Nose shadows.... and CC please!

[MarkKarma]

Larger pictures at: http://db.tt/aqyEkki

Zoom in and look at those nose shadows.

I don't have light modifiers, so I've been using speedlights to light the subject. I really like the photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/pippowashere/sets/

and tried to try something like that out (urgh, he's only a few years older than I am, but makes such better work!) but the nose shadow in my pictures came out really weird and distracting. I know a lot of people here like Rembrant lighting, but I don't see how it can be done with such a small point of light.

Tips? Compliments and constructive criticism please!

 

[MarkKarma]

Yes, I know her nostrils are facing the camera.













NOSE SHADOW

 

[sic0048]

The only one that has awkward nose shadows is the last one. That is because you don't want the nose shadow to fall off the cheek. So moving the light to be more in front of the subject, even a little bit, would help make the nose shadow smaller.

I think the shots are good. I don't like the nostril shot either in picture #1, so having the model change her head position might help in that picture.

I am just starting out with stobes myself, so I don't have a lot to offer as far as advice, but those are the things that stuck out to me.

 

[Nikonparrothead]

The previous poster is correct about light placement.

I couldn't help notice that the photographer you noted in Flickr does quite a bit in Photoshop and freely offers videos of what they do. Those can give you a clue as to where you need to travel next. Though if I were you, my next step would be to Strobist.com or to the Kelby training video series of Joe McNally, to get some ideas.

--
'Nice pen, bet you write good stories with it.'

 

[michaeladawson]

Rembrandt lighting is easily done with a small light source. Rembrandt lighting defines the placement of the light and the shadow/light pattern it generates. The problem with your nose shadow picture is that it is not Rembrandt lighting. It is almost split lighting. For Rembrandt lighting think 45/45. The light is 45 degrees to the side of the face and about 45 degrees pointing down. Adjust to get the characteristic triangle of light on the opposite cheek bone.

Softness of the shadow edges will be determined by the size of the light source relative to the subject.

--
Mike Dawson

 

[Sailor Blue]

The lighting on the first two images is fine.

There are a couple of problems with the first image. Already mentioned is that it would be better if the head had been tipped down instead of up. The necklace is also distracting.

There is a stray strand of hair on the forehead in the second image. You could clone that out in post.

You needed a reflector to add lighting to the eyes in the third image to get rid of the raccoon eyes.

A higher position for the flash and a reflector for the left side of the face would have made the fourth image much nicer.

Here is a good link to lighting names.

http://www.professionalphotography101.com/portrait_lighting/lighting_names.html

Note that these were taken with fairly hard lighting to show the shadows better.

 

[Quantum Help]

The last image is the only one objectionable as far as the nose shadow. IMO the flash it too far to the side. You need to bring it around to about 40-45 degrees from center. Add a second light for fill to lighten up the shadows. Add as Stofen diffuser cap (around $20.00).