Finally got my lighting organized

fsquare · Feb 28, 2011

So i finally gathered the pieces needed to get my small/portable lighting studio set up. Portraits really aren't my thing but this weather is killing me so i really needed to get shooting again so i said, why not try something new.

This setup is with a silver umbrella with strobe high camera left and a white reflector camera right at about 90degree from the subject. Don't mind the background, this was only to test out my lighting setup and wasn't where I have my actual studio set up.

mikehaugen · Feb 28, 2011

I am definitely no expert, but since no one else has replied here it goes: I think that I would bring the light out a little (toward the camera). I would think that would help eliminate the shadow under his chin. Also I would frame a little higher so his head wasn't right at the top of the picture- though that is not as big of a deal. Again, take this with a grain of salt. Other than that I like the picture.

Samerr9 · Feb 28, 2011

First the baby is so cute

I am not a pro also and don't have experience in lighting but I like yours..

My concern is on shaprness, the photo is really soft, the eyes, the hair, the nose..

Derrel · Feb 28, 2011

It's a pretty decent beginning. The overall quality of the light far exceeds a single on-camera flash. The depth of field does look a bit shallow, but overall, it shows off a cute kid with no redeye, and no harsh,objectionable shadows. Obviously, with more practice, things will only get better and better.

tirediron · Feb 28, 2011

Speaking strictly about the lighting, I think this set up works, but it could be better; try lowering the key light just enough so that you get some catchlight in the child's eyes, and maybe moving your reflector a little farther back to produce a bit more dynamic range. Remember, shadows are not evil, we don't want to eliminate them, just control them.

fsquare · Feb 28, 2011

Thanks guys.

For the comment above regarding the image being soft, i'm wondering if it's "portraiture" doing that during my PP. My focus was on the eyes, my shutter speed was at 1/250 so i'm figuring camera shake can be eliminated...maybe some slight movement from the subject but my flash had to be powerful enough to freeze the action.

I'll give lowering the key light a go...it was pretty high and the kid is what....2 feet tall?

BTW Tirediron, you can also critique other aspects of the picture. I appreciate all the feedback I can get.

KmH · Feb 28, 2011

Your DOF was to shallow to have both the eyes and the tip of the nose in focus.

I also wanted to mention the shot was somewhat underexposed. I look for an RGB red channel value of 235 to 240 for the highlights on skin. Yours are less than 225 in that photo.

fsquare · Feb 28, 2011

Let me know if this is any better.

Shoot through umbrella high camera left, white reflector camera right about 3 feet away from subject at 90 degree.

50mm, 1/250, f/5.6

Alistair · Feb 28, 2011

I'm still pretty new to this as well, but to me from the above image, and don't take it wrong...shoot with ISO 100, if you can. This will also make a more clearer picture for there appears to me a lot of noise, IMO.

fsquare · Feb 28, 2011

Alistair said:
I'm still pretty new to this as well, but to me from the above image, and don't take it wrong...why are ya shooting wide open??? If you have lighting, you can close it up a little bit to get a sharper image, plus bring a little more depth of field. Also, the other fault I saw is shoot with ISO 100, if you can. This will also make a more clearer picture.

5.6 isn't wide open i also wanted to shoot at around 5.6 since that is the sweet spot for the lens i was using. I also wanted to eliminate any camera shake therefore wanted a higher shutter speed. I used a light meter, locked in my 5.6 and 1/250 shutter speed and metered it...gave me an ISO of 800. Did I do it wrong, i could of...very new to lighting...i'm guessing the more experienced will chime in.

Alistair · Feb 28, 2011

Fsquare,

When I wrote that, I by accident read the wrong thing on the Exif data, and I corrected it when I saw it. Sorry, that was my fault. =O About the Lens that is!

About the meter, I'm not sure, I'm going by GN math myself. Someone else with more experience about meters is going have to tell ya that at any rate.

kundalini · Feb 28, 2011

fsquare said:
I used a light meter, locked in my 5.6 and 1/250 shutter speed and metered it...gave me an ISO of 800. Did I do it wrong, i could of...very new to lighting...i'm guessing the more experienced will chime in.

I would suggest to set your ISO and shutter speed (x-sync) on your meter and let the meter tell you the aperture. Least ways, that's what I do. Typically you want the lowest ISO to reduce noise.

fsquare · Feb 28, 2011

Do you find the image that noisy? If yes where?

fsquare · Mar 1, 2011

bumping to get more feedback. Going to keep at this and want to retry tonight but with some new found knowledge

vtf · Mar 1, 2011

In your second image I find the pose is awkward and uncomfortable, it takes away from the image. I think repositioning the reflector closer to your camera right might have lighten the shadows on her left face, her right side seems . Theres a spot on her shirt. Not far from it but practice alittle more and should be there. :thumbup: