A few weeks ago I posted asking for some feedback on a personal project, and since I’ve been really focusing on trying to perfect the lighting for it. Just wanted to post in here another time to make sure I’m on the right track because I’ve never really done anything like this before. The photo with people in it is V1 and the one without is the most recent version. Final photo will have people in it again and I was thinking about keeping the lamp off in the final photo to keep the ominous feel intact.
Just some thoughts....
In the top picture, I assume with your final image you won't have the water bottles and other distractions. A person's eyes goes to the brightest part of the picture, so the lamp and fish tank are obvious draws.
For the bottom image, I feel it is much too bright to feel ominous. Use less light from the window and from your fill flash. Perhaps you could use a snoot and highlight the person's eyes. If you watch the old Hitchcock films, look at how he uses light on the face to dramatize the scene.
I think this is an interesting concept and look forward to seeing the final images.
Appreciate the helpful insight, will definitely take all these things into consideration!