Low Key

[dave.turley]

Hi,
My first attempt at a low key portrait. I was wondering if it should darker in the face or is it about right? Does the 50mm f1.8 lens work for this type of shot, and if so, have I hit the right point in terms of focus. This is about the 50th shot with my 1st DSLR so be gentle.....I know you always are....(except for Benjy, who rocks!)



Camera Nikon D5000
Exposure 0.001 sec (1/1250)
Aperture f/1.8
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 640
Exposure Bias 0 EV

[voltageek]

The light on the face seems about right to me but that depends on the look you're trying to go for. I have a 50mm f/1.8 as well and that's what I use all the time. And while you've got the eyes in focus, the wide open aperture means the lower part of his face out of focus. Maybe f/2.8 or something at little higher would have helped. That being said, I like it. I'm partial to low-key shots myself.

[dave.turley]

Thanks voltageek. I'm working on the DOF that this lens has. It has fantastic artistic capabilities, but with most things in this photography lark (looks at my early HDR's and shakes head) You tend to do things to extreme and then slowly rein it in a bit. Thanks for your comment. I think my lad is in about the same position with his Xbox plugged in like an iron lung! I might go and practice!
Dave

[tracyographer]

I LOVE the aperture in this photo. You look straight to the eyes. Its like looking into the soul. Nothing else needs to be in focus. Great job!

[Mike367]

I too, would like to see a little more depth of field. I think the exposure on the left side of his face (camera right) could be slightly darker, but I'd like to see a little more light on his right. His eye is almost lost in shadow, and his hair is one black mass with the background. I'd like to see a little separation.

[NickS]

The focus looks good to me, although, as others have said, you might have fared better with a slightly smaller aperture. You got the eyes razor sharp, and the little catchlights are fantastic. Lastly, a little more light on the left side could've helped, the hair and eye kind of fade into the background. But still a great portrait.

[dave.turley]

Hi
Thanks for your comments. I took the picture into Silver Efex Pro and lightened a couple of areas and increased contrast slightly. Just brought the other eye back a little and gave some form to the hair on our left.
Thanks
Dave

[Astro Visual]

I say stick with the first version Dave ... I think you nailed it myself. A tad more dof as mentioned may have strengthen it but maybe not. I think this 2nd version loses something in the lightening.

[dave.turley]

Hi,
Thanks Astro...I put these up sside by side and I really do prefer the first one. The object was to have it low key and I think the first is more what I'm looking for. Thanks for taking the time to look.
Dave

[PROFusioNZ]

hey dave,

agree with astro - your first shot works - the expression, the eyes, the lighting, all work together. No need to get everything lit.

For me, I would crop a bit on the right of the photo to move the eye out of the center.

Good lighting, what's the setup if you don't mind me asking?