Portrait of a Musician - too dark low-key lighting?

[konrad]

Hi,

I had a small reunion with some friends in November 2009 and I figured out that one of them turned a musician. Without much thinking, I asked her to grab a guitar and I shot this picture (another one can be found on my website HERE.

It's a low-key lighting (actually very very low-key) and I realize that it's impossible to recognize the face. I also see a mistake - light reflecting off her ring. But I'm afraid that the picture has not enough light. I tried to make a combination of portrait and artistic photography. What do you think about lighting - is it too dark? Any other comments and constructive criticism are more than welcomed!

(I used SB-900 speedlight (NIKON) as a light source position to the left)

DSC_0083.jpg

EXIF:
Camera Model: NIKON D90
Exposure Time: 1/60 sec
F-Number: f/4.2
Exposure Program: Aperture Priority
ISO Speed Rating: 200
Focal Length (35mm Equiv): 45 mm

[auto-focus]

I like it Konrad..just the way it is. Love the mood it conveys

Cheers

Vince

[Benji]

Very few people like my critiques, but I continue to give them anyway.

Low key images can be very dramatic and dynamic, but just like any other photographic technique it must be done properly. The first problem in your image is underexposure. Contrary to what most people think low key images are NOT underexposed. Any time a significant and/or important part of the image has an "R" reading in Info in Photoshop of less than 32 that area is underexposed. Most of the dark areas in the above image (her blouse, her hair and the right side of the guitar) are at 7. To give you an idea of what a 32 looks like, the small area below the fret board, in front of her right hand just behind the highlight on the edge of the guitar measures 32. It is still dark, but not so dark that there is no detail. Our eyes skip over areas that have no detail because there is nothing to see. Why look at blackness. Now if the dark areas have some detail in them our eyes will investigate those dark areas and any time an image causes us to stop and investigate it it is more interesting. The cure? A fill light above and behind the camera at about three to four stops under the main light should put you in the ball park exposure wise.

Composition. I'm not sure why there is an area of nothingness at camera left and the fret board and her left arm are lopped off on the right side of the image. Had the camera been moved slightly to the right and backed off slightly the composition would make more sense and the missing fret board and arm would have added strength to the composition.

Benji

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by Benji

Very few people like my critiques, but I continue to give them anyway.
Benji

This is a very good critique. I actually look for and read your posts and responses. They are always informative and packed with experience.

[kencaleno]

shadow/highlight at default settings

[Jim Bryant]

Nice, but I'd crop off some of the wasted space on the left hand side. And maybe add some contrast. Maybe it's my laptop screen, but looks a bit muddy to me (too grey), not enough tonal range from whites to blacks.

[Daytonj6]

In my opinion try reversing the light situation.

Instead of a higher up light shooting down, try it shooting up towards the subject.
It will light her up, but keep in mind you still have the flexibility to keep this low key if thats the mood you are portraying.

Give it a try, it might increase the pictures 'stand-outness' for you.


Good luck ,

Dayton

[konrad]

WOW! Thank you ALL for comments, feedback, suggestions and help! I really appreciate it!

@Benji - I don't know why people don't like your comments! I love it! I learned a lot from it! I have to admit, it's not a low-key lighting - I forgot that low-key lighting is about contrast

Thanks again to all of you!