Opinions Needed

[Peakoverload]

A few days ago I bought myself a set of studio lights and the other day I did a lighting test shoot using my neice and friend as models.

I've never used lights before and was more than a little unsure as to what I was doing but I'd appreciate any thoughts/comments/suggestions on these shots in particular regarding the lighting.

All shots were taken using a Softbox slightly to left of camera and a large reflector on the right.

Any advice/tips etc greatly appreciated.

[geofftelforduk]

Hi there! I like the pics, but I am not overly keen the background!

What lights where you using?

[Astaroth]

Not bad at all considering you only just got them.

Echo Geof's question of which ones and add to that how much and from where?

Have got a serious itch to get some studio lights after Wabbit introduced me to forums with semi-pro models willing to work on a "time for CD" basis

[Peakoverload]

The lights I bought where the Interfit Stellar 300W Softbox/Umbrella two light kit which cost me £480 from Warehouse Express.

To be honest it was a toss up between these and the D-Lite 2's but the Stellars are 100W more powerful, are fan cooled, and have a more powerful modelling light and so far I'm pretty happy with them.

[JayPJay]

I am no expert on photography but they are lovely photographs of the children and I know when my children were younger we paid a fortune for some thing similar at a shop. Their Parents must be thrilled with them. Well done!

[barongreenback]

Great first shots and the kids look really natural and relaxed, which is far more important than getting your lighting right!

I'm not a massive fan of the background, I don't think it looks right against the skin tones and takes away the focus on the children.

Exposure is pretty much spot on - you might want to think about using a reflector just to fill in a few of the shadows.

Must say though, these are very minor criticisms.

[Astaroth]

Originally Posted by Peakoverload

The lights I bought where the Interfit Stellar 300W Softbox/Umbrella two light kit

Hmmm... this is one of the 2 new kits I am looking at... not sure if to get these or just blow the budget on a set of Bowens and then know I am "set for life" (as if I ever wont want to upgrade again ) or look at second hand off ebay

[Liquid101]

Great shots, nice clean lighting

My only comment would be that your subjects are too close to your background. If they were a little further away it would soften the focus, and avoid shadows being cast.

[Peakoverload]

Thanks for the feedback guys, much appreciated.

Re: The Background.

I do have a couple of backdrops and am probably going to get another couple as well (although the good ones are plenty expensive). It's interesting that I've shown these photos to a number of people, some love the background whilst others are are not so keen on it. Personally I quite like the warm effect it gives but I guess that to some extent it's more down to personal taste.

Re: Shadow.

Yeah, I agree that it would be better to have them stand further away from the backdrop. Unfortunately I have a very, very small space to work in and although I could get them to stand a bit closer to me it would only be about 50cm closer so not sure it would make that big a difference.

Cheers everyone!