C+C: Strobe lighting for portrait.

[PatrickJamesYu]

I got my new softbox in and wanted to test it out.

Nikon D90
16mm f2.8
Sb-600 through soft box
Sigma flash, non diffused.

I wasn't really going for a in studio look, as I used my messy garage
I'm just interested in knowing how the flashes can be used or diffused, differently or better.

 

[tirediron]

I think this is an appropriate lighting, but it appears that you missed the focus; the lips seem sharp, but the eyes are soft. What was your actual set-up (as in, where was each light, relative power, distance, etc)?

 

[PatrickJamesYu]

I don't know how to explain it in proper terms, but I'll do my best.
I shot the sb-600 at 1/4th through the soft box, up high, angled down, towards the face.
This strobe was placed about 3 feet in front and to the right of the subject. (camera right)

The sigma was shot at 1/16th? power, and I just tossed that on the hood of the car.
3 feet to the left of the subject, and down at waist level.

And I believe I shot 1/160 2.8 or 4.


I see strobists do shots like this using strobes
portrait style, but 'on-set'.
What should I research for stuff like this.
I'm not so into back drops, and I like to shoot in an environment of some kind.

 

[tirediron]

Those are perfectly good terms. The only improvement might be to raise the fill light up to head level. My favorite 'site for this sort of stuff is the Strobist Blog, especially Lighting 101.

 

[Dominantly]

Yeah lighting looks good to me, and I don't mind the background one bit.

 

[PatrickJamesYu]

Thanks Tirediron, I checked out your links
thats strobists 101 thing is really cool.
Went through it twice, have it saved, and plan to go through it again sometime.

Thanks Dominantly

 

[MrsLittle]

Here's a site I got from someone else for lighting.

Photoflex Lighting School - Lighting Lessons