First Self Portrait (just unpacked my new lights)

I'd appreciate some honest but realistic (I just unpacked my first set of studio strobes an hour ago) feedback on my first portrait and first self portrait. Now maybe you guys will find a whole plethora of issues but what jumps out at me is, aside from the fact that I do have oily skin, how do I reduce the shine on the right hand side of my face? Also pardon the model please

Straight out of the camera.

I really like the lighting.

I'm no expert but I'd say you did pretty well.

Over time you'll learn how to control the highlights but the shiny spots, as you call them, are specular highlights and actually should be there. You've controlled the highlights so there's no clipping and created some nice contrast between highlight and shadow.

Having a subject so that you don't have to do self portraits will help greatly so you can actually see how the face is being modeled.

Overall, for a first try you did very well.

I actually prefer the original shot to the one with the adjusted levels.

Work with the lights, move them around and experiment to see how the left,right, up and down position will affect the highlights, shadows and placement of the catchlights.

Think about composition as well. While there are no rules, per se, there are some rules of good portraiture that are great to know and apply especially at the beginning.

Having said that, you've got a bit too much negative space above your head. Based on the camera/lens orientation and composition that image would be better if cropped as an 8" x 10" but if you're going for an 8" x 12" (2:3) then you need to think more about the composition.

Thanks so much guys. I'm going to see if my wife will lend me 15 minutes this evening to model for me. That should help me understand what my options are as I can tweak the lights while she is sitting where I'm going to shoot. Man, I have plenty of shots where I'm not even quite all in the frame so self portraits aren't easy for sure.

Agree, original is better.

Can you guys elaborate? Is the edit too contrasty, over the top, etc?

Also, I didn't get my wife in the hot seat but I think I did as good or better (except this one is supposed to be in bed!)

Awww, what a cutie. Very nice shot.

I think you did a good job

Stick to it and participate in this forum, you will learn a lot of new tricks!!

nice shot

The exposure and lighting is good, but I don't really like the double catchlight look.... Just a personal thing. Are you shooting through an umbrella or softbox? How large? Maybe you could bring the light closer to give you a softer look.

I would try to wear a more color-neutral shirt. The orange is very bright and creates a color cast on the darker side of your face.

You actually have a nice even complexion. Oh, and if you want to reduce the shine, just borrow some powder from your wife...if you won't tell, we won't tell.

Much prettier than the first model!!! (LOL)

Just kidding - Way to go! Your daughter is adorable and her smile is infectious. As far as your new toys. I think you've got a GREAT start on the lighting and (depending if this is the look you sought) the ratio of main to fill and final exposure is well done. The only thing I might suggest is raising your main light a bit higher on the subject. The catchlights and shadows show the lights are relatively level in relation to each other. That look often works great on male subjects, but a female's facial features are often better complimented by a higher main light. (That's certainly no rule of thumb by any means, just a common lighting schema.)

In all, good work and better than my very first studio lighting shot if I recall correctly. Kudos!

The double catchlight is because its also catching the fill light behind the camera. Can I avoid that by messing with placement or should I just clone out the second catchlight?

Both lights are bounced off of white umbrellas (not shoot through) but I can shoot through them by removing the cover. Haven't tried that yet. They are 45" umbrellas.

Does moving the light closer make it softer? I would have thought it would make it harsher.

There is a main light and a fill light. For every light source there is a catch light.

Catch light shape, size, placement or their existence is a preference but for standard 2 light head shots and portraits there will be 2 catch lights and it's very much accepted and quite normal.

Some people like to Photoshop out catch lights but I'm not a big fan of it. I have this thing about "truth in lighting". If the second catch light is removed then the image doesn't tell the story about the lighting. Nothing wrong with that but you'll have to decide what you like.

imahawki wrote in post #8490536
The double catchlight is because its also catching the fill light behind the camera. Can I avoid that with placement or should I just clone out the second catchlight?

Both lights are bounced off of white umbrellas (not shoot through) but I can shoot through them by removing the cover. Haven't tried that yet. They are 45" umbrellas.

Does moving the light closer make it softer? I would have thought it would make it harsher.

Unless the catch light bothers you then I would leave it. No offense to the poster that made the comment about the second catch light but it is preference. I would stick to commenting on the lighting, creating highlights and controlling shadows. These days I think there is way too much emphasis placed on looking at catch lights. The catch light represents reflection from a light source. It's natural.