Nathan - Low Key, C&C Please

[TimothyJinx]

Did a session with a friend of the family yesterday. Here's one he particularly liked. Thoughts?

After a few sessions, one thing I am realizing is I just don't have room to do what I want to do. I'm lucky that my wife is ok with my taking over the downstairs family room, but it's pretty small and the ceilings are low. To get a softbox up high enough for a standing subject is very tough. How wonderful it would be to have 15' high ceilings, hard floors and elbow room!

 

[tirediron]

If you can't raise the ceiling, lower the floor? A few hours with a pick & shovel...



Nice shot; good expression, and nicely lit. My personal preference would be for a little more light on the long side, but that's it.

 

[Designer]

I can see why he likes it, however, his beard is not very well lighted. I vote for the same light, but slightly different pose, to get that beard in the shot.

You could try for a little more rim light on the right (his left) side of his head.

 

[TimothyJinx]

If you can't raise the ceiling, lower the floor? A few hours with a pick & shovel...



Nice shot; good expression, and nicely lit. My personal preference would be for a little more light on the long side, but that's it.

I'm afraid my wife might bury me using that same shovel!
I'm fairly new to this - what is the long side?

I can see why he likes it, however, his beard is not very well lighted. I vote for the same light, but slightly different pose, to get that beard in the shot.

You could try for a little more rim light on the right (his left) side of his head.

I agree, a little more rim light could be good. I did play around with that light a bit. I just couldn't seem to get it just right.

 

[Designer]

If you can't raise the ceiling, lower the floor? A few hours with a pick & shovel...



Nice shot; good expression, and nicely lit. My personal preference would be for a little more light on the long side, but that's it.

I'm afraid my wife might bury me using that same shovel!
I'm fairly new to this - what is the long side?

I can see why he likes it, however, his beard is not very well lighted. I vote for the same light, but slightly different pose, to get that beard in the shot.

You could try for a little more rim light on the right (his left) side of his head.

I agree, a little more rim light could be good. I did play around with that light a bit. I just couldn't seem to get it just right.

The terms "long side" and "short side" refer to the relative amount of light on the person's face.

Read more here: Introduction to Portrait Lighting