p.1 #1 · Dogs on white background... CC wanted please!
Over the last week or two I've taken a few 'studio' portraits of the family pets. I deliberately put studio in inverted commas because it's all very improvised. Consisting of a couple of budget manual speedlights with wireless triggers, a couple of reflectors and light stands and two sheets of light white plastic boards. (Not sure what the hardware store called it. Posterboard maybe?)
I'm sort of pleased with these shots in as far as that they are 'OK' results for something I have no experience of - meaning flash lighting.
But they are far from perfect.
So, to all the experts here, what could/should be done differently? I have a few ideas, but I'd really like to hear how you would do it.
I should add at this point that I have taken the background to pure white in Glimpse (my current PS alternative), because (a) the white board wasn't big enough; (b) the join where the vertical board met the floor was untidy; and (c) I like the look of the white background. I can give more details if anyone's interested, but I don't think I'm going about getting a clean background the right way
The first and third images are lit with just one light, left of camera, the second was using two.
edit: I've only just realized when I saw them side by side what a big colour difference there is between the last two. It was a different camera... but I should fix it.
p.1 #2 · Dogs on white background... CC wanted please!
Steven, these shot are well done. The focus and the poses are good as well. The lighting is also handled well also.
It seems to me that the white background is a bit stark for for an animal shoot. Or maybe it;'s the high-key appearance is too much for the dogs. Maybe better shadows might help alleviate the sorta floating in space look.
I'd rather see a very OOF busy background outdoors where animals are more at home than in a studio. Maybe it's just me?! LoL
But they are nice shots of the dogs themselves!
John
p.1 #3 · Dogs on white background... CC wanted please!
Thanks John, very glad to get your opinion.
Fully understand what you're saying about the white background being a bit much, although I sort of like it for this particular set, it's something that could get old pretty quickly...
Shadows - yes, that's one of the biggest problems I have personally with these. Trouble is, I wasn't able to keep the shadows natural-looking while still tidying up the problems in the background. The best I could do was to go all the way, more or less.
Is there a 'usual' way to get a clean background without a 'join' between the wall and the floor so as to speak?
I have seen a flexible material being bent up the wall, to get a smooth curve, but not entirely sure what to use, if I try that.
Finally, here's a less organized shot in more natural surroundings
p.1 #4 · Dogs on white background... CC wanted please!
I agree with JohnSil on the background. It does nothing to make the images emotive. You should have a purpose for using a pure white background. Otherwise you run the risk of having your portraits look like mug shots for a police lineup. I've done that before, so I know.
Technically they're good images, but think environmental (in their environment like the shot in the field) or a color combination that compliments their colors or something that adds more warmth, dimensionality, mood to the photos. Hope that makes sense.
p.1 #5 · Dogs on white background... CC wanted please!
Both members suggestions well formulated! These children seem so relaxed with you. I love natural backgrounds for my children. Seems when I put a manmade bg near them they get a bit antsy!
Love them all anyway Steven! Eyes into the human soul they are!
Dan
p.1 #6 · Dogs on white background... CC wanted please!
storyteller, Dan, thanks both for your feedback. About the background, yes that does indeed make sense. Something to work on next time! But I'm glad to know that at least technically speaking I haven't made any big mistakes. Encouraging...
story_teller wrote:
I agree with JohnSil on the background. It does nothing to make the images emotive. You should have a purpose for using a pure white background. Otherwise you run the risk of having your portraits look like mug shots for a police lineup. I've done that before, so I know.
Technically they're good images, but think environmental (in their environment like the shot in the field) or a color combination that compliments their colors or something that adds more warmth, dimensionality, mood to the photos. Hope that makes sense.
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Danpbphoto wrote:
Both members suggestions well formulated! These children seem so relaxed with you. I love natural backgrounds for my children. Seems when I put a manmade bg near them they get a bit antsy!
Love them all anyway Steven! Eyes into the human soul they are!
Dan
p.1 #9 · Dogs on white background... CC wanted please!
David, Denny thanks for your comments!
Head and shoulders or similar is something I hadn't considered. Don't know why not
Again, something I'll bear in mind to try next time.
I printed these A4 size and find it interesting that (to me) the white background looks more natural on paper, as opposed to on the screen. I think because it's the natural colour of the paper, and almost gives a feeling of an illustration, where the artist left the surrounding blank. It might just be me though!
Not suggesting I'm an artist... and I really appreciate all the comments. Thanks!
davidha130 wrote:
Great shots! The white background actually fits my taste very nicely. Not an expert, and it does make the photos look like mugshots, but I like it.
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Denny JetTone wrote:
I like the white b'ground, but the full-body shots are lost on me.
Cropping for head and shoulders or just the face of either of the subjects is much more interesting (and less problematic).
. Consisting of a couple of budget manual speedlights with wireless triggers, a couple of reflectors and light stands and two sheets of light white plastic boards. (Not sure what the hardware store called it. Posterboard maybe?)
