A bit of studio practice.

creators · A bit of studio practice.

Had a half decent session in the studio tonight. With only two lights I couldn't light the white background and so am not happy with that. Also had the W/B on auto from an experiment earlier and so the first picture is warmed up a bit. The second picture was taken once I'd realized. I would certainly value some C&C.

This last one is from a session I had with my brother earlier in the day.

hil26

First one, might not have been able to light up the bcakground, but easily remedied by a man of your talents (photochopping), seen some great stuff done with the lighting effects in PS recently. - its a lovely portrait all the same.

Second one - reflector to side, shadows seem a bit too much to the left side of her face/neck

Third, its that good looking younger brother again - LOL - now that's a great mono portrait, love it

creators

Thanks Dave, I would very much like to get this studio stuff to where I am not having to do that much work on the pictures as taken, so am a little disappointed with the ones I've taken on the unlit white.

I used a reflector on the second image because I had taken the slave light behind to use as a backlight, and agree the shadows are too heavy. I think I am going to have to get that third light. The picture below is one that would have benefited from a back or top light because of the black background.

Fortunately, my bro loves being photographed, so a lot of practice is coming up. The only downside is that back lighting and top lighting do nothing for him, so I need a female victim too. Glad you liked the shot of him (the good looking younger b....rother) and thanks very much for your comments, much appreciated. Fresh eyes see so much more.

adam

good set of pics mate..nice one...
one question.....whats the story with the teddy?!?!?! he pops up in lots of your photos....!!!!!

creators

Thanks for your comment Adam.

The Teddy... I want to a bash t'other week where there was a raffle and after all the residences on the Riviera and Ferrari's had gone, my number came up and there was Ted. For the first time in my life I instantly bonded with my little fluffy mate, as does everyone who comes into contact with him. He's a right little chum and goes everywhere with me now.

Everyone say 'ahhhhhhhhh'.

Evolution104

I really like the picture of your brother! The texture and tones are marvelous, and I think the lighting is very good.

As for the others, I agree with everything you have said, so you already know what's up Smilie_PDT

The only other comment I might make is that everyone's clothing is very dark, and mostly disappears against the dark background or blends with each other. I'm not suggesting bright clothing, because that may detract from the portraits, but being so dark, arms and heads seem to be detached and floating. Either a lighter (or as you mentioned, lit) background, or somewhat lighter clothing may help - just my humble opinion Smilie_PDT

All in all, very nice Smilie_PDT

Venom

Yes would agree with what as been said, looks like you know what you need to do, but I'd also agree with Evo's comment of Dark clothing on Dark background.

But saying that like the poses natural and fun looking. Looks like everyone enjoyed it.

Oh and a big 'ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh' from me Very Happy

creators

Absolutely agree about the dark background, the only reason I wanted to use it was to try the back lighting, but they just had to keep on posing. I was also pretty fed up with the white background at that point. Thanks everyone for the really helpful comments, I am looking forward to the next time.

JenkiesLuv

I also agree with everything posted and thanks to your help from before I got my lighting perfect with 2 lights and a reflector. One light i put a snoot on and raise it really high just to the side of the BG then I focus the spotlight to the background and there was enough light splatter to light the top of the hair a little. One thing about portrait photography is it's not as easy as it looks but with all these helpful ideas we become better everyday. I love that mono, great job!

creators

sean

Great shots mate. Especially like the mono bruv' shot. Nice contrast and balance.

Someone mentioned about dark clothes/hair against a dark background. When I did my portrait course, my tutor said a snoot with a grid is the tool to use. Point it at the back of the subjects head and the outline is more defined. The grid will subdue the light somewhat so the final image won't be too stark.
The other method was 'Hollywood' lighting. A softbox raised above the subject at an angle - You can get some great moody shadows and detail.

The best way to bleach out a white background I have found is if you are using 2 studio lights, the one pointed at the subject should be weaker than the one pointed at the background i.e subject light is set to f8, and the background light is set to f11.

I'll pull out some more blurb on this and PM you with the blurb I've got.