Where can i get some pointers to shoot quality pics

donk_316 · Good Poster Joined: 25 Jun 2006 Posts: 58

Hello!
I didnt know where to post this so i thought i would post where my pics will end up!

I have a willing 23 year old girlfriend and a good cam (Canon S2IS) and a tripod. We have collected alot of costumes and props but i cant seem to get the "look" right.

All my pics are kinda dark or "grey". Should i be using more external lighting besides the cameras flash? Like some halogen work lights or something?

Any pointers would be great. Including background colors VS model skin tone and outfits... Oh! She is of fair complexion.

difroso · VIP club member Joined: 16 Jul 2006 Posts: 376

Hey - maybe you should post some examples ? So the goot photographers here will have a chance to check and tell some tips ?
greetings

markus1 · Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 1:31 pm Post subject:

Camera flash can tend to be rather harsh. Adding some work lights (or cheap studio lights) might help you to even out the light. You might need to diffuse them through a thin sheet to soften the look tho.

post some samples and maybe us amateur photogs can help you out more.

Cheers!

sir_darkstar · Retired Legend Joined: 24 Apr 2005 Posts: 5016

Failing that you could always take a course through a local collage or join an amateur photographic group. Then post everything here so we can judge, an perv of cause.

DWolf · Poster Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 16

I have been getting into model photography as well after purchasing a starter camera, Nikon D50. I have a 24yo friend who's really hot and we are starting with non-nude sets.

If you're doing studio style shots, you need to have 3 light sources.

Here's a small article on it. The site is slow for some reason:

http://www.scphoto.com/html/studiolight.html

Your best bet is to do your first photo shoots outdoors in the sunlight. Just about any camera can take really good shots in sunlight. If you can't do outdoors shots, then set up 3 light sources as described in that article. If you can't afford the proper lighting, best you can do is make sure the camera's automatic lighting detection is working. Try setting it to Incandescent or Florescent depending on the lights in your house. A good camera will have those settings.

Don't use the camera's built in flash, they are usually very inadequate. If you have an external flash, make sure it's pointed at the ceiling so the light reflects onto the subject. If the ceiling is too high or not white, you probably won't get the proper effect.

Definitely post some samples for us!

donk_316 · Good Poster Joined: 25 Jun 2006 Posts: 58

Thank you for the replies. I think the lighting will make a world of difference.

We will buy a few lights and see what we come up with. If some of them turn out well then i will for sure post them.

markus1 · Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2006 12:54 pm Post subject:

Post samples anyway....
We can look at the results and probably help you with any adjustments you need to make.

donk_316 · Good Poster Joined: 25 Jun 2006 Posts: 58

What ill do is post some before & after pics then. Or something to that effect.

(plus i dont have the pics on this computer)

Dirtyboy · I'm probably spamming Joined: 05 Aug 2006 Posts: 3

Sounds good. Can't wait to see them.