why can't i delete this picture? Portrait of a young lady

I'm just beginning to learn the uses of studio lighting. I have a long way to go before I'll

feel confident with it.

 

What can I do better? The thing that stands out to me most is the strength and length of

the shadow from her nose. I think it would be better if the light were 5-10 degrees closer

to the camera, or if I had had her turn her head slightly to her left so that I was shooting

from just on the shadow side of her face.

 

Thoughts?

I like it very much and would not change a thing.

It looks great, man. If you want to soften the shadows move your light closer to her. To see the direction of the shadows... and light, hold the strobe under your nose and look at the subject with the subject looking at the camera position. You will see axactly where the light and shadows will be. In other words... be the light. You want to keep the nose shadow out of the right eye. So if you can see all of her eye from the strobe position then it will be lit. Wish someone had told me that a long time ago.

 

I think it's ok to have a big nose shadow as long as it is soft and if it connects with the cheek shadow to give you that triangle on the right cheek.

I think it is great as is. I also wouldn't change anything, but it never hurts to experiment! Whether or not those other shots work, you have a winner here. The lighting is good, nothing overwhelms any other aspect of the image... great tones.

The eyes are perfectly lit, and I feel the shadows that fall contribute nicely to the mystique offered with the background work, her hair and even the choice of blouse she wears. Whats going on in her head? Really a wonderful portrait. Makes me want to stay home and take pictures of my girls tomorrow. Thanks for sharing.

Aaron, the image is simply a perfect portrait. The lighting is spectacular. Superb image. Congratulations.

Nice portrait, very sharp details 7/7

Great portrait. Well done. Joe

... beautiful portrait. 7/6

This is a fabulous portrait. Can't think of anything wrong with this one. I would have probably used a pitch black background than the grayish one you used.

Thanks for the great tips about both moving the light closer, and (especially) about looking at the subject from the point of view of the light source. That second one is one of those smack-the-head-omg-that's-so-simple-it's-brilliant techniques :D

Indeed, a black background might add a lot to this. I have one, but didn't have it hanging while I was experimenting (and while my daughter was still interested in modeling :) I'll give a whirl in front of black next time to see how it changes the dynamic.

 

Thanks!

A very moving portrait.

 

 

Classic.

This is a wonderful portrait of a sweet, yet strong and confident little girl. The direct gaze, the light and shadows - just right! :)

Aaron,

 

What a beautiful shot. The light in the eyes is perfect! It is exactly what I have been trying to do with my own recent photos (not on PN yet). Can you describe in detail how you set up the lighting in this shot? I'd like to try and recreate it myself. Thanks, and congratulations on a wonderful photo!

 

Cheers,

Jeff

 

 

hi

great!!!! very nice photo, beautiful , so beautiful eyes sense, thank you for sharing, good luck

As near as I can remember, this is how it was set up:

 

12x18 room with large windows on south wall for fill light (her right side). i kept the blinds on the windows half-shut to soften the light from them. large backdrop behind and under her feet (9x12). her seated on a piano bench 45 degrees toward windows, shoulders turned more, facing directly at the camera. camera about 8 feet from her. main strobe at about 45 degrees away from the camera, and about 10 feet from her, bounced into a 42 inch umbrella with a diffusing cover in front. a secondary strobe to her left (about 8 feet away, bounced off of the wall at head height to light her hair.

 

does that help?

Excellent Portrait with superb light and tones.

well done , love it

that is great. i appreciate the lighting diagram. perhaps i'll let you know how it goes when i give it at try!

 

cheers,

jeff

 

Pretty near perfect!!!!!!!!!! 7/7

I confess that on first look, the shadows across her face made me want to get a washcloth and wash her face... but on further relfection, I wouldn't change a thing here. It's just about perfect!

Hello,

 

I would not change this picture at all. Its perfect the way it is.

 

A lot of greetings

 

Ruediger

I love beginners that don't know the rules in design and photography. My 16 year daughter takes some of the most creative photo's I have ever seen, simple because she hasn't been put in that tin can yet. Experiments can be and are how we break free from the mold and begin to create our own style. She's perfect.