About the Image(s)
Canon R5, Canon RF 70-200mm, handheld
ISO 800, 70mm, f/2.8 1/320 sec
In the Kelby yearly program, 80 of us meet once a year in Tampa at Kelby headquarters and shoot all sorts of things for a few days.
One of our setups was this cowgirl dressed in an old-time outfit. She was lighted by one big softbox (seen in SOOC image) and the lighting was meant to be dark and dramatic.
A lot of photographers were gathered around, and I didn't use my new lens 70-200 f/2.8 to "get closer" for a good facial portrait. I was a little clueless with how to shoot a model in a crowd. But certainly there are enough pixels for a crop.
I used Lightroom masking for each part of her and softened her skin and sharpened and lightened her eyes. I warmed her up just a bit. I used On1 No Noise, as the image was a bit dark. I wasn't sure what else I should do--I'm a bit clueless about models, so any suggestions are welcome.
Any good title suggestions? Anyone know about the best place to enter models in PSA competition?
Sunil Mehta
This is good. I don't do studio portraits or have any experience with studio lighting, but your picture is well taken. The model's expressions are nicely captured, the post-processing is well done, and the noise reduction is effective. I liked it. Posted: 05/02/2025 22:21:01
Brenda Fishbaugh
Thanks for your compliments! I appreciate it!
Posted: 05/02/2025 23:07:04
Brenda Fishbaugh
Sunil, I tried monochrome. What do you think? Do you have a different suggestion? Posted: 05/09/2025 01:43:58
Ed Ogle
Very nice. I believe this is called Rembrandt lighting. The light area on the cheeks form a triangle which is the look Rembrandt went for in his paintings. Nicely done! Posted: 05/05/2025 18:21:00
Brenda Fishbaugh
Yep, Kelby is big on Rembrandt lighting, as it adds a lot of depth and interest to the face Posted: 05/05/2025 20:01:19
Brenda Fishbaugh
I just posted a monochrome version. Better? Posted: 05/09/2025 01:44:29
Jean Wu
This portrait is really well-done! The lighting captures the subject's emotions really well. Have you considered converting this image to black and white? It might even be a cool artistic transformation! Posted: 05/05/2025 18:45:01
Brenda Fishbaugh
Love the monochrome idea, I'll try a version when we rework the images. Thanks! Posted: 05/05/2025 20:01:54
Brenda Fishbaugh
I tried the black and white version you suggested. Do you like it? Thanks! Posted: 05/09/2025 01:45:17
Jean Wu
I really like the BW version that captures her personality like someone you know, instead of a professional model. I personally prefer to lighten it up a bit and add more contrast to her face compared to other areas. Posted: 05/11/2025 16:26:30
Pei-Fan Mu
It is a very great work. This portrait makes use of soft, angled side lighting that gently falls across the subject's face, delicately shaping their features and skin texture. The transition between light and shadow is smooth and natural, avoiding harsh contrasts and creating an overall sense of calm. The subject's expression is serene and introspective, as if lost in thought or quietly at ease with themselves. Posted: 05/05/2025 22:26:32
Brenda Fishbaugh
Thanks so much! Do you like the monochrome version I just posted? Posted: 05/09/2025 01:45:46
Kathryn Bundy
Love the soft lighting on the model and the positioning of her head. I like the original as an editorial piece as well. Posted: 05/06/2025 22:22:06
Brenda Fishbaugh
Thank you! I just tried a monochrome version. Do you like it? Did I go too dark? Posted: 05/09/2025 01:46:21
Robert Schleif
Most impressive. I can add nothing. I like it a lot. Posted: 05/07/2025 01:06:37
Brenda Fishbaugh
Thanks so much! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the mono version I just tried. Thanks! Posted: 05/09/2025 01:46:51
Brenda Fishbaugh
Thanks for everyone's feedback. Jean suggested I try black and white. It the model a different vibe. Do you like it? Did I go too dark? Thanks!
Posted: 05/09/2025 01:42:54
