reflections of Melissa

[jetrim]

A couple from a recent shoot. Room for improvement? (specifically wondering if I need to knock back the red in the first one, and if the soft focus effect is too strong)

[PhilF]

sweet... I like the soft focus effect.

Jet... what was your light setup in pic 2... I have problems with dark haired subjects separating black backgrounds...any tips?

[jetrim]

Second shot employed side lighting. There's a 42" shoot through umbrella to camera right about 1/3 above subject and a "kicker" to camera left placed a little behind, about level with her head using a 7" reflector with a 40 degree grid to keep light from spilling onto the background. The light on the left is set 1/2 stop below one on right. (key light , right, also has a 4'x8' bookend gobo to prevent spill onto backdrop)

[PhilF]

Second shot employed side lighting. There's a 42" shoot through umbrella to camera right about 1/3 above subject and a "kicker" to camera left placed a little behind, about level with her head using a 7" reflector with a 40 degree grid to keep light from spilling onto the background. The light on the left is set 1/2 stop below one on right. (key light , right, also has a 4'x8' bookend gobo to prevent spill onto backdrop)

hmmmm.....so you are saying you were using 2 lights here... a key light with STU plus a "bookend gobo" AND a kicker on the left with 7"reflector + grid, correct?

Now, when you say bookend gobo? what exactly did you use. Do you have a pic of this setup?

BTW...what material did you use for the floor? looks super shiny.

[Grandpaw]

I do not have any experience in this type of photography but personally it looks great just like you have it, Jeff

[jetrim]

hmmmm.....so you are saying you were using 2 lights here... a key light with STU plus a "bookend gobo" AND a kicker on the left with 7"reflector + grid, correct?

Correct

Now, when you say bookend gobo? what exactly did you use. Do you have a pic of this setup?

Larger photo supply houses (and artist supply houses - but they're more expensive) carry 1/4" foam core in 4'x8' sheets that's black on one side and white on the other. Take 2pc and tape them together along one of the long sides with Gaffer tape - this creates a hinge use the white side to bounce or reflect light and the black side to absorb or block light. With the taped hinge, they can be adjusted to any angle you want and will stand on their own, then fold flat for storage. They don't have to be as big as the one described here - I also have 2 sets in 2'x7' which are easier to transport for location work. I don't have a photo of the setup, but could get one if you're really interested.

BTW...what material did you use for the floor? looks super shiny.

Used gloss black Formica on top of a conference table (cost about $35 at any cabinet supply - twice that at Home Depot)

[gahspidy]

Nice work, Jet. Love the first one for the lighting,pose and eye contact. Second one is also very good but does not speak to me as well as the first. not sure why, but i thik its not being able to see the face and eyes which is not always important but i think would help a little more here.
Excellent work