Strobe self portrait

[minicoop1985]

OK, guys. I got an umbrella for my strobe, and tested it out. I need to do headshots for a law office soon, and will be doing them in front of a library of boring law and tax books (oh dear god no). Anyway, with that in mind, how did I do here? I know the hair blends in a bit, so maybe I need a snooted speedlight or a better, more powerful hair light (used a single bulb softbox), or just hope that the library provides better separation (or use DOF to separate a bit?), or better yet, a better backdrop that isn't black (my living room, hence the couch I forgot to cover). So anyway, the important part is lighting of the face-how is that? Is this remotely right? Thanks for feedback!

Strobe umbrella self portrait by longm1985, on Flickr

 

[IgsEMT]

Add a drop of fill light.

http://www.portraitlighting.net/patternsb.htm

Good luck.

Sent via mobile device.

 

[minicoop1985]

Thanks! Thought: since I'm using a strobe and a low, low power softbox, can I just use a slightly lower shutter speed (1/200?) and use slightly less power on the strobe? Would that even things out a tiny bit?

 

[tirediron]

Probably not unless your room is very bright. Bringing in a reflector close in, image right might help.

 

[minicoop1985]

Thankfully it will be. It's a well lit spot, so this should be a little easier. Happens that I just acquired a reflector, too! Perfect chance to try it! I should mention I have a speedlight behind me for separating my hair from the background in any way possible, bounce reflector up. I also have one more speedlight with remote trigger at my disposal.

 

[Granddad]

I'd say you're heading in the right direction.

 

[Forkie]

Not a bad start. I would bring your rim light round towards you a bit - I can only just make out a few flecks of light in some stray hairs and that was only after you said it was there!

What will your background be like? If you have a window as your background, remember to expose for the background and then light your subject.

 

[kundalini]

I would suggest to raise your Main light vertically enough to get the catch lights more towards the 10-11:00 o'clock position. This would also cause the nose shadow to drop below the nose as it should.

It looks like you have positioned the Main to point directly at your chest since your neck and shirt are brighter than your face. Try pointing the center of your light at your face and then rotate it towards the camera so that the hotspot crosses in front of and not directly on the face. The Main light should be just out of frame.

As Forkie mentioned, position the Hair/Accent light at about 135° from the lens.

Not a bad shot, just a few thoughts on hangover Thursday morning.

 

[minicoop1985]

Thanks for the awesome feedback, guys.

The background will be a library of leather bound law books (AKA nap time). Thankfully the room's large enough that I can set up in there without much interference.