Negative space child portrait

[abarickman]

I wanted to try a portrait that incorporates negative space. I am pretty new to using two flashes. Any comments about the lighting or more generally what you like and do not. Also does the negative space add or subtract from the image?

Lighting setup: Canon 430EX flagged from camera and pointed at a 45 to background (1/32th power). Second Canon 430EX with grid spot about 30 degrees from camera on right (1/16 power). 1/200th shutter to kill ambient.



Camera: Canon EOS 40D
Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture: f/3.2
Focal Length: 38 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV

[SandeeWig]

Hi AJ. What a CUTE little boy...and such a somber expression. I love when they get serious.

I like what you were going for and think the lighting is excellent. However, I wish he were looking the other direction though, maybe up a little and "out into the crowd", if you will. I think the negative space would work better in that composition than the present, only because, if you're paying attention to the subject, he's looking down and out of frame, which forces my eyes out as well.

[OkNewbie]

I really like the concept, but agree with what SandeeWig said about looking out of the frame. If he were looking up and out from the other direction, it would keep your eyes in the frame. I think the lighting is good. Also think that it would look great in B/W.

[abarickman]

Originally Posted by SandeeWig

Hi AJ. What a CUTE little boy...and such a somber expression. I love when they get serious.

I like what you were going for and think the lighting is excellent. However, I wish he were looking the other direction though, maybe up a little and "out into the crowd", if you will. I think the negative space would work better in that composition than the present, only because, if you're paying attention to the subject, he's looking down and out of frame, which forces my eyes out as well.

Originally Posted by OkNewbie

I really like the concept, but agree with what SandeeWig said about looking out of the frame. If he were looking up and out from the other direction, it would keep your eyes in the frame. I think the lighting is good. Also think that it would look great in B/W.

Thank you both for your comments. I am posting a B&W version and one that has him looking more up and out. Do think these work better?

[SandeeWig]

I REALLY like the black and white version of the first photo and think it really works best without all the negative space up top. Maybe if you cropped it a bit above his head with a landscape orientation.

I do prefer the second image with him looking out into the crowd. The negative space gives me a feeling of just how small he really must be up on that big stage. Your lighting is key in the way the curtains in the background emphasize the stage setting.

Okay, now I'm just nitpicking, but I think you could get away w/ slightly less negative space up top, just because he is taking up so little space at the bottom. Also, I find him a bit too centered...in that, given that he's pointing *over there*, I wish there were a bit more space *over there* for him to point into. (does that make sense?! ) Lastly, the shadow across his chest produced by his pointing arm bugs me a little bit...but I can get over it.

Excellent work with the two lights, btw.

[OkNewbie]

I like them both; however after seeing them, my choice is the first pic in B/W. The downward look and somber expression works very well for B/W! I also like the upward pic...his eyes are so big and blue.

[Niresangwa]

Firstly, I have to say AJ, I really love your stuff. I think it's the best port I've looked through from the posters here at DPS. I've wanted to say so a few times, but didnt have anything I wanted to contribute to the thread I'd seen you on though...

As far as this type of composition goes, I live and die by this type of shot and jarring quirky comps in my own stuff, so I can only commend the vision you're working on.

Where the subject is looking isnt terribly important to me. I simply like the shot where he was pointing as it gave the impression of a mighty political speech.

This shot just doesnt do it for me, and I can't put my finger on it precisely. It has something to do with the backdrop though. I feel like if the light on the backdrop didnt end so abruptly, it would be easy to swallow. I think its the fact that it goes from 'busy' to 'nothing' in no time flat. Maybe let it spill a little more.

As far as the lighting goes, I feel like its a bit harsh. If a stage spotlight was what you were shooting for you got it! Don't know what you can do to soften it based on your modification equipment however, maybe dial it down a little further.

For what it's worth, the black and white does more for me than the colour.

In short, I like the concept immensely, like the model and what you're trying for, but I feel like there's a far better shot to be had here.

[abarickman]

Originally Posted by SandeeWig

I REALLY like the black and white version of the first photo and think it really works best without all the negative space up top. Maybe if you cropped it a bit above his head with a landscape orientation.

I do prefer the second image with him looking out into the crowd. The negative space gives me a feeling of just how small he really must be up on that big stage. Your lighting is key in the way the curtains in the background emphasize the stage setting.

Okay, now I'm just nitpicking, but I think you could get away w/ slightly less negative space up top, just because he is taking up so little space at the bottom. Also, I find him a bit too centered...in that, given that he's pointing *over there*, I wish there were a bit more space *over there* for him to point into. (does that make sense?! ) Lastly, the shadow across his chest produced by his pointing arm bugs me a little bit...but I can get over it.

Excellent work with the two lights, btw.

I love that you get the sense that he is on a stage. He is actually standing in my family room which has a high ceiling and tall drapes. See this picture which is taken in almost the same spot with the drapes open. --> Vase on Flickr - Photo Sharing! I think the grid spot adds to that feel as well. I wish I could say I was trying to portray that but I was just trying to get some texture and interest out of the drapes.

BTW I tried a landscape orientation and it really lacked drama in my opinion.

Originally Posted by OkNewbie

I like them both; however after seeing them, my choice is the first pic in B/W. The downward look and somber expression works very well for B/W! I also like the upward pic...his eyes are so big and blue.

I do like the B&W but I love the color of the drapes. I think if he were in a black you could get the best of both worlds.

Thanks again for the comments.

[abarickman]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

Firstly, I have to say AJ, I really love your stuff. I think it's the best port I've looked through from the posters here at DPS. I've wanted to say so a few times, but didnt have anything I wanted to contribute to the thread I'd seen you on though...

As far as this type of composition goes, I live and die by this type of shot and jarring quirky comps in my own stuff, so I can only commend the vision you're working on.

Where the subject is looking isnt terribly important to me. I simply like the shot where he was pointing as it gave the impression of a mighty political speech.

This shot just doesnt do it for me, and I can't put my finger on it precisely. It has something to do with the backdrop though. I feel like if the light on the backdrop didnt end so abruptly, it would be easy to swallow. I think its the fact that it goes from 'busy' to 'nothing' in no time flat. Maybe let it spill a little more.

As far as the lighting goes, I feel like its a bit harsh. If a stage spotlight was what you were shooting for you got it! Don't know what you can do to soften it based on your modification equipment however, maybe dial it down a little further.

For what it's worth, the black and white does more for me than the colour.

In short, I like the concept immensely, like the model and what you're trying for, but I feel like there's a far better shot to be had here.

Thanks so much. I really do appreciate the kind words!

The grid spot does make for a very sharp light. In this shot I think it works pretty well because of the strong shadows on the backdrop. I could see turning it down a bit though. I don't have a softbox but I would have liked to have tried one too. The only other option I had was an umbrella but I don't have much distance to the drapes and I think I would have thrown a lot of light onto it and lost the dark shadows.

Thanks again.

[SandeeWig]

Originally Posted by abarickman

I love that you get the sense that he is on a stage. He is actually standing in my family room which has a high ceiling and tall drapes. See this picture which is taken in almost the same spot with the drapes open. --> Vase on Flickr - Photo Sharing! I think the grid spot adds to that feel as well. I wish I could say I was trying to portray that but I was just trying to get some texture and interest out of the drapes.

BTW I tried a landscape orientation and it really lacked drama in my opinion.

a) Yay me for feelin' the vibe that wasn't necessarily intended.
b) I'm absolutely, totally jealous of those BIG TALL WINDOWS!!!! Gorgeous!
c) I completely understand where you're coming from not loving the landscape orient. I thought it might be worth a shot based on what I saw as I was scrolling down.