Any comments are welcomed. I finally got around to purchasing a strobe set (have to do my part for the struggling economies...), and did some portraits for friends.
1. IF you are "just starting out" or have "just got my first set of studio flash" then don't start off with a low key look and a black background.
2. Start with a "mid-tone" background and one light. I recommend a plain wall or a roll of seamless paper as a good start. Avoid things with wrinkles, texture, patterns or colors. Avoid sheets, blankets, and typical "muslins." The reason is simple: you want to see the light pattern on the face/figure and background.
3. Learn to see the "light and shadow" patterns on the face and figure and background.
4. Learn to meter with smaller meter areas.
5. Keep it very simple.
6. When you feel confident with the one light/flash, then add a second one or a reflector. I suggest the reflector first. Master it. Continue as a progression.
i agree with steady-the first needs a 2nd light to bring him out from the background-as you learn lighting, you'll come across the terms hairlight and kicker, which are essentially the same thing-or you could light the background separately-the idea is to clearly outline the subject and make it clear that they are separate from the background-don't worry, that will come in time
the 2nd shot is great-i don't care that she falls into shadow-it's very dramatic and i love the lighting pattern you chose-it's a great image, regardless of whether you're just starting out or not
On the first picture, the second light is there, but dim. He had a cut beside his left eye, and I wanted to hide it. I will take your suggestion re: the black background and work on it.
Trent these are great, especially the 2nd shot. As Daniel said, the first one really needs a second light to create separation between the subject and background. I would go ahead and get a reflector to use for fill, but great start. Can't wait to see more.
