Self Shot

[prettymistake83]

I am new to photos of people and I am hoping I am doing ok! This is a photo of me taken in my studio with one light. I did do some editing to it but here it is. I just got my 50 mm lens and I have to manually focus it with this camera. So I am still learning and I am hoping to do some boudoir photos soon of a friend. I am just testing my skills with this light and such. Any help would be wonderful.





NIKON D3000
f-stop f/1.8
exposure time 1/160sec
iso speed 800
focal length 50mm
max aperture 1.6

[autofocus]

Is your light a constant power, or a flash? Whatever it is, you can use a reflector to help fill in the shadows. Depending on the room, window light can be very nice for boudoir photography...also with use of a reflector.

[Rentham]

I don't necessarily mind the shadows, but I'd probably move the light to a more frontal position to get away from split lighting. Something in the area of Rembrandt or loop lighting would work, I think.The light also looks a little hot on the face, particularly on the nose and cheek. Either reduce flash exposure or feather the light so it's point in front of your face instead of right at your face.

[EOBeav]

I think you've got the concept down, especially if you're just starting out. I'm guessing this is a steady light and not a flash. If you can, re-do these and experiment with what it looks like when you move that light around and it hits your face from different angles.

[prettymistake83]

Yes this is a steady light not a flash. I know it sounds crazy but I hate flash lighting. For some people its all they shoot with. I will have to try moving things around. Thanks for the help. I am looking for something to still give depth but also to be slightly sexy. Thanks.

[BigFuzzy]

This is by no means me trying to be mean or argumentative, but I'm willing to bet you "hate" flash because you don't know how to use it. It seems 95% of people I find that say it simply have no idea how to use flash properly.

I used to feel that way... calling myself a "natural light" photographer. What a joke, it's because I didn't know what I was doing. Seeing as you're starting off, I'd really suggest learning a bit more on how to use flash (properly) so that you can choose to not use it... not limit yourself because you simply have no option.

Some of the very best boudoir photography I've seen has skillful use of flash to highlight all those sexy curves and adds lots and lots of depth.

As for the image, as usual, I'm with Rentham, I actually like the shadows but would like them just a bit softer by ether feathering more or changing the angle.

This is a good first shot, keep posting.

[prettymistake83]

I will take all of this and find a way to use it to help me thank you. I was told it was my camera cause I had a cheap body that was why my photos were not as good as some other peoples. Can I ask why kind of flash you would recommend for a Nikon D3000. I dont think I would want to spend more then 100$ on a flash.

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by prettymistake83

I will take all of this and find a way to use it to help me thank you. I was told it was my camera cause I had a cheap body that was why my photos were not as good as some other peoples. Can I ask why kind of flash you would recommend for a Nikon D3000. I dont think I would want to spend more then 100$ on a flash.

Wrong...it's not the "cheap" camera, this camera is quite capable of taking great photos. It may not handle noise as well as it's more expensive counterparts, or have a great burst mode, but other than that it will take very good photos...and other than finding a used flash, you'll be hard put to find a decent flash for under $100. Sorry.

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by prettymistake83

I was told it was my camera cause I had a cheap body that was why my photos were not as good as some other peoples.

Yeah, as autofocus says, this is waaaay off the mark. Do your best to get away from the "better kit = better photos" mind set as soon as possible. Mostly because at this stage of your development you're going to be limited by your skill/knowledge/creativity (or lack thereof) more than your kit.

When you're a few years down the line, then you might reach a point where you need a better bit of kit to really push your photography to the next level. But as with 99% people on this board, it's us that limits how good our images are, not our kit.

[prettymistake83]

Thanks guys I do have tons of Ideas I know a lot of things have been done. I however enjoy my photography very much. I love my camera. I really thank you for all of the help. I have a shoot tomorrow that I am doing for a friend after I get done playing with the photos I will post them up here. I know that I need more work for better images and I plan on doing that. I have big goals for myself and I hope to reach them soon.