Lauren - Low Key Head Shot

[todd_a]

Here I am again using new lighting equipment. Please critique.

I recently purchased an Alienbees B1600. I do not have a softbox yet, however one is expected this Thursday!!! But I was feeling the need for one and I used a 50" convertible umbrella here, folded down to about 24" opened, so it acted similar to a softbox with an edge so I could keep any light from spilling on to the background. That was to camera left. I also had a bare Nikon SB800 speed light about 8 feet high to camera right at 1/128 power to act as a separation/hair/a little fill on the camera right side of her face.

The B1600 was set to the lowest power setting. I could have most likely used a speed light in the umbrella instead, but I was experimenting with the light already and wanted to try it out with the umbrella.

Let me know what you think. Thanks! :)

[danchez]

your image isn't showing up.

[todd_a]

Originally Posted by danchez

your image isn't showing up.

Sorry. I apparently killed it somehow while posting. Blah!

[texxter]

I like the intensity of her expression, the subtle hair light on the right of the frame, the lighting, of course, and the clarity of her eyes. In my opinion the image works well as a low key creation.

Some suggestions, none of which is for improvement, but as different postprocessing options - crop more tightly, lighten the camera-right hair, tilt her head slightly, perhaps convert to black and white. Here below is five minutes of minor changes and a b&w version: