Say Hello to ... Caroline

[Colin Southern]

Shot tonight in the studio. Somedays I REALLY love my job

[Donald]

Another one on the button.

And lighting set up was ....? Sorry, just got Syl Arena's new book. Between it and the references already given to me on here, I am totally absorbed in learning so much about lighting a shot (which is why I haven't been posting as much in the last 48 hours). Don't think I'll ever make it as a portraitist and I remain in awe of what's done here and by others working in this field on here, but what I am learning for what I want to do in terms of documenting my community, is fascinating.

[Colin Southern]

Thanks Donald,

Pretty standard lighting; light table underneath (as "primary key light"), large octabox to camera left (for "secondary key light"), and small softbox above and to the right of the model for hair lighting.

[Colin Southern]

One more for this evening ...

[jiro]

A very nice work here, Colin. Not a lot of portrait photographers can exactly separate the outline of the hair on a dark background. Your control of kicker lights definitely gave the shot a more dimensional look. On the 2nd image, the color of the wooden umbrella complements the skin tone of the model. Maybe, just a small suggestion, if you don't mind, would be to tone down the highlight on the left eye (facing the image) as the catch lights almost replaced the outline of the eyes' iris area. You can notice the difference between the left and the right eye about this. Other than that, everything is right on the money. A job well done, again, from you of course. Your use of the main light on the 2nd image reminds me of Monte Zucker's technique on portrait lighting.

[rob marshall]

What I can't get is how all the ladies in NZ look so healthy, clear-skinned, and bright-eyed. Is it something in the air down there? I like both these shots, they look very relaxed (another NZ trait, I suppose)

[Donald]

What I can't get is how all the ladies in NZ look so healthy, clear-skinned, and bright-eyed.

They all play rugby and drink Sauvignon Blanc

[rob marshall]

They all play rugby and drink Sauvignon Blanc

Oh! Just like the Welsh then (except they drink it by the pint)

[Dave Humphries]

I bet Caroline is well pleased with them,

You don't do bad ones, but of these two (and I hope we see more), I prefer #1.

...although ... #2 shows her lovely cheeks better

[Colin Southern]

A very nice work here, Colin. Not a lot of portrait photographers can exactly separate the outline of the hair on a dark background. Your control of kicker lights definitely gave the shot a more dimensional look. On the 2nd image, the color of the wooden umbrella complements the skin tone of the model. Maybe, just a small suggestion, if you don't mind, would be to tone down the highlight on the left eye (facing the image) as the catch lights almost replaced the outline of the eyes' iris area. You can notice the difference between the left and the right eye about this. Other than that, everything is right on the money. A job well done, again, from you of course. Your use of the main light on the 2nd image reminds me of Monte Zucker's technique on portrait lighting.

Thanks Willie,

I noticed the specular reflection in the eye - I just didn't think to do anything about it (I guess that's what happens when I'm editing around 1am!). I'll revisit that one today sometime.

I wish I had Monte's posing ability ... that's what I admired mostly about the gent, RIP.

[Colin Southern]

What I can't get is how all the ladies in NZ look so healthy, clear-skinned, and bright-eyed. Is it something in the air down there? I like both these shots, they look very relaxed (another NZ trait, I suppose)

Thanks Rob,

I don't know to be honest, as I haven't had anything to compare against. From my perspective I just put it down to being young and healthy (she's 15, and the smoking and alcohol abuse haven't started yet!)

[Colin Southern]

I bet Caroline is well pleased with them,

You don't do bad ones, but of these two (and I hope we see more), I prefer #1.

...although ... #2 shows her lovely cheeks better

Thanks Dave,

She hasn't seen them yet - but I think she'll like them.

[wilgk]

They are both stunning....
>
>
>
what did you say......why no more detail in my comment & where have I gone.....?

Oh I've found a new Internet friend.....called Kelby Training, so can't chat....so much to learn, so little time

p.s #1

[Colin Southern]

They are both stunning....
>
>
>
what did you say......why no more detail in my comment & where have I gone.....?

Oh I've found a new Internet friend.....called Kelby Training, so can't chat....so much to learn, so little time

p.s #1

That's OK Kay - I expected this ...

... happens all the time with Kelby Training! (Man that guy should give me a discount with all the folks I send his way!).

[jeeperman]

Very nice Colin.

[Colin Southern]

Very nice Colin.

Thanks Paul