So im trying this off camera strobist thing again, was not much of a portrait kinda guy. Used 580ex with shoot through umbrella and SB26 with soft silver along with a home made reflector from aluminum foil and foam core. Camera canon 5d, lens 28-70L and 135L . I think i did allright
I especially like some of the expressions shown here. Nice moments.
And...I also like the warmth shown in the skin. THAT is something often missing in flashed photos.
I don't usually ask about flash equipment use. But, your post says you used two flashes and a reflector in the "strobist" style. However you used them or however many you used, the effect (light) is very nice in the images.
In fact, I think it looks far better than I have seen in the often posted "My first strobist attempt" posts here. So you "have it down."
Would you tell us how you placed the "two" flashes? And your trigger method might help some folks too. And...did the warmth come from PP or gels or what?
One image appears to have used the reflector below the face. I only ask this as so many people seem to have difficulty with ratios when using multiple small flashes and your examples are so nicely lit I think they might prove inspirational to others who want to use similar gear.
So often what I notice in other posts is "too hot" light coming from behind (hot hair light) and "crossed flashes/shadows." Yours don't have that and I think that makes them exemplary.
Of course some folks here at FM won't need to know that. Some folks might not want to share that either, especially if they make money selling lighting "workshops." But, I think if you use these images as examples, it would really help the many people who are trying "strobist" (off camera one or two small flash) type work.
I hope these comments and observations help and encourage you.
(not that it appears you need any help. )
Great job! It's unusual to see someone exercise such finesse this early in the game. Umbrellas do a gorgeous job of modeling when used correctly, like here. I especially like #3. Notice how the kicker just kisses the jaw line, creating separation but done with much subtlety.
Very nice, with all the things to consider, I can understand the necklace and how easy it to look past such a small thing and have it jump out at you at first glance.
I did see it first like others..but really they are great!!
Don
-the main light was at 1/8th power with a shoot through umbrella
-the kicker light from behind was bounced from a soft silver umbrella at 1/4th power
(think i adjusted power slightly sometimes)
-camera settings usually 1/50 f 7.1 - f 8 iso 100. Have to do 1/50 cause i get some wacky radio interference with anything faster.
Some shots i had the model holding a home made foam core board wrapped in crumbled aluminum foil on their lap ( shot 1 ).
The lights were triggered by the infamous 16 channel ebay wireless trigger set. http://tinyurl.com/6koyam along with some cords from flashzebra.
As far as the warm effect on the second pic, i just kicked up the white balance in the camera. No gels. Seemed to work just fine. I originally packed my bags full of gels but decided not to use them.
I think my previous failures of photographing women can be attributed to a harsh key light. Slap on a nice shoot through umbrella and we get a soft light which they like.
Steady Hand wrote:
Excellent portraits.
Beautiful models and beautiful images.
Well done.
I especially like some of the expressions shown here. Nice moments.
And...I also like the warmth shown in the skin. THAT is something often missing in flashed photos.
I don't usually ask about flash equipment use. But, your post says you used two flashes and a reflector in the "strobist" style. However you used them or however many you used, the effect (light) is very nice in the images.
In fact, I think it looks far better than I have seen in the often posted "My first strobist attempt" posts here. So you "have it down."
Would you tell us how you placed the "two" flashes? And your trigger method might help some folks too. And...did the warmth come from PP or gels or what?
One image appears to have used the reflector below the face. I only ask this as so many people seem to have difficulty with ratios when using multiple small flashes and your examples are so nicely lit I think they might prove inspirational to others who want to use similar gear.
So often what I notice in other posts is "too hot" light coming from behind (hot hair light) and "crossed flashes/shadows." Yours don't have that and I think that makes them exemplary.
Of course some folks here at FM won't need to know that. Some folks might not want to share that either, especially if they make money selling lighting "workshops." But, I think if you use these images as examples, it would really help the many people who are trying "strobist" (off camera one or two small flash) type work.
I hope these comments and observations help and encourage you.
(not that it appears you need any help. ) ...Show more →
That is the kind of informative post (the example photos and the description of how it was done) that I think WILL help many forum visitors and members.
I fully understand the methods you used and yet, I expect that the diagram and the description of the simple tools used and technique (in camera WB warming) will be helpful to many others who may view this. And that...adds to the value of this community (IMHO).
From my POV, the description of the tools (and diagrams) are interesting...but more importantly...they show that a simple setup and technique can yield outstanding images.
So many people who are just starting out in "portraits" struggle and expect that they have to have a massive set or studio or large studio flash or tons of experience or workshops in order to create effective (and beautiful) images of their family or friends. Your example should show them that wonderful results are possible. Of course, this is not "diminishing" your skill/talent/eye. Just that it does not require the gear and space so often assumed.
I hope and expect that your post here will help many people. That is a good thing.
Lovely all around.
Thanks for sharing.
Very nice light and posing.
Your skin tones are particularly masterful.
May I ask you a couple questions regarding your color plan?
1/ Are you using a Canon white balance or are you using a custom balance?
2/ Gray card?
3/ Are you shooting Raw or JPEGS?
4/ If raw what program are you using.
Thanks in advance,
George
You may find it hard to believe but, I just set the white balance to cloudy in camera. And for the second pic may have been 7200k custom wb ill have to review the files to double check. No gray cards were used, or any color correction. I recognize and in the past struggled with canon white balance and color spilling from walls. Let's just say i was lucky and it all worked out. I shot raw and used adobe camera raw with the beta canon profiles "neutral 2". I only added some vibrance and vignetting. The rest was some skin smoothing.
george disario wrote:
Lovely all around.
Thanks for sharing.
Very nice light and posing.
Your skin tones are particularly masterful.
May I ask you a couple questions regarding your color plan?
1/ Are you using a Canon white balance or are you using a custom balance?
2/ Gray card?
3/ Are you shooting Raw or JPEGS?
4/ If raw what program are you using.
Thanks in advance,
George
Thanks for your generous reply.
I will check out my system to see if I can follow.
I have been struggling for ever with Canon color tones (particularly too much red in skin).
So what are "beta canon profiles"?
Where do I find "neutral 2"?
Are you speaking of the in camera "picture style" or something else within Adobe that is escaping me?
Adobe has recognized the color problems with Adobe Camera Raw. In turn they have created profiles which come close to matching the camera's digital signal processor. Not only do they produce virtually identical colors to DPP, but skin tones look much better out of the box. Neutral beta 2 is my fav.
george disario wrote:
Thanks for your generous reply.
I will check out my system to see if I can follow.
I have been struggling for ever with Canon color tones (particularly too much red in skin).
So what are "beta canon profiles"?
Where do I find "neutral 2"?
Are you speaking of the in camera "picture style" or something else within Adobe that is escaping me?
I don't know how I miss this post? WOW! Nice work all around! I like #2 but #1 and #3 just jump off the screen at me. Love the lighting and the post work. Keep up the great work.
Thanks guys
)