Playing with lights

[Michael]

I shot these a few months ago just playing with some lights and umbrellas. I didn't particularly like the images, but would like some feedback on them. I have focus issues on 1, 2, and 3 and needed to tone down the rim light in #2. What else should change on them? Thanks!

[Andrea Brewing]

I shot these a few months ago just playing with some lights and umbrellas. I didn't particularly like the images, but would like some feedback on them. Thanks!

Well Michael, I am not a professional photographer and I have no experience with lighting, but this is what I see.

I LOVE the first image. There is lots of contrast, it is well centred and I just love the overall mood. I did not notice any focus issues.

2nd image- I agree with the rim of light around the couple. It makes it look like they we cropped form another photo and pasted in. It would be nice if the moon were a little brighter. I do love the composition though.

3rd image is a little too dark to my liking. And he should have worn a different coloured shirt because his right arm is missing. Unless she really is supporting herself like that. Good strong back muscles! I like the pose.

4th image My first feeling is centre it more. My second feeling is back up and un-center it more. Put the couple to the left of the image with stairs leading up to them and maybe just a hint more light on the stairs behind them, just to give it more depth.

Just my 2 cents worth (in Canadian dollars)

[Michael]

Thank you Andrea for your feedback, I really appreciate it! You're comments are spot-on and just what I needed to hear.

[Steve Paxton]

Somehow I missed this thread Michael - sorry! Shooting portraits at night is tough!

I like the first two images. Although the first image feels a little busy (with the background), the symmetry works very well. Good work.

The second image is very well lit. The light separation is a little bright, but I like how well it came together. If you really wanted to finish off the second shot, I would use an adjustment layer to tone down the yellow and try to bring it closer to the white light of the rim lighting around the couple. Although I am sure the moon is naturally that color, we tend to think of the moon (in our mind) as being more neutral white. Finally, I would move the moon over so that it's closer to the couple. I think it would provide just a bit more balance to the composition. Some photographers may not agree with that kind of manipulation, but I am totally OK with it.

The third image "feels" a little dark. It would be nice of there was just a bit more separation from the background too.

The lighting of the fourth image looks a bit hot and slightly soft (on their faces); I like the composition and overall shot.

Good job Michael! I almost never shoot portraits in such dark conditions - just because of how difficult it is to light. You did very well.