Lighting Critique

[scootermcq]

Hey guys... I shot this portrait of a friend last night. How does the lighting feel to you. Is the shadow on the left side of the face too deep, or does it make it dramatic?

f6.7
1/30
ISO 800
46mm
One flash on stand with softbox 1/4 power
One flash on camera bracket 1/8 power

[oldwolf]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

Hey guys... I shot this portrait of a friend last night. How does the lighting feel to you. Is the shadow on the left side of the face too deep, or does it make it dramatic?

f6.7
1/30
ISO 800
46mm
One flash on stand with softbox 1/4 power
One flash on camera bracket 1/8 power

The shadows seem too deep. The shadows wouldn't be bad if it were a different background though, like a city scene where you've got the lights of the buildings and streets in the background. To me bridge/water scenes are softer and almost more romantic so it would look better with softer shadows. That's just my opinion though.

[kristenh]

i guess if she was making a dramatic face, the dramatic shadows would fit better. she seems so pleasant, with this soft little smile on her face, and it makes dramatic lighting seem out of place. for me, anyway. hadn't thought about what oldwolf said, but that makes a lot of sense to me, too

[LeeR]

I don't think its bad, We wouldn't accept it in the studio but this is an environmental shot and I think a bit of leeway is to be expected. On the other hand, and this may just be part of the process of shrinking the image for this forum, but the light side of her face looks a bit hot. You should be able to tone that down a bit in PP.