My Best Portrait Yet? C&C

[JackRabbit]

Had Trina and Jamie over the other day to do a shoot.

Strobist Info:
Vivitar 283 subject left, pointed away from the subject and bounced off of a reflector. Canon 430EZ on camera bounced off ceiling.

Also, what is the backdrop choice of the pros for just a flat, solid white/black? Do they use canvas? Or Vinyl? Or Muslin? Fill me in here and help me get my home studio started ahaha.

Also, add my Flickr because I am always looking for new sources of critiques and inspiration. Flickr: jackstrutz's Photostream

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[AnotherNewGuy]

I did a skin retouch to see how it would look for you. Her skin looks a little rough in areas. Also, the nose shadow is a little harsh. Good job though.

 

[Natalie]

I think the lighting and sharpness are perfect, but her expression looks a bit flat, and the white stockings on the white background look a bit strange, kind of like her body is just floating. Over all, it's a very nice shot though.

 

[JackRabbit]

Can anyone answer my question about the backdrop?

 

[burnws6]

Can anyone answer my question about the backdrop?

I use Amazon.com: Savage Seamless Background Paper, 53" wide x 12 yards, Super White, #1: Electronics

and Amazon.com: Savage Seamless Background Paper, 53" wide x 12 yards, Super Black, #20: Camera & Photo

The white is automatically gray unless you light it. So in a sense, you have 2 colors in one.

The black one I love, it gives a great color when you feather a softbox on it.

There's no reason to get the same ones unless you do full body shots, (like I do) Because these rolls are huge and you need a decent amount of space to set up. But if you're looking to set something up that's simple, search for a DIY backdrop with PVC Pipe and some cheap muslim.

White is my main color I use. I do a lot of combining, and white will almost always be the easiest color to pull someone from.

 

[AnotherNewGuy]

Depends on the situation. If they have dark hair and you are going to use a silhouette for anything then use white.

Family portraits, and professional portraits usually have a muslin backdrop.

Black backdrops work well for dramatic lighting.

Just poke around the web to get more ideas. There is no, one backdrop of choice.

 

[JackRabbit]

Yeah, I was hoping to do something a bit more sturdy than paper because my "studio" is in my bonus room which has carpeted floors so paper wouldn't really be the best option for me.

 

[JackRabbit]

I'm not really talking about the backdrop color, more the back drop material.

 

[syphlix]

think a lot use the big rolls of paper

why not use an umbrella instead of bouncing the light?

 

[JackRabbit]

because umbrellas cost money ahaha. I'm a Junior in high school. Money isn't necessarily abundant. Resourcefulness is though. And, as I said, paper isn't necessarily my best option as my "studio" is in a room with carpet so paper would wrinkle and tear.

 

[Sachphotography]

because umbrellas cost money ahaha. I'm a Junior in high school. Money isn't necessarily abundant. Resourcefulness is though. And, as I said, paper isn't necessarily my best option as my "studio" is in a room with carpet so paper would wrinkle and tear.

Have you checked ebay lately. You can grab a couple 33" umbrellas for 5-7 each and holders for 5-7 each. You could do two stands, holders, umbrellas for like 30. Its not that much really.

 

[JackRabbit]

hmmmm I'll have to check that out. I have to buy some triggers first though so once I've got those then umbrellas or DIY softboxes will be the next item on that list.

 

[Sachphotography]

You can buy a wireless trigger set with 1 transmitter and 3 triggers for like 50 on ebay. I have them. They work just as good as others ones I have used that cost $200 a piece.

 

[nokoyo13]

On backdrop if money is issue You can use photoshop to create your own Muslin backdrop or use "backdrop designer" from digital anarchy to create your own back drop.