First time with a portable studio, criticism appreciated
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Gustaf Lindber
Registered: Jun 09, 2007
Total Posts: 471
Country: Sweden

So after trying to learn how to take pictures of people I stumbled over the strobist blog and got hooked straight away. I bought a used SB-24 and SB-25 to compliment my SB-800 and then invested in some cheap umbrellas, stands and radio triggers from eBay.
I also made some rasters from straws and ordered a bunch of gels.
So this is the result of my first two tries with my new portable studio.

First off, a couple of pictures of a gang of live action role-players.

Shoot through to the right of the model.

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Shoot through to behind me and a bare flash to the left with failed to illuminate the rock.

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Shoot through to my right and a bare flash behind the model to light the rock.

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Same as above.

This image is copyrighted by the owner

I think it's cross lit with shoot through to the right and silver to the left.

Next is a couple of pictures of a friend in the university bomb shelter and basement. Here I tried the gels.

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Magenta gel to light the wall behind her and shoot through to my left to light her face.
This image is copyrighted by the owner

Shoot through to light her and a silver umbrella to light the background.
This image is copyrighted by the owner

Shoot thorough only.
This image is copyrighted by the owner

Shoot through to light her and red gel to light the background.

I'm pretty happy with the result but I know there's lots more to learn so I was hoping I could get some constructive criticism on the pictures.

Thanks in advance

Gustaf Lindber
Registered: Jun 09, 2007
Total Posts: 471
Country: Sweden

There, updated with working pictures.

chaswes7
Registered: Mar 08, 2008
Total Posts: 32
Country: United States

You have the hang of it. You may want to invest in a reflector and I found Kirk Tuck's book, "Minimalist Lighting" useful.

Gustaf Lindber
Registered: Jun 09, 2007
Total Posts: 471
Country: Sweden

I've been considering a reflector after seeing the magic one can do but they are rather expensive for a piece of fabric on a metal frame and I would have to buy a stand for it since I don't have an assistant.
Which ones are best to get? The round 5-in-1 version, the round with silver/gold or maybe one of the rectangular ones?

RobertLynn
Registered: Jan 05, 2008
Total Posts: 10285
Country: United States

I have 2 reflectors. I have 2 5-in-1's, but I only ever use it one of two ways.

Silver, or diffuser. If you want just a silver reflector you could make one yourself. Cardboard/foamcore and aluminum foil.

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