C&C please.... Trying to learn studio shooting....

So I'm trying to branch out in my photography a bit, but doing some studio work..... I finally managed to get a set of lights, and I've been playing around using my kids and nephews are subjects.... I'm looking for any comments or tips on how this look and if I'm starting to get the hang of studio lighting and such.... My gear is listed below and I have a set of continuous studio lights...

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

FIrst thing that jumps out at me, is there not very sharp for studio work. Normally shots in the studio will be very sharp. What was your shutter speed?
I assume these are straight from the camera? I think the second one is much better then the first. Still not as sharp as it should be and he needs a little more light up top.
Keep on going, you will make big advances in the next few days doing what your doing. Also, invest in a meter, it will make a world of difference.

Yeah, you may be better stopping down to f/4 here, or be a little more careful with your focus. Also the shadow side seems like it might benefit from a little fill, maybe just a reflector or something. Also in the first, it looks like his shirt is a little blown out.

Good first effort though.

Here's the info the first picture...

Exp Time: 1/60 seconds
ISO: 400
Shutter Speed: 1/60
Apt Value: F 5.60


And for the second:

Exp Time: 1/125 seconds
ISO: 100
Shutter Speed: 1/125 seconds
Apt Value: F 2.8

Thanks for the comments guys... I will try some of the suggestions out over the next few days...

Would umbrellas help as well?

It may be out of the question now...but you will be miles ahead with some strobes. You could then shoot at f8 1/200 ISO 100. The speed of the flash of the strobes would also freeze the action.
The first thing I noticed was the motion blur in the bubbles. It made sense when you said you where using continuous lights.

poloman wrote in post #6201071
It may be out of the question now...but you will be miles ahead with some strobes. You could then shoot at f8 1/200 ISO 100. The speed of the flash of the strobes would also freeze the action.
The first thing I noticed was the motion blur in the bubbles. It made sense when you said you where using continuous lights.

I am hoping to be able to pick up a set of strobes.... Someday...