This is my first post and I have a few pictures for C&C. I’ve always had a passion for portrait photography and just purchased 2 Alien Bees. As an entry level photographer, I have so much to learn. I’ve already learned so much from all of you, but now it’s time to hear from you.
I received the lights on Monday, Tuesday I was taking pictures of a stuffed animal and on Wednesday I snapped a few pictures of my daughter, the ones below. I think I see a few things I’m doing wrong, but I need some help here and want some C&C before I get too far down the wrong path.
The same lightning is used in all the pictures. Main light to the camera right, bounce umbrella. I used a light meter at the subject, pointed directly at the light for F8 (iso 200, 1/250 shutter). Same for the background at the background where the light was on the floor with a 20° grid. I increased the darks in Lightroom and some light vingette.
What a cutie! And looks like you're doing pretty good for just getting started. I'd work on a little more light in those pretty little eyes (referring to the first two, of course), but other than that, not bad.
Your daughter is quite lovely and seems to enjoy the camera. Lucky you.
The first has, to my eye, a little too much space on the right. Perhaps not cutting off her right arm, camera left, would have helped balance the whole.
The second is lovely. Crooked, but lovely. The lighting looks fine to me.
The third, and final, is my favorite. I like the expression, true innocense is a lovely thing to see. You should hang on to this to look back upon when she is older and wiser.
Welcome to the forum. You are starting off strong and with a good attitude to learn and adjust what you are doing. That's good to see.
These three pictures are an excellent example of the importance of the angle of the main light on the subject.
In #1 & #2, you have dark eye sockets and 'dead eyes'. No sparkle, while the rest of her expression is fine.
The 3rd shot has her chin lifted and more light brightens the eyes and voila, the sparkle returns.
So the lesson here is to watch the eye shadowing and adjust the facial angle (or your lights) to ensure good light in the eyes.
Now a few nits. These are little things, much less important that the above.
#1 Too much space on the right. If she were looking to our right, a different story.
#2 Put the stool on the dropcloth and compose to not show us the rug.
#3 A little less on the right again in this one. Her head is turned that way, but she is not looking right. Also, and maybe more important, show more of the collar. A portrait shot may be better here. (I know, you had the cam on the tripod etc.)
lighting is actually pretty good. Work on your framing and cropping and you will be golden. #2 could show feet but is otherwise sophisticated and charming, and #3 to me is just cropped to close.
Great job
Doug
cute girl and looks like she had some fun letting Daddy take her pics.
as jim mentioned, if your eyes or eye sockets are dark (raccoon eyes) your light is too high so bring it down some or lift the angle of the head up or you could use a reflector in front and angled up to help also. good start and have fun
