1st try with off camera light

[dalmorloson]

I recently recieved my Cactus5 triggers and am trying off camera lighting for the first time. My wife is out with the kids so that leaves me or a teddy bear in the chair. I lost the coin flip. I would like critique on the lighting. I was going for the low key, semi dramatic or mysterious look. Any comments or suggestions welcome.



Canon EOS REBEL T2i
Exposure 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture f/2.2
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 100
Lens Type Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 MkII

[scootermcq]

Not a bad start. The transition from highlight to shadow seems a little to severe. You have almost clipped the shadows on the camera right of your face. I would suggest a reflector or foam core to bounce a little light back on to the face. It will still create shadow, but reduce the loss of detail.

I would also suggest raising the lights just a little. The catch light is in the 9:00 position, vs 10 or 11.

Last thing, and its not about lighting, but the aperture is really too small for a portrait. I would stop down the lens a wee bit more. The image is fairly soft and slightly out of focus.

[dalmorloson]

Thanks for the feedback. I did use a second white umbrella for a reflector, but I guess it wasn't enough. Good call too on the aperature, I locked on the chair rail before hitting the timed shutter. DOF was too shallow for that technique. Thanks again...learning every day.

[kevingeary]

I'd add that if you're having trouble getting fill in on the other side, just move the key light more toward 45 degrees and it will start to bring some light on the other side of the face. If you get the fall off right, it will provide a nice ratio.

If you're using two lights, I'd cross light it so you get some rim light from behind to separate you from the background...this picture is dying for some separation.

Consequently, you could snoot the second light and hit the background with it. That would also help provide some separation.

Keep experimenting.

[Indigo November]

I can't add much to what Scott has already said!
This is just my taste but I really dislike the pose. It's really the chair that bothers me. It is just a bit distracting.
I think it would look amazing in B&W too. Have you tried converting it? I think it would really add to the moody, dramatic look.

[dalmorloson]

I have two light set-ups but didn't really want light on the other side. I just wanted to reflect enough to get some detail, I guess the shot works better in my head than in practice. I think I have to either get more light on that side or almost none for effect. The chair was just something I grabbed from the kitchen table. I was really just experimenting with light and never gave much thought to the chair. I will take a look in B&W. Thank you all for your observations and help.