Beginner First use of reflector

[Major]

Hello folks.

Today I bought my first reflector - Lastolite gold/soft silver, 50cm. Of course had to try it out, so asked my daughter politely if she'd go with me ("How much would another session cost me?"). I must admit I've never even held one before and as silly as it sounds, had to go through a crash course on how to fold it back . Anyway, here is result of our short walk today. She had one of the dresses I like, but decided it will be nice to nick my work jacket .

DSC_9848 by Tom Major

DSC_9793 by Tom Major

I could say I am quite happy with the effect, but looking at them two photos, how could I improve? As always I will be grateful for any pointers.

On photo no 1, that purple-ish hue on top of Julia's head, is that normal when shooting against the sun? Or is it something else?

On photo no 2, most of shadows visible on her skin, is stuff like this acceptable or does it just make her look like she had an argument with the shower?

When using golden side, is it acceptable to have white clothes falling into yellow-ish due to reflected sunlight? Or should I avoid using this side when shooting model in white clothes?

On photo 2, her left eye - would you clone out that catchlight on white?


Thanks for popping in.

Regards,
Tom

PS. I know her hair is far from perfect. Tried all I could to make it look nicer, but I am not hair dresser

 

[Damo88]

looks great mate, I'm no expert my self, I would personally clone out but it all down to personal taste, I've deffo learned that if you are happy with them then thats all that matters, everyone will always have a difference of opinion

 

[Major]

Thank you very much for comment @Damo88.

I am happy with them, they look so much different than all the photos I took so far ("your best shot is the one you'll take tomorrow" ), but I also would like to start taking photos on a bit higher level than just typical album stuff you put into the drawer and never take out again, unless you move .

I would like to add two more, again taken using reflector - and I'd hope someone will criticise them, so I can learn more . Again, main subject was my daughter, this time went more for headshots only. The points I am interested to improve include correct light (did I use reflector correctly, or did I make her look unnatural etc?), correct framing,and if possible general good/bad points .

3.

DSC_9972
by Tom Major

4.
[url=https://flic.kr/p/Vh91YZ]
DSC_9876
by Tom Major, on Flickr

Photo 3 - I know she looks moody on this one, that was the plan . Seemed very fitting in that light.
Photo 4 - I failed terribly with her hair again, sadly noticed it during PP.

So excluding hiring stylist, what should I work on?

Cheers,
Tom[/URL]

 

[Durbs]

In both #1 and #3, the colours don't look quite right to me... Not sure if it's PP, but they both have a smidge of over-redness to them, which I wasn't going to comment on in case it was a sunburn or somesuch, however it's noticeably absent in #2 and #4...

Personally (as a long-standing keen amateur), I don't use the gold-side when the sun is low, as the light is golden enough, so adding the gold reflector to this takes it too far. Rather I use the gold side when the light is too flat/white to essentially fake golden-hour lighting.

In #1 and #2 in particular, the background and rim-lights are already nicely golden, so think the silver side would've been sufficient to make her glow.

All are nicely framed IMO, #4 to me is the best, though i know some prefer more DOF for a portrait (both eyes / entire face in focus), #1 in second place. I don't mind blown highlights, some do.

#3 for me doesn't quite do it for me - It might make a good low-key mono shot, but to me it's too underexposed. Also the colour issue I mentioned earlier too - I just noticed her hair thingy (?) is pink in one, and red in the other. So perhaps white-balance, in-camera processing or PP has upped the red too much?

 

[Major]

As to the over saturated reds - it must be down to camera settings, I noticed some ghosting in various tonnes of red/purple and binned many shots because of that. None of these shots had added any colours in PP.

Good pointer about the golden reflector and DoF on both eyes/entire face.

I had a go at increasing exposure for #3, but thought it didn't look right when it was brighter, so left it as it was. However thank you for your opinion.

I will have to have a look at settings again. Thank you so much for your time and post. Very valuable information indeed!

 

[Damo88]

No problem mate im in the same boat as you, i love number 4 tbh yes here far eye isnt in focus but i also did a shot with my niece and her eye wasnt in focus and one was but the point is it looks stunning.

The moody one i still would of increased shadows or exposure more as the moody look is good but also it all seems too dull so it doesnt take my eye.

I think a flash light would of gone better in the first one (if you didn't use one), doesn't look like you did, but the flash light would of caught nice catchlight in her eyes and brightened the background more and the reflector would have given a nice tone.

this is mine I'm on about, it isn't perfect in focus, but my niece is blind so trying to focus her attention was difficult anyway but I split second caught her like this and wham. but I'm really happy with it.

Lilly (1 of 1) by damen ford, on Flickr

 

[Major]

That is one beautiful photo mate. And given the circumistances, I would be really happy with it if it was my shot!

I didn't use the flashlight, only reflector. I'm trying to improve more and more and learn and read about new techniques, so I guess I'll get there at some point .

Thank you all so much for pointers and citique! Much appreciated!

 

[juggler]

Nice work
I wouldn’t worry about the minor details you’ve mentioned.

You might get more feedback if you ask a mod to move this to People & Portraits.

Something to think about when using a reflector.. is it the main light source for the face, is it for fill or is it for something else (an accent light)?

If it's the main source (as in #1) then you'll get more natural looking results by having it above the subject and pointing down. If it's doing a different job then put it where you need it.

I usually start with a white reflector before going to silver if needed – for more light or more contrast. Don’t be tempted to bend the reflector to get more light. Or rather, if you do be aware that it can give very uneven results.

I can count the number of times I’ve used gold on 2 fingers, but it’s a while since I’ve done any outdoor portraits. If I had a soft gold or combined gold/silver reflector I might use that occasionally.

 

[Major]

@juggler

Thank you for your input.

I found out about holding reflector above subject after I took this photo. Next day to be precise. But when I did, I convinced myself quickly that effects are much better. Didn't think I could actually bend it to get more light, thanks to your tip will avoid it for now, at least until I know what I'd doing with light.

Many people say they would pick white or silver over gold - and the reasons seem to be quite valid. White reflector is on my shopping list already, I am very curious how it compares to the rest of them. My first battle with it might actually happen today, friends invited me for a newborn session

I like the sunlite though, the light it gives is amazing, but then again, I am new to that.

Cheers

 

[Damo88]

That is one beautiful photo mate. And given the circumistances, I would be really happy with it if it was my shot!

I didn't use the flashlight, only reflector. I'm trying to improve more and more and learn and read about new techniques, so I guess I'll get there at some point .

Thank you all so much for pointers and citique! Much appreciated!

Thanks alot mate , im still learning my self with it all but if you need small advise on how i use my flash and what i have just drop me a pm.