New to using lights

[Silhouettecutter]

I just started using a set of lights a friend loaned me. I'm open to critique of some of my first efforts and of course I am soliciting any and all advice. These are unedited.
Thanks,
Pam

 

[tirediron]

Not bad at all for a first go. Your key (main) light is a bit too hot. Looking at the first image you can see very little detail in the white background and the skin on the right side of her face is overly bright. I would suggest reshooting; pull the light a bit closer to the camera and move it closer to the model and reduce the power.

 

[Silhouettecutter]

Thank you for the response. I am playing with it and having some fun. I'm working on the things you pointed out. I think I need to change to a smooth background. I was using a fuzzy blanket.Here is the second try. I like a lot of contrast but understand that may not be what I should be trying to achieve. The lights I have are 4 stand lights with the umbrellas . Two reflecting and two shear for diffused . No buttons other than on and off. If I am overlighting(hot) should I try more lights but put them further away from the subject. So far all these pictures were taken with one reflecting light and one defusing light.
Are you accepting new minions to mentor?
Thank you for your time.
Pam

 

[480sparky42 41]

The shadows are much too harsh and deep in the last four. We call that 'raccoon eyes'.... where there's really no light striking the eye sockets.

You might want to look into getting the book, "Light, Science and Magic".

 

[tirediron]

A smooth background is generally more common, but at the end of the day, it's all about you as the photographer being happy. It sounds like you're using a very basic constant light, which isn't really ideal as it lacks power and control Even cheap speedlights would be an improvement, BUT... if you're not into spending on upgrades, a simple off-the-shelf plug-in dimmer like this will allow you to vary the power a bit. If you do get these, ensure that you get one which will handle the power of your light.

 

[Silhouettecutter]

So ideally more like this?

 

[tirediron]

That is definitely moving to a more traditional portrait lighting.

 

[480sparky42 41]

Yuuuup!

 

[Silhouettecutter]

I will look into some better lights. I was surprised how fun it was to work with these ones.
Thank you for your suggestions.
Pam

 

[Silhouettecutter]

So...How do I go about getting a mentor. Do I need to pull a sword from a stone or do you guys just get a sense if the power of the Force is strong in someone?
Pam

 

[480sparky42 41]

Official Mentors Bio list

 

[Silhouettecutter]

I finally got what I was going for minus the raccoon eyes. Thanks guys!

 

[480sparky42 41]

The eyes are still too dark, but that's just me. Maybe another light facing directly down (or a specular reflector) to fill them in, as well as to create a catchlight.

 

[Derrel]

So ideally more like this?

Yeah, really a cute picture. Nice lighting effect on this one. And so, so much more interesting than without auxillary lights. Keep at it and keep enjoying the process.

 

[Silhouettecutter]

Another attempt!
I did a two year old child today with my little home rig and light set up and I tell you want my hats are off to you who do this. Fighting backdrop color clashing ,kids and adults knocking down your lights and shadows... shadows... shadows! I really don't see how you do it with any consistency especially in a room with windows. The mother loved the results which were edited of course...me I wasn't over thrilled because of the shadows.
I was happy the sun was out and could do some outdoor shots after that stressful undertaking. Here is the edited version...Kinda ashamed of the un-edited ones.