My first attempt with backlighting

Alison · 06-06-2006, 03:49 PM

I know why the first image is a little hazey. It's because I didn't shade my lens

(And I know the fence is crooked lol)

I'm pretty pleased at how they turned out considering it is my first attempt.

As always your thoughts please.
TIA

yogestee · 06-07-2006, 03:36 AM

Hi Alison,,,,in Froggy Speak its call "Contre Jour" or "against the light" in English....Good attempt...Backlit situations are difficult and lens flair can be a problem,,you have controlled lens flair ok....It appears you used fill flash which worked well here and the contrast was controlled quite well..Sure there are a few burned out areas especially in the hair but this is expected with backlighting..The last B/W has been processed a bit too contrasty for my liking but is easily fixed with PS etc...I also like the angle in this one..

Jurgen
Australia

Alison · 06-07-2006, 04:05 AM

Hi Jurgen

In the 3 B&W images I only used my pop up flash because I didn't think any of them would turn out as keepers. If I had known they would turn out as good as they did, I may have used a reflector or my 430EX flash and diffuser.

Is the image below any better contrast wise?

Maybe I'll take a few more soon. Get some more practise in

Thank you for your CC.

Glycerin19 · 06-07-2006, 06:51 AM

Wow those are really nice. I really like your posts especially since I love to shoot my own kids with natural lighting. You always do such a beautiful job!

yogestee · 06-07-2006, 03:46 PM

Hi Alison,,,the little pop up flash on the 20D/350D does a great job as fill flash especially in close quarter portraits as yours..As much as possible I try to use a reflector but is difficult when working alone..Reflectors are so easy to use and control the light..
The second image is a bit better but still punchy,,,hey it suits the subject matter..All said and done your are willing to experiment and have a go...I find some of your work exquisit.

Jurgen
Australia

**Asylum Steve** · 06-07-2006, 03:55 PM

Hi Alison, I think these are great! Stylish portraits almost always require being brave enough to go against the grain...

I especially like the second one, mainly because it is the most natural. In the other ones, the fill flash is very apparent, and it gives them a more commercial look. Not better or worse, just different.

BTW, contrast is a subjective thing. The "hot hair" from the backlight does not bother me, but it would easy enough to soften the contrast of these shots to give more tone to it...

poker · 06-07-2006, 04:11 PM

Nice job for a first time. I love this type portrait lighting. I try to do it every chance I get. What was your technique in getting the proper exposure? I like to zoom into or get close to the face, then hit the AE lock and recompose. If I need to slightly adjust, I increase/decrease exp compensation.

Worse case scenario, I would dodge the face in PS

Beautiful work. I like the color version in the grass the most.

mpreslar · 06-09-2006, 02:36 PM

WOW! They are all wonderfully done and the exposure on the face in #2 is just about perfect! Bravo!

**mtbbrian** · 06-11-2006, 01:36 PM

These are great, I like the different angles you used.
I think the best one is the color one, because there is some seperation between her blue jacket and the dark background. Plus, I like the warmth from the light.
Brian

Alison · 06-11-2006, 03:51 PM

Wow!!! I got a sticky!!!
That made me almost jump out of my chair!
I'm in shock!
Thank you so much!

Sorry Manacsa forgot to answer your question. Thank you so much for the tip about going right up to the face and metering etc. I actually metered on a white cowboy hat lol. I shall try your technique next time.

Marty - thank you so much for the compliments.

mtbbrian - thank you also for the compliments, and yes, I see what you mean about the blue seperating her from the bg. Something for me to bare in mind when making decisions on whether to leave an image colour.

payn817 · 06-11-2006, 04:03 PM

Congrats Alison, well deserved.

CLKunst · 06-11-2006, 05:05 PM

Yeah Ali! Congratulations!!!

mpreslar · 06-11-2006, 11:36 PM

Whoohoo! Congrats Ali! A well deserved honor!

freygr · 06-12-2006, 12:25 PM

The one color photo doesn't stand out, but the B&W are out standing. I'm a fan of KISS.

Alison · 06-13-2006, 09:48 AM

Wow! And now a featured Photo too!
I am very honoured.
Thank you so much!

livin4lax09 · 06-14-2006, 09:05 AM

alison,
very nice job. I am really starting to love the look of backlit portraits, and the fill flash helps to catch the spark in the eye as well. these are very nice.

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