Kelsey

[trelaflip]

Its been a long, long time since I posted any of my work. I been playing with the flahes (strobist styles). 2 430ex shot into silver umbrellas on Kelsey's left and right.

[xxpinballxx]

Long time no see.....
I like the shot but seems to be a bit on the darker side towards the right to my eyes...but might be my screen. the body position seems a bit pressed or strained in the head and neck area....
do you have your own backdrops or are you just shooting against a wall?

[trelaflip]

Originally Posted by xxpinballxx

Long time no see.....
I like the shot but seems to be a bit on the darker side towards the right to my eyes...but might be my screen. the body position seems a bit pressed or strained in the head and neck area....
do you have your own backdrops or are you just shooting against a wall?

Your eyes are correct. I set the flash to the rigth side of the photo a tad down to get that side a bit darker. Just trying to mix it up.

I always have a hard time with poses and keeping a good eye for the lines in the body. Since this was her first time I didn't want to be super precise with her.

As for backdrop. None was used. This photo was just taken with some random wall at the university in the study area.

How about the color/tone of the photo? Think they look ok?

[xxpinballxx]

I think as far as that goes it looks great....the skin looks real natural I don't think it needs any adjustments there at all and Im assuming that the schools lighting is nothing but Flourescents so the two flashes used worked just fine.
I need to start reading up on flash over there at strobist.com i am always taking shots and hating the lighting.

[Taallyn]

You evened out the flashes nicely. Have you tried pulling her away from the wall/backdrop? You could then use one of your flashes or some other light to back light her to seperate her from the background and give her a little more glow.

I agree with the other poster. She looks like she is straining to hold her head up in that position. Maybe reverse her so her head is on the headrest.

[xxpinballxx]

Can you fill me in on the lens you used and settings...
I am trying to get a bit better at the portrait and fashion photography side of this
hobby and am not fairing well. I know a large problem is the lighting but would still like to know the other equipment set up.

[trelaflip]

Originally Posted by xxpinballxx

I think as far as that goes it looks great....the skin looks real natural I don't think it needs any adjustments there at all and Im assuming that the schools lighting is nothing but Flourescents so the two flashes used worked just fine.
I need to start reading up on flash over there at strobist.com i am always taking shots and hating the lighting.

Great! Thanks for the feedback. I been having monitor trouble so want to make sure all is good.

Originally Posted by Taallyn

You evened out the flashes nicely. Have you tried pulling her away from the wall/backdrop? You could then use one of your flashes or some other light to back light her to seperate her from the background and give her a little more glow.

I agree with the other poster. She looks like she is straining to hold her head up in that position. Maybe reverse her so her head is on the headrest.

Origionally I had her up against the wall but then moved the chair up to create some space. I was thinking the same thing you are and stick a flash behind her but my 3rd wireless receiver (ebay) took a crash and it needs some extensive crazy glue and duct tape.

Originally Posted by xxpinballxx

Can you fill me in on the lens you used and settings...
I am trying to get a bit better at the portrait and fashion photography side of this
hobby and am not fairing well. I know a large problem is the lighting but would still like to know the other equipment set up.

I was using the beast ( 70-200 f2.8L IS) lens.

Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 85 mm
ISO Speed: 100

With these settings I was relying on all light provided by my strobes and over power all the ambient.

Strobist is an awesome resource. Here are the links to 2 of my most fav articles that have helped me the most.

1. http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/09...shambient.html

2. http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/10...t-balance.html

[Nicole]

I hope it's not too late to add in my agreement that the colours / skin look good and very natural. I'm amazed that this was done in a uni study area, the setup looks really good. Your posts are really an inspiration to try out some flash stuff once I actually get some gear I do agree though that her neck looks really strained, but other than that, nicely done.

[RussHeath]

I've been reading a lot of the strobist articles myself lately, and I think you did a great job with the lighting. Skin tones are even, highlights are just right, and I never would have thought this was anywhere but a studio. Nice job!

[trelaflip]

Originally Posted by Nicole

I hope it's not too late to add in my agreement that the colours / skin look good and very natural. I'm amazed that this was done in a uni study area, the setup looks really good. Your posts are really an inspiration to try out some flash stuff once I actually get some gear I do agree though that her neck looks really strained, but other than that, nicely done.

Thanks a bunch. The university here is doing quite a bit of construction so they built all these new areas.

What kind of gear were you thinking about getting?