Available light portraits

[dawesy]

Taken on the balcony at home in the last of the direct light from the evening sun. With my girlfriend as a (reaonably) willing model I was able to shoot off a few quick ones before we had to go out to dinner. Unfortunately by the time I got out there the sun was all but gone so to get her in the light meant the average background, though I could have shot up to get sky thinking about it now. Hoping to do a reshoot a bit earlier in the evening and should be able to have some greenery as a background or even a cityish view.

I had hoped to have less shadow, certainly not as dark as this, but I like the result. Would be interested to hear what others think.

[Geoff]

Dawesy - absolutely love the 1st one, that 'golden' hour certainly is magical isn't it? The 2nd one I don't like the strong shadows over the left side of her face. Nice stuff though!
The look on her face in the 1st is awesome, cheeky, inquisitive and happy all in one...u both did well.

[Alpha_7]

#1 Is the winner out of this set

#2 Could of used a reflector, some foamcore to fill in the shadowy side a little

You should do this more often.

[Katie G]

Great pics Jon - love the first one, Luce should be very happy with it!
post some more

[dawesy]

Thanks guys. I prefer #1 as well, the photographer in me just doesn't like the contrast between the bright and shadow on her face in #2 though I like the pose. Having said that, she prefers the second!

I have a couple of other ones similar to #1, but that was the best of them. Have some studio lights arriving today so should be plenty more from me soon!

[PiroStitch]

The first one is much better but could benefit from a reflector on the right to help ease the the light falloff a bit as it does get harsh pretty quickly. Also tone down the exposure by about a 1/3 of a stop as the left side is a bit bright - not blown - just a bit too bright.

Cool down the colour cast a bit and you have a winner

[Steffen]

Having said that, she prefers the second!

I prefer the second one, too. It is technically inferior to the first one, but far more intense and personal.

Cheers
Steffen.

[dawesy]

Thanks for the feedback guys. PiroStich, took your advice, to the letter in fact, and you are spot on. Thanks!

Interestingly, shot this with daylight white balance on the camera, but photoshop had it set warmer than it's idea of daylight. Will have to look into why that is.

[PiroStitch]

Much better mate! Great stuff.

Did you bring it in as a Raw file in pshop? Might be the way pshop interprets the WB or your colour profile. I noticed that as well with my files but no big deal in terms of slight corrections.

[Dargan]

Hey that is Mona Lisa stuff. Congrats on the pic and the model

edit: Just noticed Leichardt location. Far from Stanley St? My mum is there, if the afternoon light is like that in Sydney now, I better hop a plane!!

[dawesy]

Much better mate! Great stuff.

Did you bring it in as a Raw file in pshop? Might be the way pshop interprets the WB or your colour profile. I noticed that as well with my files but no big deal in terms of slight corrections.

Sure did. I specifically set the camera to daylight beforehand and didn't check when I converted it until after you mentioned it. I expected PS to notice the camera WB, though it may just be that they have different Daylight points. Will have to see if it is consistent though so I can be aware of it for future shoots.

Hey that is Mona Lisa stuff. Congrats on the pic and the model

edit: Just noticed Leichardt location. Far from Stanley St? My mum is there, if the afternoon light is like that in Sydney now, I better hop a plane!!

Thanks! I was pretty happy with it for a quick shoot, and it helps to have a gorgeous subject.

We're a couple of blocks back from Norton street going away from Balmain road, being on the 4th floor helps with catching the evening light. Not so much fun moving the fridge and the couch in though!

[Matt. K]

The last image you posted has some nice features but I think a little more sympathetic processing would improve it. The red in her eyes should be removed and her eyes brightened a little. The shadow off her nose is distracting and could have been avoided using a sheet of white cardboard as a reflector to bounce a little light back into the shadows. Reflectors are most under utilised by still photographers but are a simple way to vastly improve lighting. Very good but not perfect!

[dawesy]

The last image you posted has some nice features but I think a little more sympathetic processing would improve it. The red in her eyes should be removed and her eyes brightened a little. The shadow off her nose is distracting and could have been avoided using a sheet of white cardboard as a reflector to bounce a little light back into the shadows. Reflectors are most under utilised by still photographers but are a simple way to vastly improve lighting. Very good but not perfect!

Totally agree about the reflector, it was a spur of the moment thing and next time i'll eithe use one or position her facing the sun more - probably both to see what works best.

As for the processing, aside from the exposure and WB change Piro suggested this is straight out of the camera. I'm not much of a PPer. Perhaps I'll bring this shot to the PP session currently in planning!