Camera Labs

I don't think I've posted portraits on the forum before, but here is (in my humble opinion) an OK portrait I've taken.



This was taken with a Rebel XTi (450D, I think), with the model sitting *on* the windowsill.
As you can see, I've overexposed (and painted some spots white on) the window.

What think ye of the lighting? The general shot?

Regards,
Kirt/Yatrik. Pick one

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Current equipment: Nikon D90, 18-105mm
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Good on you for sharing.

From experience it appears the current trend for the fairer sex is to have portraits where they're looking away from the lens. This is one of them, and it's well taken.

As far as the lighting goes, it's alright. A reflector to lift some of the shadow on the hair to frame left might be the only thing I can add about the lighting, but as it stands, good job.

Maybe a little cropped too tightly on the right.

But lots of positives.

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Nikonian

http://www.edtangphotography.com
http://journeysintophotography.blogspot.com/

*GASP* Photoj liked it! Whee!
Haha, yeah, it was not exactly a studio set up, I just walked in with the camera, tired from outdoor shots, and noticed now nice the lighting was.
Began shooting.

For our Yearbook, we're getting some nice lighting equipment soon, reflector included. That should be fun

Thanks! I can use the critique, i.e. try to reflect light to darker sides, but subtly.

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Current equipment: Nikon D90, 18-105mm
Wishlist: 50mm f/1.4/8.

Geez, between you gasping and me telling Photoj that he made me nervous, I think we may give the poor guy a complex! We really do appreciate all his feedback. It helps us learn!

Anyway, great shot. She has a lovely glow.

Excellent instinct/approach. Knowing how to get lighting right is one of the more difficult aspects to good portraiture. The subtle lift to the hair will add more dynamism to the image as that's the only point in the frame that is a little dull.

It's good to know my opinion and knowledge is held highly, but regardless of what I think as long as you, your model are happy then that's fantastic. Keep it up.

EDIT: I ought to have mentioned that buying a small reflector of your own, or just carrying a white cotton hand towel if you're on a budget will do wonders when you know how to get more from your lighting.

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Nikonian

http://www.edtangphotography.com
http://journeysintophotography.blogspot.com/

Don't worry. I get it a lot of the time when I teach.

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Nikonian

http://www.edtangphotography.com
http://journeysintophotography.blogspot.com/

Haha, I just considered it a really, really high compliment that you liked the lighting.
I hold you at a /very/ high regard.

As far as a small reflector, I've heard white poster board (plastic surface) works wonders...would this be true?

Thanks for the compliments again!

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Current equipment: Nikon D90, 18-105mm
Wishlist: 50mm f/1.4/8.

You're welcome. Well white poster board does work as a reflector. However it doesn't fold up and tuck into a corner of a kit bag as easily as a proper reflector or even a towel.

And I also thank you for your compliment.

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Nikonian

http://www.edtangphotography.com
http://journeysintophotography.blogspot.com/

You're very welcome!



That is another one, looks almost like a cutout...but this isn't one I'm happy with. A couple of reasons.

Green on her arm/skin.

This is because of the shirt, seems to have been a reflector of its own. Would having another reflection fix this problem?

Dark on the left...but we know why that happened...

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Current equipment: Nikon D90, 18-105mm
Wishlist: 50mm f/1.4/8.

Yes, that green tint is from her top. If you had a reflector held up by an assistant (your model could hold it if she didn't have her hands above her head - which is executed not that badly though mildly unnatural) at her waist height and slightly tilted towards her chin you should have been able to reduce the green tint and lift shadows from her face. The crop is again a bit tight on the right of the frame.

Otherwise not bad and you're identifying the problems that you need to address. Take that same approach when you're out taking photos and review images every so often to see how things are going and whether the model or lighting needs adjusting. Then I'm sure you'd be flying.

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Nikonian

http://www.edtangphotography.com
http://journeysintophotography.blogspot.com/

I think you nailed it--spot on. As you saw in your second, the shirt is casting some green, which is also visible on the first shot, under her nose and lips, to fix it, just add in a white fill card (use some foam core) on her lap to push up some nice white light. You are on the right portrait track!

Jake

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Jake O'Connell, 40D Crew
Canon EOS 40D | 28-135mm IS | 50mm f/1.8 |Vivitar DF 383 | Vivitar 285hv
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"Photography isn't so much about the results as it is the collective experience, your interactions with people and with the world"