Please critique my first studio portrait

Please let me know what you think about these portraits. I used the 2 calumet genesis 200 lights w/umbrella - one for main and one for fill. I used a speedlight for the background (which also triggered the genesis). No hair light. Background is my basement wall.

IMHO, I like the lighting. Did you gell the speedlite or is the wall purple? I don't see a light meter in your signature, so I'm guessing you eyeballed the Genesis 2? It seems (again IMHO) to be right.

dan

Thanks - yes, I do have a lightmeter. The Sekonic 308s. No gel - that's the color of the wall.

I think both shots can benefit from a little more fill (lost hair details on shadow side)

Place the BG spot at the shadow side also help separation.

When posing, have the subject lean slightly forward, that helps to have flatter jaw line, also easier to control the ratio between the face and the clothes.

Anyway, they are so much better than the on camera flash type of shots, keep it up.

Thanks Lotto. With adding more fill to improve hair shadow, I worry that it will eliminate the ratio.

Stefan

They both look cgood

Just sharing my thoughts based on nothing more scientific than my own tastes.

I would either strengthen or eliminate the fill. Again, my own tastes which can be quirky, but I prefer ratios that are a little closer or the drama of a one light shot. Deeper ratios are in a never-never land for me that I don't personally find appealing.

And if you can't strengthen the background lighting, I would turn it around instead and use it as your hair light. At least when working with a brunette who nearly disappears into the darkness.

Enjoy.

Thanks - yeah, I will give the hairlight idea a try.

Stefan

I liked the lighting.

I am currently reading Light, Science and Magic book and it is very well explained how to get light stronger at one side of the face than the other (like the pictures you posted). But is achieved through softbox on one side or atleast an umbrella.

I am just wondering if it can be done without softbox or umbrella as i do not have them. any suggestions would help.

^^

It could be done but the light will be very harsh if shot bare.

Definitely use a hair/rim light. I think it'll be better used than a background light.

what is the name of the book and author? Is it a good book or can someone suggest another lighting book. I want to get one.

Thanks

sgogula wrote in post #7112256
I liked the lighting.

I am currently reading Light, Science and Magic book and it is very well explained how to get light stronger at one side of the face than the other (like the pictures you posted). But is achieved through softbox on one side or atleast an umbrella.

I am just wondering if it can be done without softbox or umbrella as i do not have them. any suggestions would help.

Light Science & Magic by Fill Hunter.