First portrait attempts

chito beach · Jan 12, 2011

Well Ive been putting together a simple speedlite studio setup that can be totally portable everything fits into a single 20" x 50" duffel bag. I have several inexpensive camera flashes and wireless trigger kit from eBay.

The basic setup. collapsable 18" softbox, several shoot through 32" umbrellas, 3 stands, overhead boom

I had to do several self portraits. so bear with the ol dude model LOL

1. typical setup main flash set to to full power, fill flash 2 stops lower, boom flash set to full and on background

2. Main Flash set at full on left, Boom flash as Hair light set 3 stops down with snoot, to highlight hat. Umbrella on stand right to light background 2 stops down

3. Full Main flash right, no fill flash, no background flash, Boom flash without snoot as highlight for hat 2 stops down

I can see where this off camera flash can be addicting. Any input is welcome. Very little PP on these cropped, sharpened, resized and posted.

I think I need to find a prettier model :er:

GeorgieGirl · Jan 12, 2011

#1 Looks great. Who is that 'old dude'???:mrgreen:

gen · Jan 12, 2011

I really like number 2............. I know nothing about flash photograhy, but I like the way it looks!

chito beach · Jan 12, 2011

GeorgieGirl said:
#1 Looks great. Who is that 'old dude'???:mrgreen:

Same guy as in the Avatar. Thanks

gen said:
I really like number 2............. I know nothing about flash photograhy, but I like the way it looks!

thats my wifes favorite also

daarksun · Jan 15, 2011

second one is my fav. The fist one does seem to be focused.

txtowman · Jan 15, 2011

Excellent!!!

Is that a digital background?

CCericola · Jan 15, 2011

#3 is overall underexposed except for the hat. Love the lighting on the hat. The main light should be just as dramatic in my opinion. Your set-up snap shot has better color depth than your portraits. Nothing that can't be fixed in photoshop. Nice job.

chito beach · Jan 15, 2011

txtowman said:
Excellent!!!

Is that a digital background?

No low tech sheet of carpet under layment bent to a gentle curve then treated differently in each shot with direct, indirect or no flash

chito beach · Jan 15, 2011

CCericola said:
#3 is overall underexposed except for the hat. Love the lighting on the hat. The main light should be just as dramatic in my opinion.

yep a tad dark, missed it by a stop on the flash. I do like the overall effect and appreciate the input.

Split Second Studio · Jan 16, 2011

wow looks great!

cynw_pt9871 · Jan 21, 2011

I really like number 2

Jeatley · Jan 21, 2011

Should try it with the nice wood walls in that room in the first pic! I think that would have made a great backdrop

kundalini · Jan 21, 2011

Musta missed this on the first round. Nice work Chito.

It seems you have a pretty good handle on the lights purpose, position and ratio. Well done.

Frequency · Jan 21, 2011

The first image of the person is excellent; second adds some evil touch and many would like that; in the third his smile is classic; but the lighting is not at all conducive to the mood of the image; this shot should have more glorifying light; in personality and charm he defies his age; are you sure these are not selff portraits of yours?

( the beard....)

Regards

chito beach · Jan 21, 2011

Frequency said:
The first image of the person is excellent; second adds some evil touch and many would like that; in the third his smile is classic; but the lighting is not at all conducive to the mood of the image; this shot should have more glorifying light; in personality and charm he defies his age; are you sure these are not selff portraits of yours? ( the beard....)

Regards

Yes those are self portraits...I mentioned in the first post ..thanks for the input, My Bday was yesterday and I received some more studio type toys. backdrops etc. Now I need to find a better lookin model!