lens to do future portraits with (if space allows).

Thank you for viewing & commenting!
Andrew

If space allows is a poor excuse. You are spending time and money on tools and techniques that will be undermined because you pick a lens and working distance based on convenience. If you don't have room to make good photos then find another place to work rather than surrender quality to convenience.

gonzogolf wrote in post #18553810
If space allows is a poor excuse.

1) Ive got feelings too..
2) I have no alternative space


Andrew