Hi I am new to the group and was hoping for some feedback. This was my first attempt at trying to shoot with this style of lighting. I shot with one soft box, but Im wondering if I should have had a second light for some separation? Thoughts?
Hi I am new to the group and was hoping for some feedback. This was my first attempt at trying to shoot with this style of lighting. I shot with one soft box, but Im wondering if I should have had a second light for some separation? Thoughts?
my personal opinion is yes, whenever you use a solid black background and the person or object bleeds into the background is it is a good ideal to use a reflector of second light to separate the object from the background, thus giving shape to the object. Even if the reflection is minimum that little amount does a lot visually. Unless your intention is to merge the object to the background a slight separation is nice. There isn't a rule that states it should be separated, just visually it looks better.
In the first image her arm shoulder, face and hair on her right side is lost.
In the second image, it's a little better, however, the hair and the right side could have been better.
Thanks Jon ;)
Being a noob I won't attempt to give a pro cc. Visually I lean towards agreeing with Jon Miller's comment. While on this specific genre/lighting topic I'd like to share a lighting set up I read about and plan on trying. If nothing else it may give more ideas to work with. Try having the model up on something (desk, coffee table, get creative) put the platform out at least three feet from the background draping the background to the floor then up over the platform. Use your preference in lighting and add a small light on the floor behind the platform and model. It should give good separation without changing the lighting. Would be great to see more cc on this topic.
Depends entirely on the effect you wish to make. I've seen this done either way to great effect. When in doubt, shoot both ways, and select the image(s) you like best.
Your single light method works well, especially if the model has features best hid. Rim lighting for separation work well when you wish to accent all of the model's curves.
btw, you do not necessarily need a second light. Perhaps a large reflector can add that separation for you.
Just like all rules though, they are there to be broken by someone who knows what they are doing. So if you don't have a second light or want to fade the model into black then you should use it to your advantage and to effect. As is, she is a bit patchy when she fades into the background, but a smother transition could look really good. I am sure someone here has played around with this before and might have a good example.
Speak of the devil - Here is a good example from this same forum: https://fstoppers.com/groups/10608/nude-art-photography/153296/diviana