Studio Shots of Models

Can anyone give me any suggestions how to get the best photo results shooting fashion models inside small with the following set up.

1. Using 2 strobe light with flash unit built in.
2. Using large white backdrop.
3. Using great camera.
4. Using 17mm-40mm f/4 lens due to small room. I will shoot between
28mm-35mm.
5. Settings range from 125s @ f/13.
6. Subjects will stand about 7-9 feet from lens.
7. Light strobes are positions in this way. First light is diagonally left front of subject. Second right light is position at side of subject facing left. What is the best positioning of strobe lights in this scenario?

Can I shoot top notch images with the following set up or will I need a 3rd light source with a light meter? I am welcome to all suggestions as studio shooting is not my primary practice due to calibration time, set up and getting all the right pieces.

Keep models 4-6 feet from backdrop if possible to lessen shadows, your light setup could would, and probably will for what your going for, but a hairlight/background exposure light would probably help

I'm worried about that lens and the distortion. 35mm even on a full-frame camera might be too wide and not be very flattering.

Paiintalla 182, I tried some of your techniques and the results were great. The next time, I will consider shooting with a hairlight/background light to enhance the overall photo. Halliday, I changed lenses at the last minute and used the 24mm-70mm f/2.8 at about 50mm. Thank you all for your advice.

I think you will be closer to 35-50mm if the model is 7-9feet from the camera (for full body shots), especially using the camera listed in your sig.

I shoot between 5 and 11 feet when doing a model shoot and usually have my 28-70 mounted. I only switch to my 16-35 when I want some funky artistic flavor to the images. And then I am about 2-4 feet from model.

Knowing from experience, the most likely focal length for shooting is going to be around 50mm when going for half and full body shots. I can do a full body with my 85mm from about 15feet (almost out of studio room - actually I am out the room and in to the entryway, but you get the idea ).

My two lenses are the 28-70/2.8L and the 85mm/f1.2L (MkI) for the majority of my studio work. I tend to shoot at f5.6 with the 28-70 and f2.0 with the 85.

I use the 85mm for half body and head shots and the 28-70 for everything else.

Also, unless you have to for some reason, I would recommend opening up the aperture a bit to blur the background, you should be causing the focus to go to the model not the backdrop.

I keep the model 2-6 feet from the backdrop. I am aiming for the 4ft mark usually - it is where my lights are set for, but the model moves around in different poses so 2-6 foot works if I set my lights correctly.

And now for some questions,
- Do your lights have modifiers (such as umbrellas, softboxes, etc.) or are they bare bulb?

- How much distance from backdrop do you have presuming 7ft from camera to model, how much from model to backdrop?

- How high is the ceiling?

- What color are the walls?
(If white or flat black, these are good - if colored more care must be taken).

- Do you have a Reflector(s)?

- What color is the floor, or is it a continuation of the white backdrop?

I or others can help you more with the questions answered.

Photoman65 wrote in post #5129756
Paiintalla 182, I tried some of your techniques and the results were great. The next time, I will consider shooting with a hairlight/background light to enhance the overall photo. Halliday, I changed lenses at the last minute and used the 24mm-70mm f/2.8 at about 50mm. Thank you all for your advice.

Looks like I was too late, sorry was working on PP of a shoot on Saturday. You answered while I was typing apparently

Hey Longwatcher,

Points are very valid. I will definitely consider them the next time I shoot any models inside a small studio. Here are the answers to your questions.

Questions:

- Do your lights have modifiers (such as umbrellas, softboxes, etc.) or are they bare bulb? Yes, I have umbrellas with adjustable lighting/bulbs.
- How much distance from backdrop do you have presuming 7ft from camera to model, how much from model to backdrop? Camera to model is about 5 feet while camera to backrop is about 8 feet.
- How high is the ceiling? Ceiling height is 8 feet and the ceiling is white.
- What color are the walls? Walls are white
(If white or flat black, these are good - if colored more care must be taken).
- Do you have a Reflector(s)? Had a reflector, but I forgot to use it!
- What color is the floor, or is it a continuation of the white backdrop? Used white backdrop. I shot just the head to the mid section of the body.

Just to let you know there is a "Cheat" you can do that sometimes works if you have a small room to shoot in with white walls.

Set up your main as normal for the aperture you want and then take your fill and blast it bare bulb off the back walls/ceiling. It can sometimes give you a more sun light feel to it. (note the words sometimes )

Sounds like you have less room then I thought from your first post.

The only advice I can give that would be valid, is try a few shots using the reflector behind the subject opposite the main (out of the shot of course ) as a back light. tends to work better with medium to dark backdrops though, but can sometimes work with white backdrops. Just remember that you can use the reflector as a second fill if properly placed.