C&C on lighting

[MWC2]

Tried to see if I could put what I have been learning when it comes to lights into practice tonight.

For both of the following:
SS 1/100
F/2.8
ISO 250

Light directly in front of subject, pointed down at a 45% angle, reflector on lap.

#1

#2

Honestly I'm not too happy with these, I was hoping for a little more POP. Any ideas, tips or hints would be appreciated.

Here they are in B/W.. still not happy with my b/w conversation. I struggle.

#3

#4

Thanks in advance!

 

[tirediron]

Very even or "flat" lighting; what I call a "passport" shot. Try moving the light off-axis, say 25-40 degrees, and just above the subject's head. I like to use the reflector 90 degrees on the side opposite the light. What sort of diffuser are you using?

 

[Derrel]

This would be decent lighting for a mature woman who didn't want her wrinkles to show up too much. If you'd pop a diffusion filter over the lens, then this lighting setup would be a good lighting scheme for a woman in her 60's to 90's. The light is very flat, and yet, it has a pretty quality about it. The lap reflector is REALLY filling in ALL shadows. Keep this lighting pattern in mind for a woman who has an impeccable make-up job that borders on over-the-top; if her makeup is crisp and heavy and dramatic, it will provide the shape and definition that the lighting does NOT.

Lighting is not usually "bad" nor "good"...it';s either well-suited or not-well-suited to the subject at hand!!!

The kids look like they're about ready to mutiny...

 

[MWC2]

This would be decent lighting for a mature woman who didn't want her wrinkles to show up too much. If you'd pop a diffusion filter over the lens, then this lighting setup would be a good lighting scheme for a woman in her 60's to 90's. The light is very flat, and yet, it has a pretty quality about it. The lap reflector is REALLY filling in ALL shadows. Keep this lighting pattern in mind for a woman who has an impeccable make-up job that borders on over-the-top; if her makeup is crisp and heavy and dramatic, it will provide the shape and definition that the lighting does NOT.

Lighting is not usually "bad" nor "good"...it';s either well-suited or not-well-suited to the subject at hand!!!

The kids look like they're about ready to mutiny...

They are always about to mutiny, they are 10 and 9.

I had a feeling this type of lighting was a little too.... "too much" for the girls, but I wanted to try. Would it work if I brought the strength of the light down a tad and changed to a darker background and switched the subject out with a 16 year old moody teeenage boy?

I'm trying to experiment with lighting ideas and see how changing it up changes the over all feel. I don't have a lot of lighting equipment, 2 umbrella lights, 1 white reflector and 1 black reflector, since I only really take pictures of my own children (and an occasional friend) I don't see myself spending to much more on studio lighting for the time being.

 

[MWC2]

Very even or "flat" lighting; what I call a "passport" shot. Try moving the light off-axis, say 25-40 degrees, and just above the subject's head. I like to use the reflector 90 degrees on the side opposite the light. What sort of diffuser are you using?

Thanks. Since I'm just a hobbist on a budget (stupid kids and their school and wanting to eat, lol) I'm limited on my "studio" equipment. I have 2 umbrella lights, 1 white reflector and 1 black. I've been kicking around the idea of getting a softbox but I'm lost as to what size would work best with not only my space (garage) but also my tight Mom budget.

 

[amolitor]

You can make a softbox with tinfoil, cardboard, glue, and some white fabric or large sheets of tracing paper.

 

[gsgary]

it is like butterfly lighting without the butterfly

 

[Derrel]

it is like butterfly lighting without the butterfly

Yeah...there is no "butterfly shadow" under the nose. Looks like that reflector is totally cancelling any shadow.

I would keep at it!

 

[MWC2]

Should I be dailing back the strengh of the light a bit or lowering the reflector?

Thanks for taking your time to help everyone.

 

[Derrel]

Should I be dailing back the strengh of the light a bit or lowering the reflector?

My response is, "Well, I dunno...should you?" Maybe just a different subject?

 

[tirediron]

Very even or "flat" lighting; what I call a "passport" shot. Try moving the light off-axis, say 25-40 degrees, and just above the subject's head. I like to use the reflector 90 degrees on the side opposite the light. What sort of diffuser are you using?

Thanks. Since I'm just a hobbist on a budget (stupid kids and their school and wanting to eat, lol) I'm limited on my "studio" equipment. I have 2 umbrella lights, 1 white reflector and 1 black. I've been kicking around the idea of getting a softbox but I'm lost as to what size would work best with not only my space (garage) but also my tight Mom budget.

I wouldn't worry about the SB just yet; no offence intended, but for the level you're at and the sort of work you're doing, you would see very little difference in the results from either 'brolly or 'box.

Spend some time on strobist and searching "portrait lighting" and similar terms. Start with one light and work up... basic set-ups aren't difficult. After a little while, you'll have the 'Ah-ha!' moment and it will all begin to make sense.