Please critique my lighting, and anything else really.

[Disney Chick]

[Disney Chick]

How do I post the actual photo and not just a link?

[BabyHopes]

The easy way to post images in your text is to click on the little yellow mountain picture at the top of your reply/post toolbar and then enter the image URL. Otherwise bracket your image URL with [IMG*] and [/IMG*] (Remove astrix from coding.)

[Disney Chick]

Thanks! BTW, my hubby works in DeSoto. Pretty close to Lancaster.

[Disney Chick]

Sorry they're so big. I'm resizing.

[Daniel Bates]

That's a good size right there. A lot of people use between 700 and 800 pixels on the longest side for their web-size shots.

[Disney Chick]

Ok! These are self-portraits I took to practice lighting. I'll be doing some portraits soon and wanted to know if these look okay.

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

Are you using multiple light sources? Catch lights in the eyes look to be multiple, generally try to have one in each eye.

[Disney Chick]

The top two were taken outside with fill flash. The last one I took inside and used homemade lightboxes.

[coreymcl]

Overall you did a great job on these! The catch lights is the only thing I would point out.

[Disney Chick]

Thanks! It wasn't even something I would have thought about, so that really helps!

[CaptainTom]

DC
I wouldn't be too concerned about the catchlights unless they become overpowering.
The most important thing is to be able to control the light and shadows.
These are a bit flat for me. The broad lighting does work better for women than men, but I think I would like to see just a bit more "depth". Try varying the distance of the light source from the model. The closer you get, the softer the light, and conversely, the farther you get, the harsher the light. Experiment. If this is the look you want, then stick with it. There's nothing wrong, just a matter of preference and style.

[srwatters]

I'll agree with Tom. The catchlights don't bother me in the slightest. My comment would be on your camera angle on the third shot. Given your high hairline and general face shape, the lower camera angle of shots one and two is more flattering and doesn't reduce the size of your chin in perspective. Other than that these are fine images even more so if they are self portraits!

Keep posting. I like your style!

[Disney Chick]

Thanks! I see what you mean in the last one. I wasn't really sure what it was I didn't like about that one.

[jeffkohn]

First shot is nice although the B/W conversion could maybe use a hint more contrast, as there doesn't seem to be any real black (even in the pupils). The second shot is the best, I really like the composition of this one.

The third shot I agree with Scott and Tom. The almost frontal pose, flat lighting, and camera angle make this a less effective portrait. I think if your head was turned from a 7/8 position to 3/4 and the front/fill light was elinated or lowered in intensity it would improve the shot (as would a sligtlyy lower camera position). Of course making these kinds of small adjustments can be extremely difficult for a self-portrait. You did well considering.

BTW the "natural" catchlights in the first two don't bother me in the least. I didn't notice anything about the catchlights in the last shot at first, but now that it's been pointed out I might suggest cloning out the bottom ones. It's OK to have multiple catchlights but the size/shape/position of those bottom ones look a bit off.