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ctfchallenge | all galleries >> Challenge 174 - Zen and The Art of Photography >> Challenge 174 - Eligible > One with the Butterfly
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10-DEC-2008 COAmature

One with the Butterfly

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
1/125s f/8.0 at 50.0mm iso200 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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janewigginsphotography14-Dec-2008 00:31
You're so right Doug. Lighting the scene is like a new complication to photography but the journey is exciting. I think you'll well on your journey to success. jano
ctfchallenge13-Dec-2008 05:00
Thanks Rod and Penny. And Penny, so far I'm doing good just to make them flash. Aiming and adjusting these things is like learning the basics of photography all over again. -Doug
ctfchallenge13-Dec-2008 02:15
i have a much easier time just liking the picture as I don't understand all these comments about the complicated lighting arrangements. Penny Street
Rod 13-Dec-2008 01:04
The lighting looks very natural, well done Doug. I think this is more a girls pose though, as a trainee bloke he should be ripping the butterflies wings off:-)
COAmature 12-Dec-2008 17:18
Thank you both for the further enlightenment. I'm working on getting a reflector or two and am definitely looking into that book. Learning lighting techniques and combinations is overwhelming but fun and the outcome is rewarding. -Doug
janewigginsphotography12-Dec-2008 12:53
Hey Brent - I also have that book laying next to my bed which I haven't read yet :) But, there is a nice section in there with a portrait with the author using various lighting affecting shadows, etc. I do need to use the time on the w/e's to browse my books more..or read

Doug - although I think you are pretty much right on with the lighting, my only suggestion (not saying it is correct), is to perhaps lower that light on the left to lighten the shadows. Or a reflector sitting on the floor in the front will also bounce some light up into the shadows.

I just purchased a 77x77 reflector material photoflex had on sale.. still need to buy the stand for it. But I have seen wonderful portraits using one light on left and reflector on right, and I'm anxious to see what results I can gain with that set up alone. Also, I'm hoping to use one of the ex's with a hand made cone or something for a hairlight... but again haven't tried this set up yet (waiting for my basement to get finished off!). jano
ctfchallenge12-Dec-2008 06:14
Very cute image Doug. The lighting looks pretty nice to me. I added to the list of books I haven't gotten around to reading a couple of months back when I was thinking about getting some lights (still haven't). The book is called "Light Science & Magic". It has good reviews on Amazon and with my browsing looks to be a good one too. You might want to grab a copy for help- though it seems you are on the right track.
~Brent
ctfchallenge12-Dec-2008 04:49
Thanks for the tips Jano. I should specify that I don't want shadow in the eyes like I have here. I only have two lights so far. Each is adjustable in strength and each has a 44 inch umbrella. One light is above and on the right and the other is lower and on the left and at half strength. With only two lights I'm struggling to light my subject properly and keep enough light on my backdrop. I'm all ears for suggestion.

This is Joshua's 5 year pictures. I'm going to put a couple more over in pending to show a couple more attempts. -Doug
janewigginsphotography12-Dec-2008 03:03
Doug - i think you are wrong in that your goal should be no shadows... No shadows would mean no depth. I think this is perfect really. There is a slight distracting shadow under the nose which could probably be reduced a tad with a reflector below and in front of the subject - or opposite the light on the right? Are you working with a hair light here, a light above to the right? jano
COAmature 11-Dec-2008 22:17
Yes YB, it is set-up. I'm still working to perfect my in home studio work as I just got my lights not too long ago. The butterfly, leaves, and pumpkin are all props. My goal, Aam, is to have no shadows and I failed big time here. -Doug
aam1234 11-Dec-2008 19:56
Very cute kid and photo. The butterfly is not real of course (right?).

Doug, I'm by no means knowledgeable about studio photography, but I think playing with light & shadow will give a photo depth and character.
ctfchallenge11-Dec-2008 09:30
Love the expression on his face - a mixture of nervousness and excitement.
The only criticism is the backdrop which makes the pic look "set-up". But I like it.
YB
ctfchallenge11-Dec-2008 03:52
Thanks Tommy and wow are you quick tonight. -Doug
ctfchallenge11-Dec-2008 03:48
Nice shot Doug. One of the few third person depictions of "Zen". Well done. -tv