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Evertking

How do I turn this thing on?
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I am trying to get directional light, Rembrandt, broad or short.. this is all outside using OCF but I can never get it. I thought maybe my light source was too big but I see others use the same and get what I'm after. What am I doing wrong?
It's my light placement, isn't it? Feather I?
 
It can be a lot. Placement of light, number of lights, type of light modifiers, exposure, ratio,...
Can you give us an example of what you get in comparison to what you wanted to achieve?
 
It can be a lot. Placement of light, number of lights, type of light modifiers, exposure, ratio,...
Can you give us an example of what you get in comparison to what you wanted to achieve?
IMG_6429facebook.webp
IMG_6231.webp

Both of these are good examples. The bottom one more so as the light, a 600 watt strobe in a large octabox box was shooting past, in front of her. It was feathered but the inside edge was pointed toward her nose.
I would love to have some even a touch of shadow.
 
Those two are rather different because the first one has a much closer light source for the main light (or it is much bigger).
Where would you love the shadow to be? There is some shadow under her chin, eyes, hair...
I like the shots anyway!!!
 
Looking for a more dramatic light. I'm thinking I will have to back the light wayyyy back or use a small reflector.
 
The problem is: everybody has a different understanding of dramatic. Moving the light further back, or using a smaller light modifier will create a more sun-like look with harder shadows. The sun here on earth is a very small light source. If that´s what you are after, then you are on the right track.
If you want the shadow to become bigger/longer, you have to move the light left/right (depending on what side of the face you want the shadow). But you seem to be pretty experienced looking at your pics, so I guess that is not new to you.
 
The size of your modifier isn't the issue. I can get rembrandt, ie nose shadow touching cheek shadow with upside right triangle of light on eye and down cheek, with a 7' octa in fairly closeand feathered 90 degrees to subject. The nose shadow is the indicator. In the second image, there is barely any nose shadow on the shadow side, not even loop. The cheek shadow is plenty dark. Look at the catch light in the eye and that tells you where the light is, nearly 12 o'clock, ie directly in front and above. She is has her face towards the light. If you have a modeling light have her bring the nose back to camera and watch the nose shadow, and you can have her tilt the head to get the angle of the nose shadow down the nasolabial fold til it connects the cheek shadow. Or move the light to achieve the rembrandt shadow. Inside, practice with just a reflector and no fill so you can see the nose shadow, start with the light on the nose axis and above and create a 1/4 inch shadow directly under the nose in the shape of a butterfly:butterfly lighting. Move the light to the side and back about 45 degrees to subject til the shadow extends about a half inch from the nose and then adjust height to get it down the nasal labial fold, loop which is great for most people. Move the light further from the camera axis watching the nose shadow extend to the cheek shadow, adjust height to have light in the eye socket, connect the nose cheek shadows. The catch light will be about 1:30 or 10:30 Move the light 90 degrees to her and you will see half her face in shadow, split. Remember those light positions. Then do it with your modifier. A modeling light on the main is invaluable for learning and quick, precise set up. As for the kickers, they are a bit orange for my taste, but that's just me. I'm guessing a cto gel but try a straw or pull it back and pump more light through it to dilute it.
 

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