Testing new studio setup

[Tulsa]

I setup my new studio, been playing with it today, let me know what you think, how I can improve.
For this picture I used 2 strobes with softboxes. One about eye level, one lower, both on my left side.

 

[D-B-J]

maybe its just me.. but i feel like the focus is a little soft... nice idea though

 

[Big Mike]

Yes, it looks soft. Since you were shooting with strobes, I assume it was just missed focus.

It's very red, I'd guess that your WB is off.

You typically don't want a main light to be lower than your subject's face. Notice how the nose shadow is cast upward, toward the eye? That's a no-no for most types of portrait lighting. You usually want the camera a little higher as well, so that you aren't shooting up your subject's nose.

 

[Phranquey]

Definitely get your keylight higher... in addition to moving the nose shadow, it will help highlight your hair a little bit as well. Your forehead dissappears into nothingness.

If I may make another suggestion... Put one of your lights away, or take off the softbox and put an umbrella on it. Play with one light at a time first (swap between the box and the 'brella) in different locations, then add a reflector into the mix. In my opinion, and experience, learn one light at a time, then add another one, or more, later for more effects.

 

[Tulsa]

Thanks guys. I will revert back to one light for now. I see what you mean about having the light higher, I agree.

The focus could be off a bit, I had my buddy ( assisting me when we do real shoots) take that picture, he does not know much about photography, but he is learning. I guess I should say we are both learning studio photography!

 

[IgsEMT]

Portrait Lighting

 

[Tulsa]

Portrait Lighting

nice website

 

[tissa]

i remember I once couldn't understand why no matter what I did with WB and settings my friend looked red on the picture. When he finally took his RED shirt off - the pic cam out just fine and his skin looked normal.

On your pic the skin is red

 

[IgsEMT]

i remember I once couldn't understand why no matter what I did with WB and settings my friend looked red on the picture. When he finally took his RED shirt off - the pic cam out just fine and his skin looked normal.

I had the same issue with the lab and kids photography - kid was wearing nothing but a diaper and prints came back with a red tint. I don't use THAT lab anymore.

Originally Posted by IgsEMT
Portrait Lighting

nice website

thanks.
I didn't make it, but I do like the demonstrations there. Thus if you really want to learn portrait lighting (a-z) it is a good site to start out with. Read up on light ratios, usage of 1 vs 2 lights (no need to look into more lights yet). and learn/know your equipment.

Good Luck

 

[Ub3rdoRK]

i put that photo in CS4 and i just did a color balance...-50 with the red/cyan slider...and it looked normal fleshtones. I would post it but stupid photobucket is doing maintinance

 

[Tulsa]

i put that photo in CS4 and i just did a color balance...-50 with the red/cyan slider...and it looked normal fleshtones. I would post it but stupid photobucket is doing maintinance

Cool, let me know when you can upload.

 

[Ub3rdoRK]

just a simple adjustment.Still a little reddish but not much else u can do before you lose color everywhere