- Messages
- 76
- Name
- Sam Smith
- Edit My Images
- Yes
A portrait of Margaret using a single speedlite a with shoot through brolly.
View attachment 9528
View attachment 9528
I agree with Dean re the key light, but I don't have an issue with the shadows. Looks fine to me.
I'd like to see a little more detail in the hair however. Having said that I am at work and using a crap monitor
Bottom line Sam, great image!
Watch the position of your key light. You can see from the shadows and the catch light that your key is too low. It should always be at the very least level with the subject.
There should never be a shadow from the tip of the nose there because it is unflattering.
Of course you should never say never (or always).
As above. Also, how would you light someone without casting a shadow from their nose? Unless you're going to have ring flash as you key for every portrait, you're going to struggle. Anyway, Rembrandt did alright with nose shadows.
Jay, you missed the operative word - "there".
Not sure I follow.
As said I now understand the light position better re the catch lights. As shadows go every photographer has their own thoughts many like using shadows to various degrees and many don't like any shadows at all. I don't think there is a right or wrong just a choice.
I personally like a little shadow with soft edges as my preferred set up but sometimes I will bring in a second light to eliminate all shadows and sometimes I will create harsher shadows if I feel that suits.