Shadows work or is she a raccoon?

[wannabephotographer]

I was trying to go for a mysterious darker look but not quite sure if it works.









Exposure: 1/200
Aperture: 7.1
Focal Length: 60 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Camera right

[Benji]

Definate raccoon eyes. Anytime the light coming from overhead is more powerful than any other light coming from one side you will have raccoon eyes. There are several ways to prevent raccoon eyes.

1. Block the over head light with a black light absorber. This works best when you have an assistant to hold the absorber.
2. Pose the subject where there is a natural light blocker like dense tree leaves overhead, or the roof of a porch (see the first image below.)
3. Add light to one side of the subject to cancel out the raccoon eyes. (See the bride below.)

Benji

[wannabephotographer]

Thanks, Benji. I do want the shadows on her right side. The off camera flash is from her right. Should I use a flash from her left side as well?

[Benji]

Originally Posted by wannabephotographer

Thanks, Benji. I do want the shadows on her right side. The off camera flash is from her right. Should I use a flash from her left side as well?

In the above image the flash should come from camera left (her right) and it should be one to two stops more powerful than the overhead (available) light. (I assume the light coming from overhead in this image is available light from the sky?)

When photographing women who part their hair on one side the flash MUST come from that same side, otherwise you will have heavy shadows under the hair (as you have here.) Now had the flash been about one or two stops more powerful and coming from camera left those heavy shadows under her hair (and around her eyes) would not be there. When aiming the off camera flash it should leave catchlights at the 11 or 1 o'clock position in the eyes, it should be softened with a softbox or umbrella and it should be feathered so it kisses her face rather than blasting her.

Benji

[wannabephotographer]

Originally Posted by Benji

In the above image the flash should come from camera left (her right) and it should be one to two stops more powerful than the overhead (available) light. (I assume the light coming from overhead in this image is available light from the sky?)

Benji

Yes, this was outdoors between two buildings on a very overcast day. So I'll pump up the flash more next time. Thanks for your help.