Portrait/studio help?
I am looking into studio/portrait work, is there anyone out there who can help me understand what i need to do to atchive the sharp white background etc?
I have a studio set up (backdrop + 2 continous lights) and a flash gun. Do i over expose to get the background white?
Heres my 1st experimental shoot http://www.facebook.com/index.php?stype=lo&lh=Ac9TbVQu_d-7uzxi#!/media/set/?set=a.396207877077512.95456.357797270918573&type=1¬if_t=like (done with no flash gun)
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maspick
1 May 2012Cassandra20twelve wrote:Thank you so much. This really helps. I have used photoshop to remove the wrinkles I could. What settings should I have for the correct white balance. I have also been told I could over expose the backgroud but how can I do this without over exposing the child. Do you know where is best to position my lights if I only have two? @maspick thank you again
This will depend on the camera you're using and the type of lighting. Here's a link to a good overall explanation of white balance: http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/white-balance.htm
Light positioning is very subjective, but as a general rule, you would be better off having your 2 lights a few feet to the right and left of the camera, focused on your subject, with one slightly above and one slightly below the focus line of your shot. This will likely give you more even light. The beauty of digital is the fact that you can take a couple of test shots, evaluate the effectiveness of the lighting, and make changes if necessary before you actually begin the shoot. Have fun and get creative.
The most important aspect of portrait work is the comfort level of your subject. Approach the shoot with confidence and concentrate on helping your subject enjoy the experience. Practice with a spouse or friend before the shoot to be comfortable with the equipment so that you can concentrate on your subject when the shoot starts.
There are numerous tutorials on the Internet that can direct you in more detail on each facet of lighting for portraits. Google can be your friend here. d;¬{D -
Cassandra20twelve
Thank you so much. This really helps. I have used photoshop to remove the wrinkles I could. What settings should I have for the correct white balance. I have also been told I could over expose the backgroud but how can I do this without over exposing the child.
1 May 2012
Do you know where is best to position my lights if I only have two?
@maspick thank you again -
maspick
Your pictures really don't exhibit any wrinkling accept immediately under the child. Your white balance is slightly off as your background is reading grey. If you're not using a tripod and a remote trigger, you should, especially with young children - it really helps keep your subject at ease if you're not behind the camera when the shot is taken.
1 May 2012
To smooth the background, choose an aperture of f8 or slightly larger so your depth of field is narrower. Flash would have improved your exposure, but is often not suggested with young children like this. Another inexpensive background with single subjects like this child is to acquire a long light-blocking roll-up window shade which is smooth, won't wrinkle, and is easy to store. This is also great for capturing products and the like. d:¬{D