Portrait Lighting -- Learning Thread

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

08/30/2006 02:53:06 PM · #301

Originally posted by dale99:

Cindi, .....

Do you ever sleep? :)

Heheheee no, I don't! Have fun experimenting, can't wait to see.

cabshutterbug

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

08/30/2006 04:12:09 PM · #302

I'm glad some of you have been back on. I had looked and not seen anyone for a bit. Anyway I had thought somewhere on this thread keeping a white background looking white was discussed. I took some photos with a white background and the bg looks a little grayish. Any advice or if we have already discussed this (I looked, but either missed it or like my mom always said didn't look hard enough)could someone please point me where to go. This would be a white balance issue right?

sea2c

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

08/30/2006 04:38:49 PM · #303

Hi,
I've been reading through this thread as I've been able to and it's helped alot already.
I did my first set of portfolios this past week and this is one of them. Please let me know what you think.

ShorterThanJesus

Nikon D300

08/30/2006 05:08:09 PM · #304

I've been doing some portrait work lately and have been moving away from the harsh shadows. It portrays a very strong mood and, at least in this case, I think (note: my inexperienced opinion) the suggested mood doesn't match the subject. Her smile and general appearance suggests a very positive and cheerful personality, something which I would usually associate with more gentle shadows (if much at all, consider the "butterfly" shadow look that was so popular on women for years).

If you are only shooting with one light source, I would seek to broaden the light source (softbox, umbrella, bed sheet, cardboard, etc.) and move it closer to the camera and possibly higher up.

Only my thoughts though, I'll be the first to admit that I am rather new to this.

sea2c

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

08/30/2006 05:19:09 PM · #305

yeah, i've heard "use a reflector" alot. it was done next to a window at midday (well 3 pm) using my 50 mm at 2.8. The light was nice but looking back i'd definitely turn them more towards the window and use a reflector. I like the natural light a whole lot better than flash though.

08/31/2006 10:25:51 PM · #306

Originally posted by cabshutterbug:

Carol, it sounds like your issue could be white balance, but could also be not enough lighting on the white surface behind the model. When i shoot against white, I set the bg light to "blow" the white, that light is well behind the model, so the model/skintones/clothing is exposed correctly. Your camera's manual will tell you how to set white balance for a given situation. Post processing can help if you underexposed the bg due to lack of light.

08/31/2006 10:29:26 PM · #307

Originally posted by sea2c:

Hi Steve. Welcome to the discussion. This is pretty good for a first go at portraits. The processing looks great. The lighting is nice, but yes, a reflector opposite the light source would help the light to be a little less contrasty - a white cardboard or even man in a white shirt is enough to give a little light back to the darker side. I think your next step should be thinking about composition - your models are pretty much center of shot -- in the example you posted you have a lot of wasted space above the head as well. Get in there, step in closer, fill the frame :) I think you'll be even happier with your results if you try a few of these suggestions.

sea2c

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

08/31/2006 10:46:41 PM · #308

Thanks Cindi,
I've definitely learned ALOT from the few I've done already. It's funny that I've been into photography for the past couple of years and now I get my d70s and suddenly everything changes.
I've even been offered a gig that I had to turn down as there was NO way I'd have been able to pull it off. Let alone do it justice.

I definitely agree on what you say about the composition and the backlighting.

Thanks again.

09/01/2006 07:43:27 AM · #309

Originally posted by sea2c:

Well, it's a portait. And it's very static. Start experimenting with poses and expressions. Try turning the shoulder in and have her look into the camera. Maybe do something with her hands. Get loose and break through the awkwardness. As is it's cold and doesn't connect. The viewer isn't engaged.

As far as your lighting, it's very strong from the side. Learn what light goes with which faces. Watch the light everywhere else too - shoulders, neck, chest, etc. Work it and figure out how to get light to accentuate form.

I don't like seeing her face directly centered. Get her up in the frame more. Come in tighter.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/03/2006 08:19:34 AM · #310

This thread would be a good read for those about to start a 30-day self portrait challenge....

gaurawa

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

09/03/2006 01:44:45 PM · #311

Hey Cindi, thanks for starting this wonderful and useful thread. I am planning to try some studio portraits and read through most of the posts and also the links and I think I have some idea about what I want, but I do need more advice. I am looking to start with some portraits ( mostly friends I know).. so I am thinking of getting
- 2 lights 400W, 800W ( alienbees)
- stands for the lights ( 10ft is good I guess )
- One soft box, one umbrella ( I want to try both and see how they behave )
- some gels ( for background light )
- background ( I have no clue about these yet )

Now my question: does that sound good ? any advice ?

thanks,
Gaurawa

09/03/2006 02:37:56 PM · #312

Originally posted by gaurawa:

- stands for the lights ( 10ft is good I guess )
- One soft box, one umbrella ( I want to try both and see how they behave )

Be advised, their 10' stands are not recommended for use with boom arms or softboxes. The 13' heavy-duty stands cost more, but they're worth it.

If you can, get boom arms to go with the stands. It makes them much more flexible.

09/03/2006 03:55:40 PM · #313

Gaurawa,

If were me - I'd go for 3 AB400s instead of one AB400 and one AB800. You have to have one LARGE studio to ever use an 800 at max strength -- I'm not sure I've ever used my 400s at max. Other than that -- and a reflector -- it sounds like you'll have a good start there.

09/03/2006 07:22:52 PM · #314

Originally posted by micknewton:

Originally posted by gaurawa:
- stands for the lights ( 10ft is good I guess )
- One soft box, one umbrella ( I want to try both and see how they behave )

Be advised, their 10' stands are not recommended for use with boom arms or softboxes. The 13' heavy-duty stands cost more, but they're worth it.

