Studio setting - Indian Saree

[prince]

Hello,
I want to improve on my studio lighting techniques. I feel the photo below is lacking some punch, some "WOW" factor and is not dramatic. How can I make it more interesting?

Key Light - Camera left, High at 45
Hair/Back Light - Camera right, behind the model (Please excuse if I used the terms incorrectly)

For some reason the image is not getting embedded. Here's the link http://flic.kr/p/az1JWv



Camera settings:
F8
70mm
ISO 200
1/250

[Doug Sundseth]

First, I like what you've captured quite a bit. You've convinced your model to give a very genuine expression, chosen a pose that works well, and lit the subject competently.

Now, for my definition of "more drama", I would change the position of the key light. Currently, the model is facing almost directly into the key. This has resulted in very flat light, which will reduce the impact of texture of both model and clothing in the photo. If you move the around further to the left (and it need not be much further), you'll gradually reveal more of the shapes of the subject.

One of Rick Sammon's favorite adages is, "Light Reveals, Shadows Define". Add more shadows.

[prince]

Doug, thanks for the encouraging words. I will try moving the lights further left. I agree with your definition of "more drama" It was hard for me to put in words, but you brought it out appropriately with Rick Sammon's adage

I was getting confused after watching lighting videos because there the photographer and the model would be in a straight line with light being at 45 degrees. I am probably having my key light a bit straighter than that.

[MattG]

The other thing you could try is to position the light coming over her shoulders from high on the right of the picture (providing a partial hair and rim light) with a silver reflector to provide some fill back in at 45 degrees to the camera left. The shadows and separation from the background may help create the drama you are after.

[prince]

That's interesting Matt. I will have to try that. I am not sure if separating from the background will make a big difference but again that's my imagination

[prince]

Any more feedback anyone? Anything that's not already mentioned?

[scootermcq]

I agree with Doug's feedback. What I would add, is that for me the blending of the hair into the background really makes it 2 dimensional. I would really want some separation somehow, whether that is through a BG light, rim/hair light or lighter background. She kinda disappears into it with the dark hair on dark BG

In this example, you can see the subject is away from the background because it is lit. It creates depth and a 3d appearance

[prince]

That one just brought the light bulb on in me . Thanks Scott. Do you mind explaining your lighting setup, mainly the number of lights and their positions?

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by prince

That one just brought the light bulb on in me . Thanks Scott. Do you mind explaining your lighting setup, mainly the number of lights and their positions?

This one had a main/key light camera left, fill light camera right behind camera, hairlight behind model in gridded softbox, snooted background light (opposite of this picture) camera right, low behind model feathered across BG.

[prince]

Thanks, once again, Scott. I want to learn to use one or two lights just for simplification purpose. I will try to get similar or close results with my setup of two lights.

When Doug said my lighting is competent, I was happy at first and then realized I want to get "excellent" and was going to ask him how. Scott kind of pointed me in that direction.

Thanks to both. Time to get to work I plan to use this technique on my self portraits