Playing in the "studio" again

[eccs19]

This time I didn't have to take pictures of myself. Got the kids to help out. This time I decided to try adding a kicker light. First time trying. How does it look? Please also comment on the rest of the lighting and let me know what you think. Also, to much space at the top? I didn't want to be to tight at the side, but if left all that space at the top, so I'm not sure. I don't do much portrait stuff, so not sure of the "rules". One thing that I was pleasantly surprised at was that I didn't have any trouble with reflections in my older son's glasses. I figure that was just a fluke more than anything.

 

[adversus]

I like #1.

The chair color clashes too much with his shirt in #2 I think. I think these would work better with a more modern chair in a base color (white, maybe silver).

 

[D-B-J]

Not bad!

Regards,
Jake

 

[tirediron]

Not bad; yes, I think there is too much space at the top, and I would definitely crop some of it out. The lighting isn't bad, but I think you need a reflector image left, low to bring some detail to his right arm and reduce the shadow on the right side of his face. Agree that the chair doesn't really work; do you have a stool that you could use? As for the kicker itself, it seems a little too close the background. I see the light from it low and right. I would suggest raising it somewhat, and getting it farther from the background, and maybe bumping the power up as well.

Just my $00.02 worth - your mileage may vary.

~John

 

[eccs19]

Not bad; yes, I think there is too much space at the top, and I would definitely crop some of it out. The lighting isn't bad, but I think you need a reflector image left, low to bring some detail to his right arm and reduce the shadow on the right side of his face. Agree that the chair doesn't really work; do you have a stool that you could use? As for the kicker itself, it seems a little too close the background. I see the light from it low and right. I would suggest raising it somewhat, and getting it farther from the background, and maybe bumping the power up as well.

Just my $00.02 worth - your mileage may vary.

~John

Actually the light on the bottom right was another light I was using on the background. The kicker was to the camera left. I also was using a reflector on camera left, but maybe it's not reflective enough. I was using a piece of white corrugated plastic. (used in sign making) I do have a stool as well, but wanted to try the chair. (mostly for the position on the arm on the back of the chair)

Thanks to everyone for the input so far.