Black on Black lighting - C&C

[ChristopherCoy]

Ok... now that I've found the correct place to ask for C&C, here we go.

I've been working on my studio lighting skills, and decided to try a black on black setting yesterday. I would really appreciate some C&C on this one, especially in the lighting area.

Setup:

-AB1600 w/ 3'x4' softbox on camera left, 45 degree angle, 1/2 power
-AB800 w/ 30"x60" softbox on camera right, 45 degree angle, 1/4 power
-AB400 w/ 20"x20" softbox camera left rear as a 'hair light', ~1/8 power
-AB400 w/ silver reflector for background, on a boom, ~1/8 power

Exif:

-Nikon D90
-Nikkor 18-70mm
-ISO100
-F/13
-1/160th

Processed:

-LR2 minor adjustments
-CS4 smart sharpening, background cleanup

[prabbit237]

I like the dog and the lighting (well, maybe try to lighten the shadows under the front legs just a touch if ya can) but hate the colored nails. It almost looks like a poor job of painting them in photoshop, especially the yellow and blue on the dog's front/right paw. I'd probably take it back into photoshop and just desaturate them a tad bit.

But I'm definitely no pro myself so I'm probably not the best one to criticize someone else's pics

[ChristopherCoy]

The nails have gotten more critiques than the lighting has. Alas, they aren't shopped. That's what the owner or groomed did, and how she showed up! I don't feel right desaturating something the owner likes.

[Kate Howells]

I really don't know enough about studio work to comment on your lighting set up, as I don't own a studio. This is what I feel when I look at the over all picture: The over all image is quite dark, and may benefit from being lightened fractionally. The dogs eyes are really nice and sharp, and the catchlights add life.
The painted toe nails were one of the first things I noticed, and I love them. It is evident that the owner takes care of the dog, and that it has recently been to the parlour. I would expect to find ribbons and bows after being groomed, so the painted nails are no surprise, and don't bother me at all. This is not a dog you pulled off the street.

The shadows from the front paws are a little distracting, and there is not a lot of definition as it is quite dark. I would also like to see more detail on the ears, they are quite dark in places.
I do like the placement of your subject, and it has been nicely seperated from the background.

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by Kate Howells

The over all image is quite dark, and may benefit from being lightened fractionally.... The shadows from the front paws are a little distracting, and there is not a lot of definition as it is quite dark.

Thanks Kate!

I tried adjusting the tone curve in the shadows a bit, and adjusting the exposure in post, however I wasn't happy with it. The black background goes a bit gray, and the color of the dog is affected to much.

Any suggestions for upping the exposure while shooting without loosing the nice, rich black background?

[zona5101]

interesting idea but for me there is too much area without any detail

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by zona5101

interesting idea but for me there is too much area without any detail

It's a seamless background - can you elaborate on your comment a little more? Are you referring to detail such as props etc?

[Jim Bryant]

Sweet shot. Go into photoshop to curves and pull back in the blacks just a tad. Otherwise, it's technically a great photo.

[Fozzy]

The only thing I would change is the shadows on the front legs where the hair is longer. Personal preference lighten the shadow so there is a more define shape were the legs stop and the shadow starts. Otherwise I think it's a great shot. Keep up the good work!!

[Kate Howells]

Hi Christopher - as I said before, I don't know much about studio photography as I don't own one, so my comments are purely based on personal opinion - use what you can

By looking at the image, it looks like you have used a light on the LHS which is set at considerably more power than the light placed on the RHS and is causing the shadows on the dogs paws and ears. The dogs left eye also looks like it is shadow.
Would it not help to up the power on the RH light, not quite to the point where it is of equal strength to the LH one as you don't want the lighting to look flat.
I see on Jim's edit, the muzzle is quite hot, I am assuming it is because the dogs fur is shiny. The left eye looks a little unnatural.
I am not sure how you would keep the BG black as you asked in your original question. I do think though that you do need some sort of lighter area in the BG to help seperate the dog form the BG, otherwise you will end up only seeing the eyes and those painted paws

I have a few good friends in the industry who have many years experience in studio work, and are very good togs, so I will pick their brains.

Keep up the good work!