If you can, get boom arms to go with the stands. It makes them much more flexible.

Their heavy duty stands aren't recommended either. They'll fall apart on you. Ditto with the Alien Bees boom. If you want something that'll last, get something more heavy duty. Calumet (rebadged Bogen/Manfrotto) is a good start.

09/03/2006 07:27:36 PM · #315

Originally posted by idnic:

Depends. I've shot AB800's through windows when I don't have the room inside and it's just enough output to overpower daylight. But if location work isn't a priority and you don't plan on doing anything beyond basic portraits/headshots then the AB400's will probably be enough.

09/03/2006 07:46:14 PM · #316

Originally posted by virtuamike:

What makes you say that? Have you had them fall apart on you? Can you provide us with some details on which parts failed?

I have three of the 13' stands with booms, and one small background stand, and I haven't had any problems with any of them.

Message edited by author 2006-09-03 19:46:35.

09/04/2006 12:28:44 AM · #317

Originally posted by micknewton:

Originally posted by virtuamike:
Their heavy duty stands aren't recommended either. They'll fall apart on you. Ditto with the Alien Bees boom. If you want something that'll last, get something more heavy duty. Calumet (rebadged Bogen/Manfrotto) is a good start.

What makes you say that? Have you had them fall apart on you? Can you provide us with some details on which parts failed?

I have three of the 13' stands with booms, and one small background stand, and I haven't had any problems with any of them.

2 knobs broke off. There's a boom on it and the stand's warping from the weight (X1600 + 60" Softliter + counterweight), to the point where it doesn't extend anymore unless it's forced.

The boom is coming apart too. Again same problem with the warping, not to mention the clamshell design isn't the most sturdy (really need to torque it down to get it to hold and to prevent the boom arm from twisting).

If you're not moving equipment around much then the Alien Bees accessories might last longer. I shoot every 2 weeks or so (sometimes more often), and the Bogen/Calumet stuff has lasted through the first year. I can't say the same for the Alien Bees accessories (one of the softboxes ripped already too).

At least the lights are holding up. A few modeling lamps have gone out, and the fan on an X1600 stopped working. Other than that so far so good.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/04/2006 02:04:14 AM · #318

Originally posted by virtuamike:

I'm sorry to hear that you've had so much trouble with them. I've been using mine for almost two years now without any problems. I'm pretty careful with them though. For instance, I never leave a boom extended when I'm finished shooting. I also try not to bang them around too much. After all, they're made from aluminum, not steel.

gaurawa

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

09/04/2006 01:40:40 PM · #319

Thanks for you advice Cindi, Mick, Mike. I was debating if I should get the third light or not, may be I should :)

any links for good background stuff ? paper and stands ?

If I use a softbox for main light, what do you recommend for fill ? reflector or another light ( at lesser power) with umbrella ? any preference in shoot through or bounce ?

09/04/2006 05:21:52 PM · #320

Originally posted by gaurawa:

Thanks for you advice Cindi, Mick, Mike. I was debating if I should get the third light or not, may be I should :)

Maybe you should, and maybe you shouldn't. Having more lights can let you create shots that would be difficult, or even impossible, to create with fewer lights. However, they can also be misused. When you have a bunch of new lights you tend to want to use all of them for every shot. That can be a bad thing, because some times you only need one light, and using more may actually ruin what could have been a great photo. IOW, it's often easy to over-light a shot. Shadows come in real handy at times.

I say if you can afford it, then go ahead and buy it. Just use them carefully. :D

Originally posted by gaurawa:

any links for good background stuff ? paper and stands ?

B&H Photo has just about anything you could possiby need for photography. I'd check there for background stands.

Having said that, I buy my seamless background paper from Pro Photo Supply in Portland. Their prices are okay and I don't have to pay for shipping.

Originally posted by gaurawa:

If I use a softbox for main light, what do you recommend for fill ? reflector or another light ( at lesser power) with umbrella ? any preference in shoot through or bounce ?

I like to use softboxes (actually mine are octaboxes) for key and fill lights, although some of my best shots were done with a single softbox and a reflector for fill. A piece of white foam-core makes a good, inexpensive reflector.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/04/2006 08:42:39 PM · #321

Originally posted by gaurawa:

A 3rd light can come in handy for rim/hair light, but I agree with Mick. The more lights you have, the harder you have to work to keep your shadows. Flags, snoots, grids, and barndoors will help.

Background stuff I pick up locally. I get Savage background paper. I prefer getting them in the round tubes over the square ones though (bad experiences with creases in the square tubes). I'm currently using the Bogen Autopole system because it's faster than having to get up on a ladder to roll paper up/switch backgrounds, but the basic Calumet set works just fine (recommend the heavy duty one, occasionally they have it on sale).

Sometimes I use an umbrella for main and the softbox as fill. Sometimes I'll use foamcore as a reflector. Sometimes I use no fill at all. It's something that'll you have to play with in order to figure out. There's no right or wrong with lighting, just what works and what doesn't.

gaurawa

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

09/06/2006 07:35:37 PM · #322

I think I will need a light meter as well.. and probably just an incident light meter...any recommendations for not so expensive meter ?

09/06/2006 07:39:15 PM · #323

I use a little polaris ~$160 bucks. WELL WELL WELL worth the money! Sekonic's website offers a free DVD on using light meters that absolutely rocks.

09/06/2006 07:39:48 PM · #324

Originally posted by gaurawa:

I think I will need a light meter as well.. and probably just an incident light meter...any recommendations for not so expensive meter ?

If you plan on using strobes then you should get a flash meter. If you plan on going strictly ambient light or continuous/flood lights then incident is fine.

I use a Sekonic 358 because it works with Pocket Wizards. I don't have experience with anything else.

Hifi

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV