Rim/Backlight correct?

[abarickman]

Hey all,

I know this is not the most interesting picture but I am new to using a rim/hairlight and want to know if this looks correct in strength and position? I am thinking it should have been a little higher? My desire in using that light is to provide more depth and shape.



Model: Canon EOS 40D
ISO: 100
Exposure: 1/200 sec
Aperture: 3.2
Focal Length: 52mm
Flash: 2x 430EX - Key light was a shoot through umbrella at 1/2 power. Rim light was at 1/32, gridded.


Thanks for any input.

[zona5101]

humm, "correct" is so limiting! I agree with you that it could be positioned higher and have the light hit the top of the hair. I think for a hairlight you don't want the spill you're getting on the shadow side cheek. For rim lighting, I think the spill is not an issue because it is doing the job of adding dimention and separation from the background.

[Benji]

Looks good to me. There are several rules about kicker lights, the most important is that they not cast a shadow of the ear across the cheek of the subject, nor should they overexpose the cheek or hair. I usually use them at the same power as the fill light or sometimes 1/3rd of a stop less than the fill light.

Benji

[jdepould]

You might experiment with raising the position or increasing the power, but I think you've got the idea.

[vjhoward]

OK, I am laughing because I am experimenting with the same thing. Overall, I like the lighting in the shot. To me, the hairlight looks a little strong and low. By strong, I mean that the light seems fairly prounounced -- like it was a flash vs. a natural fall of light. Could just be my personal opinion, but I tend to gravitate to a gentler light -- which is why I probably tend to underpower my lighting. ;-(