mark_hartman

With my attached image, I find the catch lights to be the first thing I see. Others say it's the lips. But like it was said earlier, you're asking a biased crowd here. Most people will probably not even notice it and some will think it looks cool simply because they don't have that in any other shot of them. Stepped back though to include more of the person and it's not nearly as noticable.

 

Off camera, and with the moon unit modifier for Alien Bee, it works much like a soft box and even better as a hairlight in low ceiling situations.<div></div>

If you can't find bunnies, you can always substitute...<div></div>

Ellis, do you think it's better to send the whole unit back for a new housing, or just get the user installed kit? I'm not very handy when it comes to this stuff and lean towards sending the whole thing back, but if it's easy enough to do yourself, it would keep the flash in my hands for use.<div></div>

Carrie, my advise, which I got from this site and helped me the most, is to start simple and build. You're going from an on camera flash that probably metered in camera for you to a three light set-up with mulitple modifiers. What I'd suggest is to set the on-camera flash aside, put your camera on manual, connect just one light and experiment. Try to master that as best you can and then add the additional lights as you get more comfortable and decide what type of lighting you're trying to create. Good luck! It won't happen over night, but in time you'll learn to create the lighting effects rather than just capture what's already there.

Stacy, do you use the ring light straight or is it modified with one of those softbox-like attachments? I'm finding the light is a bit much for some of my subject's eyes, but would like to do something similar to you and use it with kids. I was afraid it would be too harsh on the eyes without something in front of it. I wasn't sure how you were using yours and if the modified flash would lessen the shadow effect you typically get.

Just curious-- Is the photo flipped? I would have expected to see a ring on that hand, but of course I'm assuming this is the bride. Perhaps it's just a bride's maid? (Sorry, I can't help you with the retouching.)

I agree with Brooks, that's a great site for what can be done when you strip a portrait down to the essentials.

 

Here on photo.net, I like a lot of Tom Meyer's work, much with one light. I've been doing more of my own work like this lately.

I've been thinking of ordering something from this guy, http://www.michaelmaddox.net

 

I've also gotten some neat effects just using a stainless steel refrigerator for a background. You can also gel a light to change up the effects of the stainless steel.

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I would agree that flash is more of the norm. Certainly everything from tungsteon household bulbs to xmas lights can be used with the right creative mind, but flash is certainly the most practical. If you are also shooting digital, with it's instant feedback, the advantage of seeing where the light falls with continuous lighting becomes even less of an advantage.

 

I like the Alien bees because they are well priced and have a number of modifiers availble, including battery packs to use when electrical outlets are not available. There are plenty of other brands though that work as well or better. I'd suggest getting at least one light and seeing how you like it. Nice picture, by the way.<div></div>

You might try distracting the viewer's eye away from the pug nose with something else...sorry.<div></div>

I have the 400 and the 800. I also typically use thier largest softbox on the 800 and either a brolly box, umbrella or grid on the 400 depending on what I want to achieve. I don't think you'll be sorry with whichever you decide to get. Just experiment and have fun.

Don't limit yourself to only a photography mentor. Anyone who is successfully self-employed or runs their own business can teach you plenty if you want to run your own studio. You won't get the photo skills, but you might find that it is just as helpful.

Very informative. But I can't help but picture your daughter pacing around waiting for you to be done "playing" with her truck!

I use the bees and a 20D in most of the people shots in my portfolio. Their softboxes too. No complains so far.

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Joe, I don't think there really is an industry standard anymore. I'm not an expert, but when I've taken photos for actors I usually suggest they walk away with both a color and a b/w tight head shot that they like. (sometimes it's the same shot only converted digitally) Then they can also select a 3/4 or waist up type of shot too if they like. This way they have options in case they are asked specifically for one or the other. I know some places still require only b/w, though I've never really understood why.

 

Most importantly, the actor's photo should look like the actor. Sounds simple, but I've seen some amazing things done with photoshop...

nevermind. it's working now.

I couldn't get the link in Brian's post or the banner ad to connect.

Is the program over or am I doing something wrong? I would type in

the address, but I don't think photo.net would get credit from my

order. Just checking. Seemed like a unique way to send flowers.

Thanks

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Morgan, I have some examples in my portfolio of single light work on African-American skin. They came out a little hot I think because of trying to do too much with one light. If you have an extra light, or even a reflecter, it might help to use one. He ultimately liked the effect and we even enhanced it a bit with baby oil on the skin, but it's a style. Like any style, it can be very subjective.

 

Ultimately, you should approach it very similar any other skin tone. Good luck!

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I'd suggest moving the plant too.

Personally, I don't think digital cameras are making life harder for wedding photographers nearly as much as the internet in general. I think there were just as many Uncle Bob's in the film days, maybe even more, since digital SLRs still cost far more than my old Rebel 2000 ever did new.

 

What I think really has had the biggest impact in wedding photography has to be web sites and the internet. In the past, couples would have to ask friends and family for recommendations, set up appointments with maybe 2 or 3 photographers to see their work and then make a decision. Might take weeks to do. Now, that same couple could review 20 web sites in an afternoon and then maybe meet with just their favorite. Your competition as a photographer has just increased by a multiple of 10 or 20! I don't know if there are really any more photogrpahers out there, but they are certainly easier to find! Plus, I think the opportunity to sell in the face to face meeting is no longer the draw it might have been. I think more decision making is happening before you even meet.

 

Disclaimer. I don't shoot weddings.

Stacy, I think to do something like the pears without a clear reason would be short changing your goal, and your work. Besides, you have such great wedding shots to choose from!

 

Case in point- I'm in the advertising department for the hospital I work for. We were challenged to put together a campaign that didn't feature "doctors" or "patient success stories". The feeling was everyone does that and we want to differentiate ourselves. After many, many rounds of creative and research we succeeded by creating ads that spoke in a consumer voice and related to the consumer, rather than as a hospital telling you why you should choose us. Talking with them and not at them. It was original and different, but was also something our consumers could see themselves in.

 

I struggle with what the pears and a person picking/holding a pear, etc. has to do with a future bride and how she would fit into the picture. I'm not saying it can't work, since I haven't even seen the whole idea, but I think there are other ways to stand out as different, without loosing sight of why a bride should hire you.

 

Maybe you could do a series of original work that focused on a bride's worse fears. Have some fun and exaggerate those fears visually. I'm thinking of horrible wedding shots with maybe a thumb in the frame, heads cropped off, etc. The crazier the better. Then set yourself and your work up as the hero on the other side.

 

Basically I think your photos are too good to leave out of a sales piece, even if it is expected. Different is great, but relevance is better. I'd try to find a way to be both original and relevant to a perspective bride. Good luck. I would love to see what you decide to do!