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Tiffany

October 12, 2008, 11:59:26 PM

This is one of my first attempts at using butterfly lighting. I did some short lit images of her also, but they made the creases in her cheeks and her dimples seem very deep and dark. I have both to offer her, but I was wondering what thoughts any of you had on the butterfly lighting in this portrait. I also used a light bounced into an umbrella that acts as both a background light and a hair light. It is placed behind on camera left, metered at the same as the main in both places (the bg and the hair). I also used a large white reflector from underneath to keep the shadows from going too dark.

I didn't place this image in the Pro Critique Board because I wanted everyone's ideas, but I would appreciate comments from the Critique panel as well, if you feel so inclined.

Thanks,
Travis

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Travis Minnig Studios

Ginnypenny

Reply #1 - October 13, 2008, 09:29:43 AM

Travis, I am a huge fan of butterfly lighting and it's about all I do. You know that. SO, take my advice, comments and critique with a grain of salt.

I think you did a good job here. It could have been more "glamour" with less fill. I find with a smaller light source you get light fall off on the sides of the face which has a slimming effect which can flatter most face shapes. I move my light closer to get a larger source and softer light on narrower faces that can handle it.
I think the image here could have benefitted from light fall off on the sides. I also think a dedicated hairlight would have added more drama to the image and more luscious shine to her dark hair. However, I can offer NO help on that as I am still struggling with hair lights myself.

I have also found that traditional lighting techniques sometimes cause shadows in creases on the face that I don't like at all, so I am glad someone else (especially someone I respect) pointed out that they notice that too. I feel better.

The interesting thing will be to see which she picks. That is always the ultimate test.

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Susie
www.charlesbarnardphotography.com
www.definitionimages.com

Benji

Reply #2 - October 13, 2008, 04:32:16 PM

I like it. Good turn of the shoulders, good head tilt, good expression and the exposure looks good!

Benji

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Travis Minnig

Reply #3 - October 13, 2008, 08:11:19 PM

Susie, thanks for the compliments. I appreciate the advice on the size of the light source and its affect on the sides of the face. I'm confused by your comments on fill though. I was under the impression that most glamour lighting (I know this is an overly broad statement) was nearly shadowless. This would mean having more fill and less pronounced shadows. Please explain what you are trying to describe to me as your suggestion on the fill lighting.

Benji, thanks to you also for the compliments. I'm very excited to show the young woman as I think she's going to be very pleased.

Travis

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Travis Minnig Studios

Ginnypenny

Reply #4 - October 14, 2008, 08:23:16 AM

I suppose the explaination here is that I may the word "fill" wrong. I was talking about the white reflector, your shadows are light. Butterfly lighting is just one light straight on at sorta high level. Kickers and hairlights can be used Butterfly lighting isn't truly shadowless. It is called that because of the butterfly shadow under the nose, so yeah, there's gotta be a shadow. Anyway, I know you know those things. What you did wasn't wrong and you do have a shadow. I guess my preference is for that shadow to be a touch darker. I guess I am looking for more definition of the face through less fill and light fall off on the side.

Glamour can be shadowless. They have those big clamshell lights and that is kinda sorta the effect you got with the reflector. I end up with the same effect when I shoot the girls on a white sheet, the light bounces. I like it so much that sometimes I drag that sheet around to the other sets and put it on the floor in front of them.

So I guess, what I am trying to say (in too many words) is that your technique was fine, you didn't do anything wrong, it's just all little details that are interesting the hash out. I am just pleased that I personally feel confident enough to even discuss studio lighting techniques. I am still learning.

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Susie
www.charlesbarnardphotography.com
www.definitionimages.com

Mike Hodgson

Reply #5 - October 14, 2008, 10:32:17 AM

About the short lighting, using a fill such as a reflector or the like can be strategically placed to lesson the depth of creases.

I'm viewing this portrait as a classical style, the classical background spot is missing, other then that, great job.

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