Lighting issues, shadows help

[bmayfield]

I see an issue with shadows with this shot. How distracting is it? Also, how is the exposure, white balance? Any advice? I am really trying to improve SOOC and rely less on PP.
Thanks

EXIF
PENTAX K10D
f 5.6
1/250 sec
ISO 100
48mm

[zona5101]

Welcome!
I think this is spot on. Maybe, (maybe not) a rim light on the rearward shoulder but it really is fine just the way it is. excellent work

[CheaperKings]

Ditto - looks great to me. Nice work!

[Benji]

The main light should be positioned so it enters the face from the same side of the face that the subject parts her hair. In the above image it is coming from the opposite side. When the main light comes from the opposite side, the far eye will have a large dark shadow in it like you have in this image. Now had the main light come from the other side the main light would get under her hair and remove the shadow. Some slight turning of her head would be needed also which would have given the image more dynamism. As it is her head is not turned or tilted.

Benji

[bmayfield]

Thanks so much Benji, these are the kinds of things I want to learn. It makes a lot of sense, I am just learning, but I know lighting can make or break a photo.

[Benji]

Originally Posted by bmayfield

Thanks so much Benji, these are the kinds of things I want to learn. It makes a lot of sense, I am just learning, but I know lighting can make or break a photo.

The very word photograph comes to us from two Greek words photo which means light and graph which means writing or drawing. So it is simple. A photograph with good lighting will most likely be a good photograph.

There are "artists" who boldly proclaim that there are no rules for good portraits. These same people are also known as starving artists. Their mothers are the only other people (other than themselves) that think their work is beautiful. For those of us who prefer to be well fed artists, we find out quickly what our clients like and use it. We also find out what our clients DON'T like and stop using it. This means that in between getting the images we know will sell we experiment with other shots in the hopes that we will dream up a new and interesting pose that the client will like.

This is a free tutorial I have written on the rules of good portraiture. The Rules Of Good Portraiture - PhotoCamel - Your Friendly Photo Forum You will need to register to see the images but it is free.

Benji

[CheaperKings]

I believe the Greek words you are looking for are "phos" and "graphê"...just thought I'd throw that in there.

[slc_shutterbug]

Well, to those of us who never intend to make a single dollar off of photography, there are no rules. Only guidelines. Starting points, if you will.