I Think something is Missing

[Likaon]

Hello, I just tried to shoot a couple of portraits from a friend of mine, Set up I used was a "White" cloth hanging as a background a small Strobe (160W) to the back ground, and two more (same power each) with small shoot through umbrellas directed to my subject about 45º from camera on each side. but I think there was to much shadow (you can see the casted shadow in the model) any critics/advice on how should i do it correctly?

Thanks in advance




in case the code does not work, here is a link to the image.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2683/...7d72e3d083.jpg

[windrider86]

I tried to go to your Flickr page to check out the exif information but it didnt link. (thats ok) could you post it for us? Please and thank you

[Likaon]

Sure, and I apologize I forgot to set the privacy settings of for the picture ( my mistake)

Following is the full Exif information, editing in Photoshop includes Cropping, Fill light rendering, and literally erasing the background.


Camera: Nikon D90
Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture: f/14.0
Focal Length: 40 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash
Exposure Mode: Manual
White Balance: Auto

[Benji]

Lots to critique here. Lets start with the lighting. The correct way to light about 99% of all portraits is to put one light behind the camera (called the fill light because it fills the shadows) and another light (called the main light) off to one side. The fill should be about two stops less in power than the main light. Additional lights that should be used are the background light, a hair light and sometimes a kicker light or two is used also. By placing two lights at 45 degree angles from the subject you have effectively removed all possibility of obtaining portrait lighting because the two lights cancel each other out. An on camera flash will do just about the same thing with less equipment.

Pose. About 99% of all poses used in portraiture should have the subject's body at a 45 degree angle to the camera. Your subject is at 0 degrees. You were at the 6 o'clock position when you made this capture. I believe a 4 o'clock camera position would have been more flattering to her (but she would stay exactly as she is now, only you would move.) The bent leg is EXCELLENT but her hands should have been draped across her knees crossed at the wrists. See my image below to see what I believe you were trying to accomplish.

Benji

[Likaon]

WOW, thanks Benji, lots of things to learn, I'll do some shots following your advices, thanks again.