Week 2 - Denage
by CapeSail

Comment by SandyP:

Originally posted by Ecce Signum: . . . .I took the liberty of downloading the image and having a play in CS3. I just removed the green and blue channels then played with the exposure slighty before sharpening the image and erasing the sharpened face. . . .PM me if you want me to upload it.

I'd like to see ??? Can you put a copy of it in your post? I'm trying to learn about portrait lighting too. It is my weakest link, but it is the key to raise portraits from snapshot status to fab.

Jeff, your model is awesome. She is obviously comfortable in front of the camera, and you captured and composed a beautiful pose. I too would like the face to be lighter to show off her beautiful eyes. . . so it has been interesting to read everyone's comments and suggestions. Thanks guys. I love it when these side challenges work as they are supposed to. Constructive suggestions on how to turn ordinary into glam :)

Week 2 - Denage
by CapeSail

Comment by Ecce_Signum:
Very relaxed looking pose and agree with the others about the light. Hope you don't mind
Jeff but I took the liberty of downloading the image and having a play in CS3. I just removed the green and blue channels then played with the exposure slighty before sharpening the image and erasing the sharpened face.

That said I think I'd prefer something in between your image and my edit lol. PM me if you want me to upload it.

Week 2 - Denage
by CapeSail

Comment by Melethia:
After reading the comments, I'll just add that she's a gorgeous young woman. I look forward to a lot more of her as the year progresses. (I'm not a studio or portrait shooter, so I can't help much with the lighting. For some really good advice, PM [user]Louis[/user] and see what he can offer. You got some good advice from other folks already, too.)

Week 2 - Denage
by CapeSail

Comment by ErikV:
I am no portrait lighting expert, but would have preferred strongest light on main part of face or eyes rather than lower corner of face and arm. Composition is very good.

Week 2 - Denage
by CapeSail

Comment by pawdrix:
I try to refrain from technical critcism these days but since you mention in your notes that yo're trying to learn portrait lighting, I'll chime in...

It looks like the strongest light here is on her least important feature ( right cheek, chin...right arm). It doesn't seem to be working best here to bring out her features. For example one eye is completely dark except for some catch light.

If you don't mind a suggestion...
If your models nose is pointing towards 12:00 place the light slighly higher than her head at 10:00 or 11:00 to create some texture and slight shadow.

Message edited by author 2008-02-04 11:47:16.

Week 2 - Denage
by CapeSail

Comment by muz64:
Nice shot, well composed, and I like the expression on her face. I want to see more of her eyes - the upper right light gives good shadow detail, but the lower left needs diffusing. Another (diffuse) light above & behind & probably to the right would give detail to the hair. It's hard to tell, but the mouth looks sharp, but the eyes seem a bit soft. Maybe f/8 and focus on the eyes. Keep up the good work!

Week 2 - Denage
by CapeSail

Comment by nikolaos:
The composition is good, so is the pose. However it's a little bit dark, if you see the levels the right third is almost non existent. It needs more light.. from what I can see in the camera settings you can't go slower, 1/30 is slow enought (except probably the iso, but since is a controled light situation I don't think you need to touch that). So, the only thing left is more light from the flashes. Try to put them on an angle to minimize hard shadows from hair and such.

Week 2 - Denage
by CapeSail

Comment by Veiolets:
nice image. I don't shoot portraits so no suggestions.

Week 2 - Denage
by CapeSail

Comment by 777STAN:
Excellent Mood Lighting for an Excellent Lady! You are most blessed, my Friend! :)

Week 2 - Denage
by CapeSail

Comment by tnun:
I know nothing about lighting, but I do like the spirit of this. And contrary to those who know better, I like the effect of the shadows on the left, AND that the catchlights are the same in both eyes.