Weekend Portrait

[DennisL]

Hi all.
I shot a portrait for a woman on the weekend. This is one of them, and the rest are found here.
Let me know what you think, and how I may improve.
Thank you!

[FotoMike]

Not sure why, but it seems on the b&w ones her forehead is washed out. I liked the set, the shots seemed very informal and lively.

[clockdoc]

Nice work both here and with the ones on flickr. I am sure your subject was pleased. Was the onboard flash used here as the lighting is a bit flat with no modeling of facial features? Your subject has great eyes and these should be brought out in all your shots of her. Be careful of shooting from too low a position such that you are shooting "up her nose" as this tends to be unflattering and the low camera angle make the jaw more "square." That is OK for men but not for women. You lighting on some of your flickr shots is excellent!

[DennisL]

Thank you both for your comments...
The onboard flash wan't used. I had a softbox and umbrella. I tried to keep both at 45's. Maybe that's why the lighting is flat?
I'm still working out the lighting, it's new to me.

The shoot was quite informal. Shot at her house, in the living room. I tried to crop out, and stay clear of the clutter.

Thanks again for the C&C, it's well taken.

Dennis

[clockdoc]

Hi Dennis,
Thanks for your note on the lighting. From the catchlights in her eyes, it looked like there were two light sources but I wasn't sure if one was a window. The "45" lighting you spoke of is typically used by studio photographers who are shooting portraits for reproduction in a yearbook or church directory. It is a nice even lighting that reproduces well and there is certainly a place for it in general photography. With your model, you may want to start with just one light at the "45" position to the side and higher than the model. Analyze the shadows and fill in with light from there either using reflectors or a second light. When using a "fill light" it is usually placed close to the camera on the opposite side of the main light and slightly above the camera lens. Experiment with both direct lighting and that from the softbox or bounced into an umbrella. The study of lighting can be a lifelong experience. Enjoy the ride. 8-)

[DennisL]

Thanks Lee!
I know in some of these the softbox was pretty low, and in a few, just outside the frame. Some shots I had to get in very close to get a useable picture.
I'll keep in mind to keep the box higher from now on. I didn't have an assistant to make use of the reflector that day. I'm going to invest in a stand and clamps for it for this situation.
Thank you for your insight!

[clockdoc]

Hi Dennis,
I certainly don't have all the answers but I am happy to help in any way I can. 8-)