What’s Your Preference?

scootermcq · #1 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011, 02:33 AM

I wanted to mess around with some lighting that was not flattering. I have some head shots in mind, and I want to bring out every hard earned wrinkle and flaw. Obviously, this is not a beauty shoot. What do you feel about the lighting in this image with that in mind?

50mm
1/200
f/9
ISO 200
Lit from overhead with 600 w/s stobe, in bare silver reflector
Silver reflector on floor with 400 w/s strobe bouncing light up to fill in under neck etc.
400 w/s in softbox as backdrop

Doug Sundseth · #2 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011, 03:11 AM

I'd recommend using the even frontal light as a fill (down about 1 - 2 stops) and a hard-ish key raking across your face to reveal shape. It should pick up more of the "character".

(I have lots of character myself, so I'm allowed to say that.)

ttosifa · #3 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011, 03:26 AM

I'm ok with the lighting. Except for one bit I will mention below.

It appears, however, that the lighting (probably from the background) has bounced back onto your lens, creating a bit of washout. The contrast is less than it can be. To see what I mean, open this in PS, create a Levels layer (I'm not a fan of Levels, just trying to illustrate my point), click on the black dropper, then click on your black shirt. That's contrast! And I think it makes the pic look much better.

The only thing I don't like about the lighting is the bright spot under your Adam's apple. It is the highest contrast spot on your portrait, and so it competes with your eyes for attention. This could probably be darkened in post.

fais54 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011, 03:52 AM

Obviously I'm not an expert, but it looks reallly good to me. I think you could up the black levels a tad bit, but otherwise the lighting looks very nice. If I can think of one negative, there seems to be more white space on the left than on the right.

scootermcq · #5 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011, 08:18 AM

Thanks guys. Looking at it this morning, I have too much fill from below. I might try it again dialed down, or going with the front fill idea. I think a little bit of shadow under the eye brows and chin might be better.

High_Speed · #6 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011, 01:31 PM

Scott,

Again, I'm no pro, but personally I think you've got a promising shot here, and I actually like it.

I do agree it needs a tad bit more contrast in my opinion, so I did some light dodging/burning here and there and a slight contrast bump. I hope you don't mind. I think this may be what ttosifa was talking about as well?

What do you think?

edbayani · #7 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011, 01:52 PM

is this what you were looking for? maybe, too much...

High_Speed · #8 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edbayani

is this what you were looking for? maybe, too much...

Holy crap!

High_Speed · #9 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011, 02:30 PM

If you want to go THAT detailed, what about something like this? I hope Scott doesn't get mad for us playing...

scootermcq · #10 (**permalink**) 08-04-2011, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by High_Speed

Scott,

Again, I'm no pro, but personally I think you've got a promising shot here, and I actually like it.

I do agree it needs a tad bit more contrast in my opinion, so I did some light dodging/burning here and there and a slight contrast bump. I hope you don't mind. I think this may be what ttosifa was talking about as well?

What do you think?

I like that.... I still think I need to tone down my fill a bit, but an improvement for sure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by edbayani

is this what you were looking for? maybe, too much...

Aghhhh

Quote:

Originally Posted by High_Speed

If you want to go THAT detailed, what about something like this? I hope Scott doesn't get mad for us playing...