[BityBabyNurse]

Ok. Here's my attempt at a high-key portrait with the lame light set up that I have (very pitiful, only 2 umbrellas and , don't laugh, 2 flood lights aimed at the backdrop) I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what brands, and such, to get some studio lights. This is the kind of portraits I want to do, and from what I've heard it's pretty difficult. Any input and advice, and advice on what lights to get (and a link) would be very helpful. I'm interested in 2 softboxes. On these pics, I was just mainly trying to test out the lights and practice so I just told the kids to get over there. C&C Here's my camera settings: on a Canon 5D: ISO 200, AV mode 3.5, Auto WB, and spot metering. (oh and please don't come down on me about calling it high-key, some say, I hear, that this isn't high-key stuff, but I just didn't know what else to call it)


Original, no editing:


Of course this one is edited a bit in PS. I've been depending on the histograms on my camera to give me a clue to if I'm close to a bright white.

[skipper954]

My gosh, I wish that I could do as well with the lighting. I don't know diddly squat about lighting, but you are certainly on the right track. Both images are quite good, with nice soft shadows giving depth and definition.

The one thing I might suggest is that you photoshop the lower eyelids of both kids a bit.

From my point of view, you may not have to spend any more money on lighting, but of course others more knowledgeable than I will weigh in.

skip

[bonniedidit]

I'm impressed! And I don't know squat about lighting either, but would love to learn more.

Good job!

[BityBabyNurse]

Originally Posted by skipper954

The one thing I might suggest is that you photoshop the lower eyelids of both kids a bit.


skip

Yeah, I know, my kids have fat eyelids and big eyes!

I shot about 250 pics just to get a couple good handful!

I thought that maybe the kids faces looked a little washed out, they kinda looked like they needed blood transfusions in the original.

[Markulous]

I'm another who'll own up to not knowing about studio lighting/setups (or even portraits!) but I've been having a think. Looking at how the light/shadows work I'd say you've cracked it with the general setup - would I be right in thinking you've a light upper left?

I'm guessing that there's nothing just above the camera, as this would soften the under eye shadow (as well as give catchlight, so needs careful siting).

Or am I a million miles out?

[silver]

it's doesn't look a million miles away to me,. you are right to use the histogram or setup the camera to be connected to a computer so the images are transferred directly to it on each shot (it's possible with some of the canon software but I don't know how!)

what lights do you have in the umbrellas is the output power adjustable?

1/50sec, f3.5, 200 iso.. ideally you'd want something like f8 with a reasonable shutter (1/50 is ok but a little quicker might be better)

Sil

[BityBabyNurse]

Originally Posted by silver

it's doesn't look a million miles away to me,. you are right to use the histogram or setup the camera to be connected to a computer so the images are transferred directly to it on each shot (it's possible with some of the canon software but I don't know how!)

what lights do you have in the umbrellas is the output power adjustable?

1/50sec, f3.5, 200 iso.. ideally you'd want something like f8 with a reasonable shutter (1/50 is ok but a little quicker might be better)

Sil

the umbrellas aren't adjustable they just have 150 watt daylight halogen bulbs. (hey, told you my lights suck) if I go to f8, will I have to increase my ISO too? I'm afraid I won't get enough light and fast enough shutter speed.

hmmm I'll have to figure that comp/camera deal out!

[silver]

5d should be good upto iso400 or higher really, I think the main issue are the shadows perhaps just try moving the umbrellas down a bit,. how far away are they from the subject?

the colours should be quite easy to fix,. if once you setup you shoot a grey card held at the same place as the subject it should make things easier (shoot raw will help in this case)

Sil

[VikingPhotography]

Lighting is spot on for the unprocessed shot and your photoshop editing job is also spot on. No issues here with the slight shadows underneath your subjects since that is to be expected and the shot would scream 'FAKE' without them (hint: our eyes and brain expect a certain amount of shadow to be present!)

As for shutter speeds - you should aim for around 1/125 sec minimum for photographing people to help eliminate any potential blurring from slight movements. If you need to bump up the ISO, then do so - there is no visually discernable quality difference between ISO 100 ~ 400 with the 5D.

Aperture values are subjective depending on what you want in focus and/or how much depth of field you require. If you're shooting wide, this is less of a problem but will rapidly show in headshots with mid-tele (75 ~ 105mm) ranges that are used for conventional "flattering" portraits.

For headshots, adequate depth of field on an FF dSLR such as the 5D is from f/5.6 upwards - this would get eyes, nose, ears etc. sharp for frontal or partial side portraits where the depth from nearest to farthest eye is considerable.

As to your dilemma about softboxes, read this and then consider if this is what you need or want to acheive. A shoot-through umbrella is often a good alternative.

I'd also advise looking into using gel filters for your lights so you can get creative and funky - great for older kids. Don't be afraid to explore different background types too - one of the most inventive (and easy to create) backgrounds that I ever saw for portrait lighting was this

• A thin hardwood board, about 5' x 7'
• Several dozen empty cola cans
• A fair bit of universal adhesive suitable for sticking metal to wood

Stick the cans to the board in a tight honeycomb pattern (no gaps!) with their bases facing up, stand the board vertically and at light it at angles from both sides with coloured gels on your strobes (blue and red work very well for this), light your subject the way you want them with strobes et voila! Instant unusual background made from materials that you'll probably have laying around.

I wish I could find an example image to show you but I can't for the life of me find it right now.

[BityBabyNurse]

Wow, thanks Viking,, You all have been very helpful!

[JMitchell]

Excellent start. I'm not a portrait 'tog, but I think these look like you've got the idea very well!

[Rob Barron]

I definitely wouldn't want you to PS the children's eyelids. Save that for the adults, kids are kids and they look how they look (pretty cute actually!). If anything, stick a reflector down below the camera angled towards their faces to soften the shadows under the eyes and the problem is solved.

Some excellent ideas from Viking, must give that multi-coke-can idea a go

Cheers,
Rob

[fionaB]

i like this and think u ahve nailed it pretty much! I would love to have a go at this sort of thing but its an impossibility given that i live in a dolls house! lol

Fi

[Davetherave]

Excellent bit of work in my opinion.

Exactly the kind of stuff i wanted to get in to. I bought the interfit ex150 kit (think it was called that) a while ago but never really got round to using it, this makes me want to drag it back out from under the bed and get cracking.

Still not sure what to do about this peice of card thingy to set the balance or something

Anyone give any advice please

Dave


Nice work Bitybabynurse

[Whipspeed]

Nice work, and to be honest, as good as I've seen in many a portrait photographers window. Agree with Rob about the reflector for the eyes, but this is a really lovely natural well lit