CC: Outdoor Night Female Portraits

[psyphy]

Please let me know how these shots could be improved. Greatly appreciated! (not sure what they're categorized as, just doing TFP with friends)

 

[MissCream]

I think your key light needs to be a bit stronger, the models faces are pretty dark.

 

[psyphy]

I think your key light needs to be a bit stronger, the models faces are pretty dark.

Was using two speedlights (580 EX II's), one through a softbox for key light, other through a snoot for the rim / background. Next time, will try using my third speedlight to make key stronger. Thank u.

 

[JMBriggs]

I feel like these aren't very flattering poses... The last 2 are the best for poses IMO.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

I feel like these aren't very flattering poses... The last 2 are the best for poses IMO.

+1,

The first few poses may have been slightly improved if she had the right leg up vs. the left. Fairly common to cover people's belly look when its folded in that position.

 

[Derrel]

I think your key light needs to be a bit stronger, the models faces are pretty dark.

Was using two speedlights (580 EX II's), one through a softbox for key light, other through a snoot for the rim / background. Next time, will try using my third speedlight to make key stronger. Thank u.

That is one approach. Another approach is to DROP the power on the rim light, and expose more generously for the Key light (either by opening the lens up a bit, or by elevating the ISO a 1/3 stop or 2/3 of one stop. That is called "key-shifting". It can be done almost instantly, without the need to set up another light.

 

[Big Mike]

Definitely some good potential with your lighting. As mentioned, a bit more key (maybe some fill) could help. As they are now, the shots are practically about 'Back/Rim lighting'.

Also, on the topic of posing...watch out for people (especially women, especially when sleeveless) leaning back with their weight on their arm. It looks like she (first girl) has huge triceps in the first two images.

 

[psyphy]

Key-shifting sounds like a great technique. Most of these images were shot at ISO 100-200 (can easily bump it up), and I'm still learning the limitations of these speedlites.

My attempt in the first 2 poses on the porch was for her to appear more dynamic. I now see how the leg position, body lean and enlarged tricep ended up looking unflattering.

Win some, lose some. Thank you all for sharing CC. Very helpful.