First Willing Model

[Wellhell67]

Ok, I got lucky to find an attractive willing model this past weekend. The hours available to shoot were not conducive to great outdoor lighting but I had to try out my new 5Omm.

This is one of the better shots, straight out of the camera. I like it but feel I could do better. Any suggestions on settings, crop, compostion or anything else would be very welcome.



Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel
Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/320)
Aperture: f/1.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 100

[Amira]

It looks like there is a slightly blown-out spot on her shoulder where some direct sunlight hits her hair. I would try to be careful of things like that in shooting in direct light. Putting her more in the shade would have worked to avoid that. I know the lighting is difficult (my last few shoots were all in really awkward light outdoors) but it looks like you made the best of it. =) Overall a cute shot and a beautiful model. =)

[Wellhell67]

Amira - Thank You for the comments. The light and shadows were VERY difficult. This is one of the few shots where some part of her face was not in shadow, or covered in hair as it was also windy.

[imagesbyjk]

Nice. As Amira said, looks like you did fairly well with poor light. Finding open shade and shoot at its edge is the best bet. If you have or can make a diffusion panel that works great in direct sun. Your crop is ok but I think it would be stronger filling the frame with her. The space over her head doesn't add to the shot. Think about using space like that to create visual tension.

[Loose_Canon]

Originally Posted by Wellhell67

Amira - Thank You for the comments. The light and shadows were VERY difficult. This is one of the few shots where some part of her face was not in shadow, or covered in hair as it was also windy.

On windy days I pose the subject facing the wind - looks awesome. And no fan required.

Placing her in deep shade and using a reflector to light her up would have solved the other problems. If you're working alone, clamp it to a tripod.

On this shot, try cloning out the stray windblown hair on her chin, and crop off the top a little. Overall, I really like it - a nice lovely shot. She should like it too.

[Wellhell67]

Originally Posted by imagesbyjk

Nice. As Amira said, looks like you did fairly well with poor light. Finding open shade and shoot at its edge is the best bet. If you have or can make a diffusion panel that works great in direct sun. Your crop is ok but I think it would be stronger filling the frame with her. The space over her head doesn't add to the shot. Think about using space like that to create visual tension.

Diffusion Panel you say... more homework! thanks for the advice

Originally Posted by Loose_Canon

On windy days I pose the subject facing the wind - looks awesome. And no fan required.

Placing her in deep shade and using a reflector to light her up would have solved the other problems. If you're working alone, clamp it to a tripod.

On this shot, try cloning out the stray windblown hair on her chin, and crop off the top a little. Overall, I really like it - a nice lovely shot. She should like it too.

Tried to face the wind but then the sun didnt work with me. Plus was using the available props (wooden swing w/ iron rods). A better time of day probably would have been helpful too. I have only just begun to acquire decent equipment. Spent all available resources on the new 50mm. Nothing but the on camera flash to work with right now. looking forward to working with off camera light! More good advice. I love this site...

[Loose_Canon]

[QUOTE=Wellhell67;226341 Nothing but the on camera flash to work with right now. looking forward to working with off camera light! More good advice. I love this site...[/QUOTE]

One cheap accessory would be a long sync cord for your strobe. Place it on a light stand or tripod off camera and shoot thru some gauze, or bounce it off of a reflector.

[Wellhell67]

Originally Posted by Loose_Canon

One cheap accessory would be a long sync cord for your strobe. Place it on a light stand or tripod off camera and shoot thru some gauze, or bounce it off of a reflector.

Sorry guess I wasn't clear. No strobe yet. Just the flip up flash the ol Rebel comes with.

[Loose_Canon]

Originally Posted by Wellhell67

Sorry guess I wasn't clear. No strobe yet. Just the flip up flash the ol Rebel comes with.

That's fine. I have seen accessories for in-camera flash - a little white diffuser that sits in front of the flash. May be helpful. But my first suggestion would be a set reflectors - silver, gold, diffusion - costs about $75 - folds up into a small carrying pouch you can attach to your bag. Soft reflected natural light is your friend.

[SJH Foto]

Very well done. I too think it is a beautiful model, and have no critique that wasn't already said.

I do like how you have a red tint most pronounced in the centre of her glasses!

So, this is your first willing model, eh? What did you do before, threaten people into posing? Hee hee!