Ugh, a self portrait

[CBabcock]

I recently purchased a second speedlite to trigger remotely. I am trying some portraits. Unfortunately, I'm the only model so far. So look past me and concentrate on the lighting please. I'm looking for assistance with my lighting techniques.
The setup was a Canon 550ex, set to 1/8 power with a zoom of 50 mm used as a hairlight. The key light was a Canon 550ex camera left, slightly below, set to 1/4 power. Shot through an umbrella, and gelled.
EXIF data -
ISO - 200
Tv - 1/100
Av - f/9.0
Focal length - 50 mm
White balance - Flash

Any help is appreciated. Need help with light placement, intensity, and anything else lighting.



thanks.

[JFSanders]

The hair light is fine. The key light is low and too far away making the light somewhat flat. By moving the light up or the subject down either will work in this head and shoulder shot you will put the catch light in the 11 o'clock position which is the standard. By moving the light closer it will soften the shadow and give you some wrap and should create a nice smooth transition to dark shadow on your left cheek. This will add some masculinity to the portrait. Still a nice go though. Not far off the mark in my opinion.

jim

[CBabcock]

The hair light is fine. The key light is low and too far away making the light somewhat flat. By moving the light up or the subject down either will work in this head and shoulder shot you will put the catch light in the 11 o'clock position which is the standard. By moving the light closer it will soften the shadow and give you some wrap and should create a nice smooth transition to dark shadow on your left cheek. This will add some masculinity to the portrait. Still a nice go though. Not far off the mark in my opinion.

jim

Thanks Jim, I didn't know about the 11 0'clock position for the catch lights. I also thought moving the light closer would make the shadows harder. See what I know? lol. I was curious how to spread the light and get more of a wrap too. Now I understand. I'll put these tips to use and post again.

[JFSanders]

The general rule *(around the photography world, general rules can and should be broken when in pursuit of artistic expression) is that our mind sees catch lights as a sun reflection and therefore look more natural at the 11 or 2 o'clock position depending upon what side your key light is on.

jim

[CBabcock]

Rules, smules. LOL. Thanks again for the tip. Always looking for improvement. This tip isn't so much for artistic license, as much as following, ack, convention. I can't wait to get home and try again. This time I'll even shave and comb my hair.

[KongeTorsk]

This time I'll even shave and comb my hair.

When you do, bring that chin forward a little bit!

Someone here shared this tip and it did a world of good for me.

[CBabcock]

When you do, bring that chin forward a little bit!

Someone here shared this tip and it did a world of good for me.

LOL. I wasn't really posing, just testing the lights. Thanks for the tip though.