I've been playing around with different lighting setups but I struggle with creating the contrast that I am looking for. You can see the attached image as an example. Does anyone have suggestions on how to go about this? Simply pulling blacks down or increasing contrast in post doesn't seem to give the results I'm looking for. Is it a dodge and burn issue or should I be looking at how I set up my lights? Thanks!
What type of modifier have you been using? I can't see all the way into the catchlight here but a beauty dish would be a good start
Could be a combination of everything.
If you want more contrast, use a smaller light, or move the light away from her a bit more (the further it is, the harder and more contrast you will get), or stick a grid/snoot on the light to direct it better. The light is blasting everywhere in this photo.
In post, do a lot more dodging and burning and increase the contrast using curves. Look at luminosity masking as well to specifically select and adjust the shadows or highlights.
Incidentally, what do you think of the contrast of this other photo in your folio? https://fstoppers.com/photo/112052
Hope that helps!
Jordan and Wayne, thanks for both of you comments. You are totally right. I used an octobox overhead. A beauty dish would do a better job. Also, I do like the contrast slightly better in the second photo that you posted, Wayne. Your comment made me realize that I put the modifier much further away in that photo and didn't blast the light everywhere. I've been trying to create that soft light by moving the modifier closer but not realizing that it isn't giving me the contrast that I want. I'll try pulling it back a bit and put a grid on the modifier ... and repost to get your feedback. Thanks again for taking the time to comment. Greatly appreciated!