Out of practice - any help would be great.

[BamaFru]

Ah. Got the ratio. I had 2 hot lights on either side of her and the hairlight. They have two levels - on or off. Anyway, I have some wiggle room but not much the room is 10'2"x12'4". I only have a few options with angles due to door ways. Luckily the rail circles around about 2 feet on either side so I might be able to adjust. We may add to this to cover the front window at some point. Maybe I can get my lights suspended next so I have a little more floor space.

I will experiment with angles. This was good info, THANKS!

[Asylum Steve]

Thanks for showing the setup. I've asked posters to include that whenever possible. Guess I'd better finally get that FAQ/posting guidelines up, eh?

There are two things you can do to try to accomplish what I suggested. One is to move both hot lights to the same side. That will be your key. Then use a reflector on the other side to fill the shadows a bit.

The other thing is to keep the setup the way it is now, but modify one of the hot lights so less illumination reaches the subject. Any kind of darker translucent fabric in front of it will cut down on the output. Fiberglass screen material is good.

Either of these techniques will force the light to be uneven (in a good way) to create a ratio and add depth to the shot...

[BamaFru]

I will definately try all of these things. I may even try to paint my wall a brown or gray to have the 3rd background option or cut and dye part of my white backdrop. I'm leaning towards painting until I can purchase more backdrops...bucket of paint much cheaper.

The lighting tips will be very helpful to me! I do have a few ideas on diffusing the lights - will let you know how that all turns out.

If I can get my daughter to cooperate, I may even try this weekend.

[photophorous]

I don't know if you have Hobby Lobby where you are, but you probably have something similar. They have many different colors of 42" wide muslin that sells for about $4 a yard. I know that's not very wide, but for about $12 per color it might be a cheap alternative for head & shoulder shots.

I've been trying to learn about lighting and I found this thread and your photo helpful.

Thanks to you and Steve.

Paul

[Sebastian]

Consider paper, 30-some bucks for a roll goes a long way.

[BamaFru]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I will continue to experiment. Hobby lobby is a blessed 10 miles away...along with MANY fabric stores...eBay is closer!

Here I changed the hair light to an attempt at a rim light with white background (wrinkled white muslin).

Unfortunately, my daughter is otherwise occupied so my new victim was somewhat cooperative. My set up was the same except the hairlight/rimlight. I know he's a little blown out but WOW what a difference the background makes!

I will keep trudging on...I've been commissioned for high school portraits (on the cheap) and want to be ready.