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10/16/2004 06:29:13 PM · #1 |
Critiques and comments would be appreciated!!!
Thanks!
Bill
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10/16/2004 06:37:23 PM · #2 |
| I like number four the best because the photos etc in the background are distracting on the others. It looks like you have a clump of stuff on one wall and the wall behind you looks naked. Number four is nice depending on what you are using this for. The plain white wall is a bit harsh for a wall hanging portrait, but I see this more as an advertisement or business card kind of pose. If that were the intention the white wall would be an advantage. The red shirt is reflecting a bit of a red tint on your skin. I am a novice with editing software, but I am sure a correction can be made. Just My 2 Cents. |
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10/16/2004 06:42:41 PM · #3 |
I like 2 and 4 because they're nice and uncluttered, and the photo tells me this guy plays piano.
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10/16/2004 06:43:05 PM · #4 |
I like the second one the most. You are the main subject there, not piano ;) It is well composed and I don't mind the white wall at all. I agree with the red shirt reflection, but that could be fixed easily.
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10/16/2004 06:50:03 PM · #5 |
Playing with your new lights! They are technically good. I like #4 best also.
Suggestions. There is some red color transfer to the walls. Did you light it separately? You might want to try that. Maybe use one light at a lesser intensity so you get more modeling on your face. Even lighting is good for fashion and for women but, imo, it's better to show all the roughness in a man's face. Good start though and hope you post many more. |
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10/16/2004 06:53:58 PM · #6 |
| I like #4 the best too...great work! :o) |
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10/16/2004 06:59:20 PM · #7 |
| Here's an excellent book to buy that will give you lots of information on lighting. "photographing people, portraits/fashion/glamour". All it is is pictures with details about the lighting set up for each one and why the lights were set up the way they were and diagrams so you can see where the camera and lights are. It also gives information on using flags, gobos and bounces. You will not be disappointed if you buy the book. |
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10/16/2004 07:57:23 PM · #8 |
Those are some nice portraits, Bill. The lighting is really good and consistent throughout. I also like #4 the best. It seems like the colors are just a tiny bit flat, so the images might benefit from a little tweaking of curves, contrast or saturation to make them pop a bit more. Besides that, the only problem I have is that they're not wacky enough. :-)
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10/16/2004 08:20:41 PM · #9 |
Thanks for the comments and keep'em coming.
Thanks for pointing out about the red tint. I didn't see it until it was mentioned. Please see if the second set looks a bit better for that. The rest of the red in my face is natural. :o)
Pat, thanks for the book suggestion. I'm going to pick it up.
Thanks again!
Bill
Message edited by author 2004-10-16 20:54:44.
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10/16/2004 08:54:33 PM · #10 |
I haven't read the other responses because I wanted to get my thoughts down while they were fresh, so sorry if this is a repeat.
I prefer the wider angle shots that include the piano for two reasons: first, the piano is very much a part of the serious player, and second those include the corner which softens the harshness of the white wall. I do, however, think that the wider shots need some clean up; specifically, get rid of the frames in the background, except the one on the wall and crop out the blinds. Also pertaining to cleanup, there is a yellow light (?) on the lower right corner of the sheet music which draws my eye and could easily be corrected either in post processing or possibly during shooting.
The white background, as I mentioned is a bit harsh. I think there's not much you could do there without moving your piano. Unless someone has some creative lighting solution. I do think the corner of the wall softens that. I'm repeating myself. Moving on...
As to the model, you in this case: I love the contrast of the red shirt against the piano's black and white, but it seems to be either reflecting in your face or bringing out a natural ruddy complexion. I think the strength of the red shirt is worth handling this is post processing. While on complexion, do you wear glasses? Taking them off at least an hour before shooting will help the red depressions shown on the nose. Or, if like me, you're blind without them, you could clone those elements out in post processing.
The pose in most seems a bit forced, as is common in self-portraits. I would take MANY more until you no longer feel the strangeness at sitting for the camera. You seem more comfortable in the images with the hang dangling loosely, and I like the expressions better in those, but the hand hanging down changes the mood of the photo for me - less serious and more playful. Either works, it just depends what you're hoping to depict. The first is more "concert pianist", the second more "I'll play at your parties".
Of those that you have, the first is my fav for pose, expression, wide angle, lighting, but a tad soft focused and would be better with the previously mentioned distractions removed.
A great shoot all in all - good job. |
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10/16/2004 10:39:12 PM · #11 |
Bill, does your new lighting setup have a way to hold colored gels? (sorry if I sound dumb, I don't personally have a lighting setup myself, but I know that some do)
Anyway, I was wondering what it would look like if you pointed one of your strobes at the wall with a colored gel over it (perhaps blue?).
Then another strobe, up and to the left (your right), but not too far. Dial it down a bit, but use it to get a catchlight in your eyes. Then position your third strobe off to the right of the piano (your left) for a bit more of a side light to add a three dimensional look.
You'll need to play with the ratios a bit to get everything lit up just right.
I'd love to see more of your work with the new lights! Keep 'em coming.
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10/17/2004 02:00:53 AM · #12 |
I say add some facial hair.
And, untuck your shirt.
Message edited by author 2004-10-17 02:08:27. |
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10/17/2004 02:05:57 AM · #13 |
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