One of my New Years Resolutions this year is to dedicate more photography time to learning more creative use of lighting. Here is one that I took recently of a local Tattoo Artist that I would like some critique on. I am a student in this pursuit so I am not afraid of honesty and direction; both the good, the bad, and the ugly
Shot strobist style with one light and small softbox. Canon EOS 40D, f/16 @ 23 mm, 1/125, ISO 400
think you're losing him too much into the background (needs a kicker or background light or some sort of separation)-also, with the needle in his hand, i think the shots demands (maybe "suggest" is a better word) some context-displaying his multiple tattoos or maybe the chair and wall of tats in the background might other options
it's nice but lacking depth IMHO-hope this is useful
Thank you that is helpful. I agree that the lighting on his face and arms is not even. I was hoping for a moodier portrait which is why I went for the black background but certainly see the point of him fading into the bg too much.
Here is another in the session that is more even lighting but still has the black bg.
If you want to keep the moody quality of a portrait like this but want to maintain separation, consider adding a low-powered background light that will get the BG just above black, which will provide a silhouette edge on his dark side, keeping adequate separation without throwing off the vibe.
