Sentinel
by TCGuru

Comment by dahkota:
I like this. Light and shadow work great here. tones excellent 7

HAHA I GOT MY LIGHTS!!!!
by TCGuru

Comment by chele:
fun, fun, fun shot!!!!

Practice With New Lighting
by TCGuru

Comment by ShannonLee:
cute i love the one on the right. it seems to really represent you!!! and a big two thumbs up from me for having the patience to work with lighting... i really respect that!

Practice With New Lighting
by TCGuru

Comment by TCGuru:

Originally posted by Louis: You already know that the focus is off, I'd say on both. Focusing on your eyes is always a winner with portraits like these. The light in #1 is good, though I'm personally not crazy about the low angle. I had a short tripod... I am waiting on a taller one... good point, I will keep the angle in mind when shooting in the future! I don't think you have a shadow problem under your chin in #1. good to know... maybe it was the focus being on my middle rather than my eyes? The bigger issue is focus, and, for me, the unflattering angle. There is a small hotspot on your forehead in #1. good eye! I missed that! Am I reading correctly that you used FIVE lights in #1? yes, five... too much? That seems like way too much to me somehow (not that I have tons of experience though). I know that many portrait pros will bring exactly one light, with an umbrella, to a session with a client, with stunning results. Duly noted, I will practice with 1 for a couple days :) I have three 800w flash units, but rarely use all three, and generally use only one with either a softbox or umbrella. I also think I understand the desired effect for #2, but the focus is simply too poor to tell for sure. It is really really bad isn't it... I moved the camera after focusing (silly me) A side-lit effect keeping the middle of the face in shadow... if it can be pulled off, it's a neat effect that really adds drama to a portrait. Keep going for that, I think it'd turn out great. that was exactly it... I will use this SP to work on it! :D By the way, you give the wattage of your lights but not the brand... it'd help to know exactly what lights you work with. I use GE lights... some are clear, some are flouresced I thought about changing them all to clear 200w 3500l bulbs but I am nervous to change anything LOL is the brand OK?

Thanks Louis!

Practice With New Lighting
by TCGuru

Comment by Louis:
You already know that the focus is off, I'd say on both. Focusing on your eyes is always a winner with portraits like these. The light in #1 is good, though I'm personally not crazy about the low angle. I don't think you have a shadow problem under your chin in #1. The bigger issue is focus, and, for me, the unflattering angle. There is a small hotspot on your forehead in #1. Am I reading correctly that you used FIVE lights in #1? That seems like way too much to me somehow (not that I have tons of experience though). I know that many portrait pros will bring exactly one light, with an umbrella, to a session with a client, with stunning results. I have three 800w flash units, but rarely use all three, and generally use only one with either a softbox or umbrella. I also think I understand the desired effect for #2, but the focus is simply too poor to tell for sure. A side-lit effect keeping the middle of the face in shadow... if it can be pulled off, it's a neat effect that really adds drama to a portrait. Keep going for that, I think it'd turn out great. By the way, you give the wattage of your lights but not the brand... it'd help to know exactly what lights you work with.

Practice With New Lighting
by TCGuru

Comment by JamesKW:
I am not one to give advice on lights, but I am glad you have them and are using them. I bought my lights and have barely used them. Louis seems to be a pro at lighting, hopefully he can give you some comments that will help. Looking forward to seeing what you do next. Good luck.

Practice With New Lighting
by TCGuru

Comment by TCGuru:

Originally posted by DianeS: Hmmm... I suck at giving advice on this kind of stuff :) I'd say you're on the right track, just keep experimenting. I usually have one light that's directly on the face and one coming from the side. I can see the effect you're going for on the 2nd pic, and I like the shape of the light on the sides of your face. Maybe try making the shadows more dramatic and contrasty?

I will try the light directly on the face... should it be right behind the camera or just wherever I am facing?

I will do the harsher shadows... drama is good! Thank you!

Practice With New Lighting
by TCGuru

Comment by DianeS:
Hmmm... I suck at giving advice on this kind of stuff :) I'd say you're on the right track, just keep experimenting. I usually have one light that's directly on the face and one coming from the side.

I can see the effect you're going for on the 2nd pic, and I like the shape of the light on the sides of your face. Maybe try making the shadows more dramatic and contrasty?

3 Robins Having Worms On Ice
by TCGuru

Comment by whiterook:
great detail this challenge or Minimalism II

Makin Some Backgrounds
by TCGuru

Comment by SJCarter:
Nice patterns & colors. I bet it was fun!