Help! Two Sisters: My Grandmother & Great Aunt

[SandeeWig]

Originally Posted by kencaleno

Here's my photoshop "tweak": Regards, Ken

Thanks, Ken! I like what you've done. Looks like you sharpened it up and enhanced the eyes a bit...anything else?

[RussHeath]

Sandee -- I'm glad you found the tutorials helpful! I keep meaning to write a part 7, but work just gets in the way too much these days . . .

A couple of things to add to the excellent tips from everyone above:

1) Your background light is focused on a black background. Unless you were going for a very dark grey background, it would make more sense to use a white backdrop (high key) or a grey one that you could lighten/darken depending on how much light hits it. If you like the black (I do), then try to keep light off of it. I suggest using that added lamp as a hairlight or "kicker" coming down from directly above your subjects and shielded on the front side so it doesn't flare into your lens.

2) Two things are really important when using continuous light sources: slow shutter speeds and distance from light to subject. The longer the shutter speed, the more light will get in from a continuous source (not the case with a strobe), so up to the point where it causes motion blur, longer shutter speeds are good. The distance from your light to your subject is also really key. I think the key to my results with continuous light sources is that I get them reeeeeealy close to my subject. So close that I often have to trim out the edges of my light source in PP, even on tight headshots. That gives me much more effective power, as the intensity of the light drops off rapidly as you get further from the source. Also, getting closer to the light source will make it appear larger to the subject, thus softening it's effect (I know that seems counter-intuitive at first but it's true).

You've got some great shots of two lovely ladies, and the best of luck in your future photoshoots!

[SandeeWig]

Originally Posted by RussHeath

Sandee -- ...
1) Your background light is focused on a black background. Unless you were going for a very dark grey background, it would make more sense to use a white backdrop (high key) or a grey one that you could lighten/darken depending on how much light hits it. If you like the black (I do), then try to keep light off of it. I suggest using that added lamp as a hairlight or "kicker" coming down from directly above your subjects and shielded on the front side so it doesn't flare into your lens.

2) Two things are really important when using continuous light sources: slow shutter speeds and distance from light to subject. The longer the shutter speed, the more light will get in from a continuous source (not the case with a strobe), so up to the point where it causes motion blur, longer shutter speeds are good. The distance from your light to your subject is also really key. I think the key to my results with continuous light sources is that I get them reeeeeealy close to my subject. So close that I often have to trim out the edges of my light source in PP, even on tight headshots. That gives me much more effective power, as the intensity of the light drops off rapidly as you get further from the source. Also, getting closer to the light source will make it appear larger to the subject, thus softening it's effect (I know that seems counter-intuitive at first but it's true).

You've got some great shots of two lovely ladies, and the best of luck in your future photoshoots!

Thank you so much, Russ, for the feedback and for checking out these shots. I will definitely use a hairlight next time I use the black background. Had no idea the bounce would create a green cast. bleh!

Regarding decreasing the proximity of the direct light to the subject, would you still use a diffuser panel? I'm actually thinking w/ the light I have now, I don't need it at all...but haven't had a chance to practice again yet.

Thanks again for your feedback and suggestions. Can't wait to get another model and practice some more!

[RussHeath]

You could try with and without the diffuser panel, but I think the light will be too harsh without it. Just get the panel in very very close to the subject(s) so that it's just out of frame.