Some new photos from AgentDrex

[AgentDrex]

Well, after quite a hiatus, I am back with a few photos that I am sure are better than any other I have posted here. I made a "ghetto" light setup (a floor lamp(60-watt bulb), aluminum foil (wrapped around light hood) and a cardboard box (slipped over top of lamp). Its a three section floor lamp (I'm sure you've seen them) with the top section unscrewed and laid 90 degrees across a tripod. I was going for a "noir" look obviously. Here are some of the results:

#1 (Self-Portrait)

#2 (My buddy Thraxxian)

#3 (My buddy Eerily Basic)

#4 (My buddy Melvin)

 

[AgentDrex]

BTW...are there any others out there that have been using similar set ups for lighting...and what ideas do you have for "Jerry-rigging" set ups and what not...thanks in advance for your suggestions..

 

[AgentDrex]

What are the best ways to do a face portrait or am I at least in the ballpark already?

 

[KmH]

Rule #1 for portraits: Sharp focus on the eye closest to the camera, and bonus points if focus is sharp on both eyes. None of these images are sharp.

Eyes prefereably looking at the camera. It is basic human nature to glance where someone else is looking. A portrait that has the subject looking out of the frame also takes the viewers eye right out of the frame.

 

[TiCoyote]

I feel like this is a case of style overpowering substance. Would these images work without the extreme light/dark contrast? Although this type of shadow effect can enhance a portrait, if it is serving no other purpose than to carry the image, it becomes a gimmick.

 

[AgentDrex]

In this case, I don't like pictures where everyone always looks straight at the camera...it doesn't always seem to lend itself well to an emotion. Noir lighting is a gimmick, doesn't mean its a bad thing. I feel it helps with the emotion each person was expressing at the time of the photo. As for the focus, I really need to get my eyes checked. I have glasses but haven't had them re-checked in about 12 years. I may be due for an eye-doctor appointment. Thank you all for your insights as usual. I'll take your words to heart and re-look at these photos and see if they indeed would look just as well without the stark contrast.