First self-portrait
This is my first real self-portrait. It is horrible, there is a shadow behind my head, my left eye is dark, there are some strange things that need to be cropped out, ad infinitum. The shadow behind the head is the most annoying. I actually used a 580EXII set to 1/8 power with a Fotobox mini-softbox over the flash, and when that didn't work exactly right, I went wild and crazy and put a pillowcase on there. That helped some.
My main query here is my lighting and background. I don't have a shoot-through umbrella, but I am getting one or two soon, along with a light stand, but for now I kind of just wing it with the 580. I have a 430 too, but didn't bother with it, since this was kind of a quick thing that someone wanted me to try out. Basically, how do I get this:
To this:
Assume I'm an idiot, and only know how to take shots with natural light. Because that is true.
I realize this is much to ask, but I'd appreciate the feedback.
Thanks!
My main query here is my lighting and background. I don't have a shoot-through umbrella, but I am getting one or two soon, along with a light stand, but for now I kind of just wing it with the 580. I have a 430 too, but didn't bother with it, since this was kind of a quick thing that someone wanted me to try out. Basically, how do I get this:
To this:
Assume I'm an idiot, and only know how to take shots with natural light. Because that is true.
I realize this is much to ask, but I'd appreciate the feedback.
Thanks!
0
Comments
^Pretentious humor.
1. Move your light. The light from your "to this photo" is coming from behind him, high camera right...over his shoulder...see the shadows under his glasses and how his eyes are blacked out.
2. Get a modifier, helps with the wrap around light, softens the shadows for the same reason.
3. Set your camera to spot focus and spot metering. This way, your camera will react to the light that is cast on his face by your key light and ignore most of the other light in the room.
4. When setting up your light, meter the room...and set your lights 1 or more stops above that reading. If you don't have a meter, trial and error works here. I recommend a light meter...it's so easy to set up your shots with one. You also know where to set your camera...or where to set your lights once you figure out a shooting solution for each type of portrait you would like to shoot.
5. Focus on the brightest spot on your face. You can try shooting with your camera in auto mode and see what you get, adjusting the exposure up or down as required for effect. But, for this type of shot, I recommend shooting in manual with your ISO set to 100 or 200 to start, with your shutter speed at 250, or 200 the highest sync speed that your camera can handle using flash.
6. Explore the light. Move your light closer for softer light and farther away for harsher light. I wouldn't be surprised to see the light in your "to this," photo to be relatively close to the subject. Start there and back it away...and see what you get.
7. Since none of us have your equipment...your shooting solution will be relative to your equipment...and we can only make suggestions.
8. Explore using a reflector opposite of the key / main light for fill. This will allow you to adjust the shadows on the dark side of your face...top, bottom, right, or left...depending on where you place your main light.
9. Notice that there is a little light on the background...providing separation.
10. These are just my suggestion on how I'd go about shooting the same or similar portrait.
11. There are people here that are infinitely more qualified to provide this information / tips.
The whole idea is to light the subject more than the background...and provide a contrasty, artsy look.
Good luck.
Educate yourself like you'll live forever and live like you'll die tomorrow.
Ed
Thanks so much!