Portraiture in the Dark--Comments and Critiques?!

[D-B-J]

Another one from a recent shoot. My biggest complaint is the harsh shadow on her right cheek from her nose. The highlights are a touch hot, but I didn't like it when I turned them down.


_DSC0306 by f_one_eight, on Flickr

Thoughts?

Regards,
Jake

 

[Derrel]

Her shoulder placement makes her look very big, with a tiny head. Her eyes also have really dilated pupils, which I never liked...overall this is a very unflattering look at her.

 

[tirediron]

I have to agree with Derrel's comments. A few thoughts for improvement: Looking at her eyes, your key was too low and the shadows/highlight indcate too far away and/or too little diffusion.

Bringing the light in much closer and reducing the output while raising it would have done several things; it would have added some light to her crown, reduced the harshness of the shadow, and drastically reduced the intensity of the highlights and "flashed" look. Also, if you're going to shoot in the dark, then keep the lights on 'til you're ready to shoot and then turn them off so you don't get the huge dilated pupils you have here.

I would also suggest moving back a bit and using a longer focal length lens; you've managed to make her look like she has a normal head and Amzonian shoulders and bust. Your set-up was close, very close and 30 seconds of fine-tuning would have produced a really nice portrait. Keep at it!

Just my $00.02 worth - your mileage may vary.

~John

 

[D-B-J]

I have to agree with Derrel's comments. A few thoughts for improvement: Looking at her eyes, your key was too low and the shadows/highlight indcate too far away and/or too little diffusion.

Bringing the light in much closer and reducing the output while raising it would have done several things; it would have added some light to her crown, reduced the harshness of the shadow, and drastically reduced the intensity of the highlights and "flashed" look. Also, if you're going to shoot in the dark, then keep the lights on 'til you're ready to shoot and then turn them off so you don't get the huge dilated pupils you have here.

I would also suggest moving back a bit and using a longer focal length lens; you've managed to make her look like she has a normal head and Amzonian shoulders and bust. Your set-up was close, very close and 30 seconds of fine-tuning would have produced a really nice portrait. Keep at it!

Just my $00.02 worth - your mileage may vary.

~John

Thank you so much! The reason I was so close is because my SU800 would not work... and if I was more than 10 feet away the flashes wouldn't fire. Your comments about the lighting are also greatly appreciated. I will keep trying!

Regards,
Jake

 

[tirediron]

Hit your local Craig's List and look for a couple of used Pocket Wizards; I routinely found the Plus IIs for ~$100/each.

 

[cgipson1]

Bigger light source needed.... soften that light up....

 

[D-B-J]

Hit your local Craig's List and look for a couple of used Pocket Wizards; I routinely found the Plus IIs for ~$100/each.

Just ordered a set and have it waiting at home for me. Can't wait to use my flashes more freely!

Regards,
Jake

 

[D-B-J]

Bigger light source needed.... soften that light up....

Also just ordered a 60" umbrella. I only have 35"s or something, and they are definitely not big enough. Also, I think the flash was too far away for this one.

Regards,
Jake

 

[cgipson1]

Bigger light source needed.... soften that light up....

Also just ordered a 60" umbrella. I only have 35"s or something, and they are definitely not big enough. Also, I think the flash was too far away for this one.

Regards,
Jake

Keep in mind that distance and light source size work together... the larger the source, the softer the light. The closer the source to the subject, the softer the light. The closer the source, the larger it is to the subject, and therefore (the) softer!

 

[D-B-J]

Bigger light source needed.... soften that light up....

Also just ordered a 60" umbrella. I only have 35"s or something, and they are definitely not big enough. Also, I think the flash was too far away for this one.

Regards,
Jake

Keep in mind that distance and light source size work together... the larger the source, the softer the light. The closer the source to the subject, the softer the light. The closer the source, the larger it is to the subject, and therefore (the) softer!

Your logic is infallible! But seriously, thanks for your suggestions. I never thought about light distance and size as being so important. Next time I'll move it in close and see what I can get.

Regards,
Jake

 

[cgipson1]

Also just ordered a 60" umbrella. I only have 35"s or something, and they are definitely not big enough. Also, I think the flash was too far away for this one.

Regards,
Jake

Keep in mind that distance and light source size work together... the larger the source, the softer the light. The closer the source to the subject, the softer the light. The closer the source, the larger it is to the subject, and therefore (the) softer!

Your logic is infallible! But seriously, thanks for your suggestions. I never thought about light distance and size as being so important. Next time I'll move it in close and see what I can get.

Regards,
Jake

Don't say LOGIC... I already got hollered at today for being LOGICAL! Dan'g it!

 

[D-B-J]

Don't say LOGIC... I already got hollered at today for being LOGICAL! Dan'g it!

What's wrong with logic?!?

Jake

 

[cgipson1]

Don't say LOGIC... I already got hollered at today for being LOGICAL! Dan'g it!

What's wrong with logic?!?

Jake

Depends on the thread, I guess! lol! http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/photographic-discussions/341279-end-dslr-12.html#post3069780