First off camera flash portrait

[matheson]

I shot these for a buddy using a 430 ex2 through a 15 yer old soft box clamped to a microphone stand with a white reflector for some fill. Anyway, it was my first time using off camera flash so critique is welcome.



IMG_8536-Edit by chrismatheson1973, on Flickr


IMG_8459-Edit by chrismatheson1973, on Flickr

 

[tirediron]

Very nicely done. I like the exposures, shading and general look of these a lot. Goes to prove you don't need a butt-load of pricey gear to turn out good work!

 

[Derrel]

Pretty good! The first one is nice, but his chin feels kind of low in the frame. The second one has good lighting and nice handling of the subject within the frame. Some people might criticize the color temp or white balance, but I think the warmish look is fine here.

 

[robbins.photo]

Very nicely done. I like the exposures, shading and general look of these a lot. Goes to prove you don't need a butt-load of pricey gear to turn out good work!

Wait..he used a flash. Aren't flashes from the debil?

Man.. I need a chart or something.. lol

 

[matheson]

thanx guys. I really want to invest in a grey card. I've been reading skin by lee varis and applying the cmyk formula for skin tones but i'm not really happy with my results yet. I'm not really sure how accurate my monitor is either..What do you guys do to insure great skin tones ? P.S. what is a debil ?? lol

 

[TreeofLifeStairs]

He's referencing another thread where there was a discussion about only using the ambient light around you and not flashes. He was saying that flashes are from the "devil".

 

[matheson]

lol. got ya

 

[DanOstergren29 5]

Wait..he used a flash. Aren't flashes from the debil?

DEVIL'S LIGHT!

 

[weepete]

First one is ok, nicely lit good composition all in all a strong portrait.

The second is a really nice classic pose with an interesting charicter but I do have a few issues with this one. First and foremost he looks jaundiced. I'm ok with warm skin tones but it's too much yellow here. I'd have liked to see the bottom of his medallion too. Lastly the flash reflection on the back of the waistcoat buggs me

 

[yahgiggle]

This is awesome love it

 

[robbins.photo]

Wait..he used a flash. Aren't flashes from the debil?

DEVIL'S LIGHT!

Satan's Strobe!

Lol

 

[Braineack]

The reflective part of his vest in #2 bothers me, otherwise great work!

 

[jenko]

#2 has a timeless quality. The expression is terrifically interesting and lighting is excellent. I agree with Braineack, though, the vest part bugs me a little. I did not even realize it was a vest, just thought it was something in the background. Maybe bring it up a bit or burn it out.

Overall, love that shot!

 

[matheson]

thanx guys,,, I actually odged his vest. my bad.. As far as the skin goes, im still trying to get that right