Did I balance the light ok?

poloman wrote in post #10920324
Regarding light ratios. 1:2 or the inverse would be the amount of light hitting the subject is twice as much from one light as from the other. It isn't as simple as setting one at half power because of distance and modifiers. You can get darn close with a tape and the law of inverse squares and the power levels. The reason I like to use ratios is that I have found certain ratios to work best in certain situations. Because the light meter can calculate them for me, I can quickly set up and get very close to the effect that I want.

Thanks for elaborating on that! I'll be sure to pick up a light meter here shortly then.

I know the Sekonic L-358 and above will do this. Don't know about others.

You can use Photoshop's healing brush to clone out the hot spots on the face.

OTHER WISE I THINK THEY ARE GREAT SHOTS, THEY POP OFF THE PAGE! GOOD JOB

sky looks blown to me, could just be my monitor but I find it distracting

I like your lighting balance. #2 looks light not enough DOF to get both folks in focus. And the glasses will always present a challeng. Overall, definitely going in the right direction with lighting.

dave