First go with new off camera flash kit

Robclarke

Robclarke

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Hi I had a chance to have a go with my new softbox and umbrella. I did a self portrait for practice before I try with some more photogenic models!

I am looking for tips on how I can improve the lighting.


IMG_7160.jpg by biotecbob, on Flickr
 
Yes I think you might be right now I review it again. Not really sure why as I used Ttl and +1 stop of flash exposure comp.
 
Lighting details are:

Key light 580 ex ii in Ezybox softbox camera high left, 580 ex ii in reflective unberella camera right angled down so as not to spill onto background, 430 ex ii with honeycomb grid as hair/rim light (not quite on target!).

Triggered using pop up flash of the 7d.

ETTL metering I think the ratio was 8:1.

Any tips/observations/critique would be greatfully received. I am trying to get the hang of this before I try with some better looking models:)
 
They are just too dark. some thoughts if you dont mind:

Think about how the light is spilling onto your subject, Its ok to have contrast images like you have posted but it needs to be proportional.
By that I mean if you have the lower half of your subject well light but not the face - then its not really working.

Focus on lighting the face first above everything else, forget about the background spill and forget about the bottom half - just the face.

switch to 2 lights ,forget about 3 for now and go manual on them - ettl is just not the way to go imo.
 
of these, the first and second are lots better, the 3rd has a hotspot on the face from what should be a rimlight (even on the first 2 the rimlight is a bit hot).

I'd like to see how these came out of the camera and have a go at processing them, I've got a feeling your sepia conversion is sucking some of the life out of your images. All the tones are bunched up in the middle.

The good news is you've got a willing model who's confident in front of the camera.
 
Thanks for the feedback. I am very pleased to receive it. I agree that the hair/rim light was too bright. I think I had it at -3 exposure compensation which is as low as it can go. Also in hindsight I can see that is was not angled perfectly particularly in the last.

I did increase contrast in post as I thought it was not dramatic enough.

It would be great if you could have a go at editing them. How can I get you the files?
 
If you post an original colour jpeg on Flickr I'll have a go with one. I'm no PP expert BTW, I just know what looks 'right' and these look like they could have been done better.

I've found the colour versions on Flickr - I'll have a go later.
 
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I brightened the mid tones and levelled the exposures a bit, brought some detail back into the blown highlights, a bit of skin smoothing and then B&W conversion, then sharpened.

Like I said, I'm no expert at PP, but hopefully this is a bit of a cleaner conversion.
websize.jpg


I can email you the larger file if you PM me your email address.
 
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