What’s Your Preference?

scootermcq · #1 (**permalink**) 02-13-2010, 01:43 PM

My triggers came in, so I finally got to try out the umbrellas with speedlights.

I have done a basic 2 light set up, and did a self portrait to see if I can get the hang of this. Does it look like I have the lights set up properly, and are they set with the right amount of intensity for this setting?

You can also feel free to critique anything else you want (except the model

) as this is a growing process for me.

Camera: Nikon D60
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 24 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: +1 EV
Flash: Off camera, 2 light

wannabephotographer · #2 (**permalink**) 02-13-2010, 02:07 PM

I find this a little dark.

scootermcq · #3 (**permalink**) 02-13-2010, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wannabephotographer

I find this a little dark.

As in lighten it in photoshop, up the exposure in the camera or increase the flash output? Right now the main light is bouncing off the umbrella with 1/8th power and the fill is shooting through with 1/8th power.

When I had them higher, it seemed to blow out my face, so that is why I have brought them down. The room is too small to move them much further back. Should I maybe try shoot through on the main and increase the output?

Thanks,

Benji · #4 (**permalink**) 02-13-2010, 02:43 PM

The image is at least two stops underexposed, and the fill light should not be positioned opposite the main light but instead it should be behind the camera up high enough that the photographers body doesn't obstruct it. The fill light does appear to be at about the right power. The main light however should be bumped up at least two stops. It appears to be positioned correctly.

Benji

scootermcq · #5 (**permalink**) 02-13-2010, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benji

The image is at least two stops underexposed, and the fill light should not be positioned opposite the main light but instead it should be behind the camera up high enough that the photographers body doesn't obstruct it. The fill light does appear to be at about the right power. The main light however should be bumped up at least two stops. It appears to be positioned correctly.

Benji

Benji... I was hoping you would jump in, Thanks,

I have moved the light as you suggested and added a reflector camera right. I think it is lighter now. I notice that from moving the light, I have two catch lights in the eyes. Is this acceptable, or am I still messing up?

LeeR · #6 (**permalink**) 02-13-2010, 04:19 PM

Looks like you are doing well for just getting started. I might back your secondary light just a bit more to get a hair more separation between your highlights and shadows. (Right now the lighting is just a touch flat.) Of course, the next light you will want will be a small light for the background. You will find that casting a light on the background will create a separation that will give the image a strong 3D effect. And, lastly, a hair light, which is your case seems like a waste, but might be of benefit to other subjcets.

LeeR · #7 (**permalink**) 02-13-2010, 04:29 PM

You hve the right idea but I would play around a bit with the distances of the two lights. To me the light looks a bit flat, which means that either your main light needs to be a bit closer or your secondary light needs to be a bit furter away. When you can you are going to want a third light for the background. You will be surprised at what a powerful effect is created when you can put separation between the subject and background. Also, and this is a moot point in your case, you may eventually want a hair light for your subjects who have hair.
I also cannot recommend high enough David Ziser's website for loads of inoformation on lighting. He is actually a wedding photographer but his site is full of information on lighting techniques and when to use certain kinds of lighting to create particular effects.

scootermcq · #8 (**permalink**) 02-13-2010, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeR

And, lastly, a hair light, which is your case seems like a waste, but might be of benefit to other subjects.

What are you suggesting?

Ok, kidding aside, thanks for the feedback.

scootermcq · #9 (**permalink**) 02-13-2010, 08:07 PM

OK, based on feedback and suggestions, I have come up with this. I put a reflector camera right and put my second flash on the back drop to create separation. I did try the hair light, but in the process of taking the picture, the resulting glare burned out the retinas in the dog's eyes, which caused him to knock over the lights and cameras. I think I will save that for some full haired brunette beauty.