How to take better indoor studio photos vs natural light

9 years 8 months ago #396126 by Chris Curran
I have just bought a couple Nikon flashes and working on improving my studio portraits.  I'm comfortable with natural light and during the last few weeks have been working on flash used portraits.  I'm using softboxes and umbrellas and just can't seem to get a realistic looking photos that doesn't look right.  I know natural light is a completely different beast.  A friend was telling me I should order a beauty dish, that these are great for portraits. 

I was recommended to sign up on this site for answers and I'm excited to be here and do appreciate your help. 

Chris


Photo Comments
,
9 years 8 months ago - 9 years 8 months ago #396161 by KCook
Some common issues:

Lighting too even - For many setups the fill light needs to be less powerful, or more distant, than the main light.

Funky background lighting - In most cases the background needs to be darker or lighter than the subject, not match the subject!

Dull poses - Practice setups on mannequins or even a big doll ahead of time.  So when the shoot date arrives the subject does not get bored by a fumbling photographer.

Links for ideas -

www.photographytalk.com/photography-arti...tarflash-150watt-kit

blog.snapfactory.com/?p=392

photography.tutsplus.com/articles/a-guid...and-more--photo-7840

neilvn.com/tangents/headshot-photography-studio-nj/

Post a few of your problem shots here for C&C.

Kelly Cook 

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

,
9 years 8 months ago #396187 by W Cage
:agree:   Mark Wallace with SnapFactory has a good DVD on lighting and also Joe McNally


Photo Comments
,
9 years 8 months ago #396275 by Shadowfixer1
Most people put their lights too far away from the subject. Quick rule of thumb would be place light the same distance from the subject that equals the distance across the box or umbrella. In other words a 48" umbrella at 48" from subject. Adjust power or aperture to adjust exposure. The closer the light source, the softer the light source. Seems counter intuitive but that's how it works.
,
9 years 8 months ago #396370 by garyrhook

Shadowfixer1 wrote: Adjust power or aperture to adjust exposure. The closer the light source, the softer the light source. Seems counter intuitive but that's how it works.


Darn physics ;)

Good advice.


Photo Comments
,
9 years 8 months ago #396555 by Joves
:agree:
Yep.                                                
Like anything else in this hobby/craft, it takes practice, and experimenting to learn it effectively.


,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a micro four thirds camera released in 2020. It’s an entry-level system along with the OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Use this guide to determine which one is best for you!

Apr 17, 2024

Blue hour photography might not be as well known as golden hour photography, but it is every bit as good a time to create epic images of landscapes. Learn how in this quick tutorial!

Apr 17, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

Moving from taking snapshots of your dog to creating beautiful images doesn’t have to be that difficult! Use the tips outlined in this dog photography guide, and you’ll get better results in no time.

Apr 15, 2024

Acrylic print photos are a beautiful way to display your favorite images. But they don’t come without some questions. Get all the answers you need about this medium in this guide!

Apr 15, 2024

Where do you get your landscape photography inspiration? Is it from masters like Ansel Adams? Or perhaps viewing art from other genres? We’ve got these and a few other sources for you to check out!

Apr 10, 2024

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024

Too often, affordable online printing companies don’t meet your expectations of what a print should look like. But there are some choices that combine affordability with superb quality!

Apr 09, 2024