Light and Stands

[scootermcq]

I just picked up umbrellas and stands. I am still waiting on the triggers to use my speed lights, so I did these with constant lighting.

Please ignore the backdrop, it is just a sheet I threw up, and I know it is wrinkled etc. This was just a quick test to see placement etc.

What I am looking for feedback is on placement of the lights, shadows, the stuff that makes a portrait pop. This picture is untouched except for size.

Thanks,

D60
18-55 lens @ 45mm
F5.3
1/15 sec

[Benji]

Scott,

For a first timer this looks pretty good. Excellent 45 degree turn of her torso. Wonderful head tilt! Good separation of her hair from the balkground. Great expression, white balance and focus.

Next time. Ask her to relax her shoulders. Most people when under stress (like when being photographed ) will hunch up their shoulders a little bit. This makes them look heavier. Few (if any) people want to look heavier.

Light placement. It appears to me that you placed the fill light at camera right at about a 45 degree angle to her body. The fill light should be behind and above he camera and set at about 2 stops less than the main light. It appears the main light was properly positioned. The problem with the lighting in your image is that it is flat lighting and flat lighting makes the subject look heavier, and as I said above, few people want to look heavier (especially women.) If we can take off a few pounds by having them sit tall, lean a little bit, relax the shoulders and short light them they will show their appreciation by buying lots of photographs from us!!!

Benji

[scootermcq]

Benji...

Fantastic feedback, thank you very much....

You were pretty much spot on with your speculation on light placement, except the fill was at 90 degrees. I will definately try it higher and behind. Great tips on the posing that I will definately try.

Appreciate it.

Thanks,