What is wrong with the light here?

alaiosalaios Registered Users Posts: 668 Major grins
edited January 31, 2014 in People
Hi all,
I have been trying the last days to understand the quality of light , see for example my older post on this here
So few days ago I closed the curtains and I just left a small opening, without any prior information I picked up my camera and shoot.
What is wrong with this type of lighting? I have not used any reflectors to light up the other side of the face. So what is wrong in this shot?
This is an unedit shot but perhaps I can improve it and smooth skin a bit if needed.

i-NJxC6XM-M.jpg

Please go ahead and comment.
P.S Manual focusing lens was used

Comments

  • Bend The LightBend The Light Registered Users Posts: 1,887 Major grins
    edited January 28, 2014
    Lighting-wise, I would say it's ok, but could have done with a bit of reflector on the dark side...this may not have been possible if this was intended as candid shot, with no "set-up" time.

    Now, if the subject had havbe raised her head and looked right at you, with that smile, I reckon this would have been a great shot...:)

    I wouldn't bother smoothing the skin so much - it's good to see natural texture, but with the one-sided lighting it does tend to show lumps and bumps a little more. I wouldn't say this is excessive or unsightly, however, so I would be inclined to leave it. :)
  • alaiosalaios Registered Users Posts: 668 Major grins
    edited January 28, 2014
    Hi Bend the light (real name?) thanks for the answer. What is the reason of having a reflector though? Why is bad to have one side "hidden" in the dark ? Why reducing contrast between two sides is so much the goal?
    Is it the "theory" that says that? Is the human perception?

    I would like to thank you in advance for your reply

    Regards
    Alex
  • HackboneHackbone Registered Users Posts: 4,027 Major grins
    edited January 28, 2014
    No reflector on the shadow side produces a strong effect that you may or may not want. That effect is strictly up to you desires, not necessary right or wrong. Generally it is more pleasing to the viewer to have the shadows "opened up" to see some detail. You eye and mind are amazing in the fact that in heavy shadows they know what is supposed to be there so they add the detail that you really can't see or this is what I've been lead to believe.

    When using window light don't have them right in front of the window but away from the window and behind it so that the edge of the window is a foot or so in front of them. That tends to be a sweet spot for the light.
    Charles
    www.cameraone.biz
  • alaiosalaios Registered Users Posts: 668 Major grins
    edited January 28, 2014
    Hackbone wrote: »
    When using window light don't have them right in front of the window but away from the window and behind it so that the edge of the window is a foot or so in front of them. That tends to be a sweet spot for the light.
    I did not quite understand how I should position her. Would you still add a reflector? For some reasons my eyes see the light in the example as above just right. I will retry once the reflectors are delivered and post back.
  • HackboneHackbone Registered Users Posts: 4,027 Major grins
    edited January 28, 2014
    Sit parallel with the window/wall. You shoule be 4 to 6 ish feet from the wall/window. If you are in line with the vertical edge of the window back up till you are about a foot or so behind the edge. I'll try to post a photo. You don't need fancy reflectors. Building supply stores have great reflectors. Get some foam insulation boartds that are white on one side and a gray/silver on the other side. They work wonderful.

    Your eyes are fine if that was what you intended. Photograph for your tastes not someone else unless they are paying the bill.

    i-Hh7LNt8-X2.jpg
    Charles
    www.cameraone.biz
  • Bend The LightBend The Light Registered Users Posts: 1,887 Major grins
    edited January 28, 2014
    You have some great responses from Hackbone. :)

    There is absolutely nothing wrong with a shadow side, and it is entirely up to you if you use it or not. It is my opinion in this case that it would be better with a little more light, but in a different portrait it may not be that way.

    I am a big fan of darkness and shadow in portraits, however, but in some it works better than others. :)

    Hope that helps.
  • alaiosalaios Registered Users Posts: 668 Major grins
    edited January 30, 2014
    Hi there
    thanks a lot for the very nice reply and the time you spent. I also liked your moto "Always learning" so perhaps pm me
  • divamumdivamum Registered Users Posts: 9,021 Major grins
    edited January 30, 2014
    http://www.expertphoto.dreamhosters.com/lighting/6184/portrait-lighting-patterns-of-the-face-if-you-shoot-people-you-need-to-know-these/
    facebook | photo site |
  • alaiosalaios Registered Users Posts: 668 Major grins
    edited January 31, 2014
    nice link thanks.
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