Getting a new set of speedlights I had to test them out. The need to test them was only part of the issue. The more I thought about it, how can I ask people to feel comfortable in front of the camera when I hate being in front of the camera. So, out came the remote, up went the background and I took three snaps. Two of them were just too off on the lighting but this was the third one and as much as I don't want to hear negatives (have plenty of my own thoughts) I'm submitting it here.
I love to see photos of "normal people" instead of just the people who are obviously camera candy. I intend to take more portraits and had to feel that feeling they get so I can help direct for better shots.
I think this is dope. Maybe knock down the upper right corner BG to keep the focus on you, but the lighting is good, the expression is good. I dig it.
Thank you very much Matthew. I appreciate your comment. Yes I’ll drop down that light flaring on the background. It did bug my eye now that you mention it. Big thanks
I am also much happier behind the camera but find that self portraits are a great training opportunity. I am planning a series to test out various lighting options. Keep it up!
Yes, thats what I was doing. I have years of videography experience with lighting of different types but I'm working up my speed light work. As I said above, this was also about my asking others to take photos when I don't want to be in front of the image. It helps relate to their feeling and hopefully give me the skills to help them relax and come out of their shells.
It will be the first of many.
Not bad, but I do have a bit of critique that I think could be helpful.
1. The exposure on your face seems appropriate, but in my opinion, the positions of your lights need some adjusting.
As is, I am distracted by the 2 isolated shadows on the side of your nose. They are much darker in contrast to the rest of the shadows on your face, and they don't blend into any other areas of shadow. Dark, harsh shadows on the face are fine if you are going for a dramatic, bold look, but these spots kind of stand out in an odd way to me. It appears like you are being lit from multiple angles with harsh light sources. This eliminates the shadows on both sides of the face and forehead, and only leaves the shadows in the places where neither light fully reaches (i.e. the space between your nose and eye/cheek).
2. I agree with Matthew Teetshorn about the UR corner of the background. The folds in the fabric are a bit shiny.
3. How many speed lights did you use? When I first started learning flash photography, I bought 3 speed lights right away, and it was a mess. In all my preliminary tests, I kept trying to use all my lights at once because I had seen so many great photographers use multiple lights at once and I thought I could just do what they did. I failed hard. I quickly learned that a single, well placed key light is the foundation of a great portrait. Start with one light, and only add additional lighting once the key light is doing exactly what you want.
4. I don't say this because I think this is bad, in fact it looks kind of like a still frame from a twilight zone episode or something of that sort - from back in the day when they used massive hot lights in the old studios. That's cool. I only mention these things because I think this photo might have been even moodier and perhaps a bit deeper if you had more of a gradient of shadows across your face - and a good place to start with that is with just 1 light. Controlling multiple lights is fun and opens a world of possibilities, however, I am always more interested in the shadows created by the lights we use, because that's where dimension and depth is created - and that's why that nose shadow stood out to me immediately. If it was all intentional - I still think you created something awesome, with plenty of character and the look in your eyes is very engaging, but I may have done a few things differently.
Thanks for sharing - I look forward to seeing more of your work.
Excellent and the type of feedback we need around here more often. I agree with you on all points.
As to light choice,
base ambient room light was considered because I couldn't douse under circumstances
Two lights, one 45 off front right I believe about 4" higher and one behind to provide a bit of separation.
Moodier, I'll need to test out with a few subjects soon and see what I'm come up with. Single light photos I've done many of, and some tritones of friends. But I always used steady lighting that I capture instead of flash. I'm in the "avoid flash" category and that has to change to expand options.
Huge thanks for your points and I hope the upcoming shots reflect that input. Cheers
I'm glad to be of some help. At this point in my photography, I'd say I'm in the "mostly flash" category hahaha. I have to remind myself that "it's ok NOT to bring your flash sometimes, Alex!" I hope you have a good weekend, Chris.
Same to you!