Photoshoot for C&C - 3 Different setups

Hello there

New photoshoot with 3 different lighting setups.
The model is a singer who needed promotional shots for various projects.

(Images are not cropped because they will be later cropped for the different use they will have. )

Obviously i am still learning, and experimenting with various setups, it would be great to have some advice on the lighting, and how to direct the model

Thank you in advance!
Nathan


- Black backdrop - Main Light on Ezybox - fill with umbrella - Hair light with snoot

[IMG]http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u332/nathanever82/6Black.jpg[/IMG]

- White backdrop - 2 lights on background and softbox on model

[IMG]http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u332/nathanever82/2White.jpg[/IMG]

- White backdrop with 2 gels + one continuous spotlight with gel + flashring on the model

[IMG]http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u332/nathanever82/2Blue.jpg[/IMG]

- Same as the first shot

[IMG]http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u332/nathanever82/3Black.jpg[/IMG]

I'm just gonna comment on #2...

you may try pulling your model a little further from your backdrop if possible, due to spill (ie models nose).
if you manage to get even lighting on the background (softboxes oe umbrellas or even bounced off large reflectors (I use bifold doors painted white for reflectors)) you'll get less chance of blown highlights.
best to get the background 2 stops brighter than the subjects brightest highlight.

so other than the apparent blown whites (looks a little blown out along the models hair) I like it!

no other comments? ideas?

Don forgive my ignorance what do you mean by spill in relation to her (lovely) nose? I'm guessing it refers to light coming off the background and lighting her nose down its length.

Mike

it is exactly what he intends. Light that reflects off the background and illuminates the subject. Don is completely correct in saying that usually the subject should be further away in order not to have this effect, in this specific case, I happen to like the 'spill' (which btw i think is very controlled) and the effect on the model.
Nonetheless, I should try and buy a bigger flat, to have more shooting space!!!

Thanks Nathan

It isn't that the light is there...it is the amount of light...on this shot, it looks uncontrolled, and goes to solid white... could get the same edgelight without blowing the highlights was what I meant.

Hence move the model further from the reflected light source and aim for the two stops brighter so the added distance tames the reflected light - roughly speaking?

Mike

yep, that background is too hot, (maybee three+ stops brighter than the subject) and is also adding some flare and is washing out some of the hair on the model...

Thanks Don let's hope I remember this if I ever get shoot in a studio or with a background

Mike

1) I normally dont like this sort of lighting on female subjects but this one seems to work OK

2) great shot, I didn't notice the lighting on the nose till Don pointed it out, just shows you dont need eye contact for a good portrait, you just need caterpillars

3) Who shone the flashlight in her face? nice idea with the gels and hotspots and inclusion of the music, but go back to the drawing board with this one.

4) Cant really fault the lighting as I think its spot on, but I dont like the disapearing hand.

thank you for your comments.

re number 3: the model chose this overexposed shot because it is more artistic that the others of the series. all the others I have are perfectly lit, but this overexposure gives it a more interest look IMO.

here is an example!

[IMG]http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u332/nathanever82/3Blue.jpg[/IMG]

Tell her to stick to singing then

This last shot shows at least YOU know what your doing

hehehe
Nathan, have you got a video projector?
I've found a projector and smoke machine can be used on white backdrops to light some funky background effects...

I don't have one, but I will surely look into it. its a great idea!