LOL... I thought these were AMAZING!

[SabrinaO]

Nice edit with the poster. If I may ask, how much did you get the lighting setup for?

Around $150-$250... I don't remember the exact price for the whole setup. Just type in "lighting kit" on eBay

 

[SabrinaO]

Thanks everyone for the comments! You've all inspired me to get to working on these photos! haha

 

[Jeatley]

I have two Alienbees I just got and two sb600. I think that will cover all I need it for! I would like to up grade to SB700 or SB 900 but I am good for now! You have any new pics of him to post from recent? You think you have improved! I know I have so I would like to see! if you dont mind!

 

[SabrinaO]

I have two Alienbees I just got and two sb600. I think that will cover all I need it for! I would like to up grade to SB700 or SB 900 but I am good for now! You have any new pics of him to post from recent? You think you have improved! I know I have so I would like to see! if you dont mind!

What AB do you have? I want to get another b800, and with my sb600 I think I will be set!

Here are some shots from this christmas. I got it super black in pp and im trying to find a way to make it straight black sooc:

and here are some shots 2 months before the christmas with a white paper backdrop...

I think ive come a long way in such a short amount of time mainly because im so passionate about photography and I'm always studying and wanting to learn more! I know I still have sooo much more to learn, but I've learned so much from this forum and all of you...its been awesome!

 

[Jeatley]

You should try to soften his skin a little bit, but use selective layers so you can keep those eyes in focus!

I have just about the same set up as you! I got 2 AB 400! Hope to move up to 800 one day but from what I have done so far really dont need them in my little room!

 

[Jeatley]

PS VERY NICE Images! You are doing great!

 

[SabrinaO]

You should try to soften his skin a little bit, but use selective layers so you can keep those eyes in focus!

I have just about the same set up as you! I got 2 AB 400! Hope to move up to 800 one day but from what I have done so far really dont need them in my little room!

Yeah I noticed that they look a little too sharp and happened in either in PP or the "sharpen for web" setting.
So is that the best way to smooth/soften skin? I tried the clarity brush(reduced to 0) in Lightroom in some of my other photos, but I want to know the best way.
So what are you saying? What should I do after I add a new layer? You are talking about in photoshop right?

 

[SabrinaO]

PS VERY NICE Images! You are doing great!

Thank you. I just came from your website... great work also! I love all the colors. I can't wait to start working outside in natural light! I hate winter! lol

 

[Jeatley]

There are many ways to do it and I have tried a bunch of them! one way to start is in lightroom with a brush and use skin softening. But I bring the sharpening to -20 or so and the clarity to -60 or so. zoom in and brush over everything but the eyes.

in Photoshop do it in two steps and two layers. 1st layer I add a sharpen layer and then add a mask and use the paint brush to sharpen the eyes lips and hair, Then I use the smart blur mask and apply a little to soften the rest of the skin! I was trying to find a good image of a baby to edit but no luck

 

[Jeatley]

I would also say dont use Sharpen for screen!

 

[Jeatley]

Ok here is my edit!

 

[Jeatley]

sorry I was testing my new flickr account! LOL