Tailgunner
No longer a newbie, moving up!
- Joined
- May 2, 2013
- Messages
- 1,850
- Reaction score
- 280
- Location
- Dallas TX
- Can others edit my Photos
- Photos NOT OK to edit
One of the tricky things in using a softbox is knowing how to "aim" it when it's coming in from the side. And that's the issue mostly; what you created was a big Easterly Wave of light...perhaps moving the soft6box three feet more "south-east" would have given a less raking, more of a 3/4 angle of light coming in.
And also, the exact placement of a reflector is pretty important. My opinion, based on how big that reflector is, and how dark the shadows are, is that the reflector was not "catching the wave" of light emanating from the softbox, or if it was catching the wave, it was not reflecting it into the shadows. Learning how to light things in a cramped location, using one's self as the subject, is a tedious process I would imagine. It's a LOT EASIER to light another person, so you can quite literally SEE how light placement changes manifest themselves.
It is definitely tedious! and very hit and miss. However, my stuffed teddy bear was making for some pretty boring practice sessions! lol. Ive got some friends willing to model, but I am hoping to get enough practice that I am not completely flying blind when I actually Do have a proper model.
Im sure you are right about the reflector not catching the light properly. I tried moving the reflector a few times. I can't remember which shots that was for though, my black attire wasn't helping things either. Here is one where I am not wearing black, and while I know I still didn't nail the lighting placement it appears to me at least that I achieved a better ratio. I think part of the problem is that I didn't place my soft box high enough and had it coming straight from the side instead of coming from above. Honestly, I wanted to put it higher but I was concerned with my light stand falling over! I need to figure out a weight system until I can purchase some offical sandbags. View attachment 64419
Nice, you look really cute with your glasses on. I love how you was able to get the shot without any glare as well.
Somehow I just caught this comment.
Thanks for the complement. I've never done any modeling other than for my selfies. I spent yesterday studying poses though and thought I would give some a try.
I know that everything has to come together to make a picture, but I find if I focus on one thing at a time it becomes a better learning experience instead of trying to think of everything all at once. Then when it "counts" I will hopefully have an easier time putting it all inplace.
Sounds smart, that is how i've been dealing with CS6...one tool/setting at a time.