Elephant v3

[stockphotojourney]

I finally got one I like! I would love to hear everyones comments. My friend let me borrow his 70-200 f/4 USM L lens and I think it made a difference.



I also have one that I didn't WB which I think is kinda cool. Also you can check out the setup. All the pics are in this flickr group http://www.flickr.com/groups/606497@N20/

[Japaslavian]

You're getting some strange shapes and shadows on your backdrop.
What are you using as a backdrop? From your setup image on your Flickr it looks like poster board. I think I'm about to answer my own question, but if it is poster board, I think it is reflecting your laptop light (the square shape on the bottom) and the the line behind the elephant is being caused by the LED.
My advice would be to take your LED and hold it up high on the left as opposed to on the desk where you have it. That should rid the line on the bottom.
Though using the laptop was pretty creative I think, I don't think it gives off enough light in an already lit room.
If you have some spare time, I would try keeping your setup, but shoot in a completely dark room. The small amounts of light will make the lighting more dramatic on the elephant and there will be much less detail in your backdrop, which is a good thing.

[stockphotojourney]

Thanks Japaslavian.

It was shot in a almost completely dark room. The left LED was casting some harsh shadows. I tried to diffuse it a bit but it is a tiny little light I did notice the square but I am not sure it is from the laptop LED. I think it is spill from my mini snoot. I will try the LEFT LED at a higher angle. Thanks!

FYI the backdrop is a long piece of butcher paper

[jiminyClickit]

stockphotojourney,

Good room around the elephant, you got the eye and tusk (good move), and the side pose moves all into focus. You're on the right track. An old worn white cotton bedsheet is softer, nonreflective and gives a seamless b/g when draped.