Model shoot---help with lighting

[rachelann]

hi, i am new to this blog and i did a photo shoot with my friend and was having trouble with the lighting....it was 5pm and was just wondering if that was the best time for a photo shoot and how the lighting looks on her face. thanks in advance for any feedback. rachel ann



nikon d40x
f/4.2
1/125 sec
iso 250

2nd photo

same except for iso 360

[peeperita]

good morning, rachelann....

i think you worked well with the available lighting.....you've managed to expose for her face instead of the whole scene wich made her face light beautifully....

i know that you've noticed that i removed the second image....the rules of portrait critique allow for only one at a time....

thanks

peeper

[Summationz]

Use a large reflector (aka Silver sunshade used for cars) to reflect the light back to the front of her face. This should improved the lighting by much.

[zona5101]

Welcome rachelann!
repeating what the previous commenters have noted.... you exposed it correctly for the face. The time of day was fine. In fact as we get closer to sunset that sunligh warms wonderfull. In this image, the lighting is flat, not teotwawki, but a little fill would add a some dimension . Beautiful model, hopefully you'll get more opportunities to work with her!

[Benji]

Originally Posted by Summationz

Use a large reflector (aka Silver sunshade used for cars) to reflect the light back to the front of her face. This should improved the lighting by much.

If there is one thing you DO NOT want to do is use a large silver reflector to bounce sunshine back into the subject's face. To prove this go outside on a bright sunny day and turn your back to the sun then raise the silver reflector up to where it is bouncing the light back into your eyes. You will discover REAL quick why it cannot be done.

Benji

[wannabephotographer]

A little flash fill would have worked nicely here.

[cherrygirl]

Originally Posted by Benji

If there is one thing you DO NOT want to do is use a large silver reflector to bounce sunshine back into the subject's face. To prove this go outside on a bright sunny day and turn your back to the sun then raise the silver reflector up to where it is bouncing the light back into your eyes. You will discover REAL quick why it cannot be done.

Benji

Agreed....do not use a silver reflector!

[sk66]

You *could* use a silver reflector, it's just harsh. I'd probably use a gold reflector for the warmth...either needs to be kept out of the eyes (quartering or profile).

You could use a simple bounce card (white posterboard) to add some fill and it's less harsh than either reflector. But I don't think this shot needs much fill, just enough to calm down the highlights.

[rachelann]

thanks for the advice and critiques....i am newer to photography so i will take all the help i can get!!

[Benji]

Originally Posted by sk66

You *could* use a silver reflector, it's just harsh. I'd probably use a gold reflector for the warmth...either needs to be kept out of the eyes (quartering or profile).

You could use a simple bounce card (white posterboard) to add some fill and it's less harsh than either reflector. But I don't think this shot needs much fill, just enough to calm down the highlights.

DO NOT use a silver, white or a gold reflector in bright sunshine. A gold reflector makes your subject's skin yellow AND all reflectors will cause squinting. If you keep the reflector out of the eyes why are you using one? If you need fill use a flash unit.

Benji