My First Outdoor Night Shoot

[Skhilled]

I just wish I lived closer so I could shoot her.

[Just Dave]

Last 3 of  Hayley, how are these


Hayley Night Shoot At Liverpool Castle Rivington Chorley Lancashire by Just Daves Photos, on Flickr


Hayley Night Shoot At Liverpool Castle Rivington Chorley Lancashire by Just Daves Photos, on Flickr


Hayley Night Shoot At Liverpool Castle Rivington Chorley Lancashire by Just Daves Photos, on Flickr

[Jonathan]

Jonathan, how did you get the blue toning in your shot. Was it done in post production?

Done in camera and exaggerated in post.  CTO on the flash, tungsten white balance on the camera.  Old school.

I just wish I lived closer so I could shoot her.

Um, there are willing models pretty much all over.  Most big towns have an agency.

Last 3 of  Hayley, how are these

First one of those is by far my least favourite.  You've used twin lights to give the effect of (1) pretty flat lighting and (2) making her face look fat (which it isn't).  Google up broad lighting   Pose is also v awkward - she's pushing herself back into the rock and this is making her chin come down so the flap of skin that lets you talk looks like a double chin.

Last one looks a bit underlit and dark  Not sure this makes for a great B&W.

BTW, you know I said I'd got a 105DC?  First portrait (with DC turned OFF - I need to practise with that).  http://peoplebyryan.com/photoblog/will-power

[picsfor]

I'm fractionally more experienced at this than you Dave - and probably a year ago i would have been pleased with these.

I agree with Jonathan re the pose and it making her looking more over weight than she is. But experience is something that will fix that, that  and honest critique.
Lighting, i'm getting the hang of it with each passing shoot, but be warned - it is infectious and will add more to your wish list (though not all that expensive for a lot of it)

Have look on here for your local Flickr strobist group, i think there is a north west group, join them and join in some of their shoots.
Couldn't recommend a better place to learn...

[Just Dave]

Many thanks Jonathan, 

a question will my sigma 105 macro, be all right for portrait shots

Thanks Andrew hope to improve with more experience, thanks for the heads up I'll have a look for strobist sites and groups 

oh yes my studio shoot has been cancelled shame I was well looking forward to it

[picsfor]

Dave,

a 100mm (approx)  macro lens is definitely a good lens to shoot portraits with - so much control over DoF.

Especially if you can't afford that nice lens Jonathan has just come by!

Used my 100mm macro many a time for portraits - great for blowing out the back ground. Almost as good as 50mm f1.8...

[Jonathan]

I've not used the Sigma but 105 macros tend to make nice portrait lenses.  It's a decent length.  It might be a bit unforgiving to skin texture but nothing you can't fix with noce light and maybe some retouch.

[Just Dave]

Thanks Andrew Ill give the 105 a go with portraits

Thanks Jonathan