.(2) Karsh Style Portraits

hey guys,

here are a couple Yousuf Karsh style portraits I shot today for class. These were done on a large format camera (4x5) with a Leaf back. Which works best in your opinion? Please note any distracting shadows that don't work with the high contrast lighting effect.

Thanks!

1.

These look great for the assignment Jake! The scarf is an excellent touch and the contrast is nice as well.

The second is great but the first is amazing. Nice hair light too

I'm going to go just the opposite. I like #2 - the lack of the surrounding enclosure of the sofa just sets it off nicely. #1 is great but #2 is really got it I think. Karsh is one of my favorites - what were the lights you used?

Jeff Allred wrote in post #5564882
These look great for the assignment Jake! The scarf is an excellent touch and the contrast is nice as well.

The second is great but the first is amazing. Nice hair light too

thanks jeff.

Titus213 wrote in post #5565232
I'm going to go just the opposite. I like #2 - the lack of the surrounding enclosure of the sofa just sets it off nicely. #1 is great but #2 is really got it I think. Karsh is one of my favorites - what were the lights you used?

Thanks for your input. I used tungsten hot lights for these (a requirement for the class). The model was my wife and she has enough patience to put up with me while baking!

Each shot had at least 3 lights, and I want to say the one on the couch used 4.

Very nice work. I also like the 2nd shot even though both are very good. Thanks for sharing.

The only neg is the kicker light is hitting her nose and is real hot (#1). My eye, because its so bright, goes there immediately.

HeatherSik wrote in post #5566909
Very nice work. I also like the 2nd shot even though both are very good. Thanks for sharing.

thank you

airfrogusmc wrote in post #5566919
The only neg is the kicker light is hitting her nose and is real hot (#1). My eye, because its so bright, goes there immediately.

it was hard to control spill, the only modifier available was barndoors which aren't the best either.. The equipment is getting dated so even the barndoors spill light from the bottom.

I'm leaning toward turning in the 2nd shot even though I like the pose & contrast (&hair light) of the 1st better.

airfrogusmc wrote in post #5566919
The only neg is the kicker light is hitting her nose and is real hot (#1). My eye, because its so bright, goes there immediately.

I immediately noticed this too, and can't get past it... I like the second shot better anyway for it's classic pose and fewer distractions.

airfrogusmc wrote in post #5566919
The only neg is the kicker light is hitting her nose and is real hot (#1). My eye, because its so bright, goes there immediately.

And the deep shadow on the nose just behind that hot spot adds to the issues IMO.

I do like the shots though. Great style and execution.

i really dig the style - #2 is my fav - real inspiring stuff

ok, seems like we'll stick with #2... that was my first instinct and we'll go with it!

thanks for all the feedback

i prefer #2 as well - the first time i looked at #1 i thought someone had a hand on her shoulder - it was the couch on closer inspection