Quick Mini Session

[412 Burgh]

1.

Alfonso by ZDiBeradin, on Flickr

Alien Bee to the models right side. About 1/16th power. Beauty Dish 22 with sock.

I personally like this one, lets hear what you pros have to say! :hail:

 

[tirediron]

IMO, your modifier was too small. A BD is really either for fill or lighting a small (headshot) type image. To light a full body portrait (even though he's crouching) I would have preferred a 36" or larger SB. As for the pose... to be blunt: I think it's awful; a variation on the classic 'taking a dump' pose.

 

[EladioGomes]

I also think a SB would do better for the body size picture. As for the pose I have the impression that his not comfortable, as in I'm doing this only for this photo. And to be picky, I'd like to see a bit more on the right side of him, maybe a reflector!!

 

[412 Burgh]

IMO, your modifier was too small. A BD is really either for fill or lighting a small (headshot) type image. To light a full body portrait (even though he's crouching) I would have preferred a 36" or larger SB. As for the pose... to be blunt: I think it's awful; a variation on the classic 'taking a dump' pose.

Unfortunately that's all I'm limited to for a lighting modifier. I have been looking into something else that helps for full length portraits. As well as getting my SB-700 synced with my aleinbee (if possible)

 

[tirediron]

...Unfortunately that's all I'm limited to for a lighting modifier. I have been looking into something else that helps for full length portraits. As well as getting my SB-700 synced with my aleinbee (if possible)

Bull****!!!! Go to Wal-mart, Michaels, or where-ever and pick up a 2x4 sheet of white posterboard or foam-core. Use mechanic's wire to make a shallow convex curve in it and fire the AB into that just like a reflecting umbrella! That will give you a nice, big, soft light and cost all of <$5! It might look a little "Ghetto", but it will work. There should be no problem syncing your speedlight and ABs... just means getting another trigger. A four pack of Cactus V5s should run <$100 and will do nicely. You could also get an inexpensive optical slave from FlashZebra, or, trigger the speedlight and use the optical slave on the AB... LOTS of options.

 

[Derrel]

Unless there is a campfire or a traditional old-world, coal-fired forge, or a wounded infantryman laying in the foreground, the crouching pose is not so good...just sayin'.

I do not mind the light modifier's basic effect in this shot, but his shirt does look a bit too "hot" on the front, and burned out a little.

 

[412 Burgh]

yeah, my posing ideas are next to none

 

[412 Burgh]

Let see any lucky with #2

Alfonso by ZDiBeradin, on Flickr

 

[tirediron]

Much better. I'd do a little burning on the shirt, and maybe dodge the hair just a tad. A shame about the cropped shirt-tails.

 

[kathyt]

I actually like the first one better. I like the urban feel and the textures in the back round. I don't mind the pose. Not sure if you are using PS or LR but I would bring down the exposure around his shirt and face a little and play up the shadows a bit to give it more of a dramatic feel.

 

[412 Burgh]

Thanks for all the input. If I want to continue doing full length portraits with one light... what is the most useful light modifier? I'm assuming a soft box.

 

[tirediron]

Thanks for all the input. If I want to continue doing full length portraits with one light... what is the most useful light modifier? I'm assuming a soft box.

There is no one "best" modifier, but my current favorite is my 60" brolly-box. For 'on-the-road' work, I have a 30" Lastolite Exybox which works very well with a speedlight. That and a 72" light panel on the off-side work very well.