I've been reading this board for a little while and came across info saying not to use natural lighting for headshots. Guess I didnt pay attention bc my photographer used it. I liked the shot so I didnt think to say anything.

My question is, can a headshot reproduction company do anything about thelighting? Probably getting the background changed a bit too. Thanks.

Natural light can be beautiful! Some people prefer studio light, but that doesn't make it a better choice for everyone. And if you viewed your photographer's portfolio, and liked their work, then you evidently responded favorably to natural light at that point. So don't knock your choice now just because some other members of this board prefer studio light.

That said, if you really don't like your headshots, and you really feel that studio light would have been a better choice, I wouldn't recommend trying to fix it in post. And since you say you want to change the background too, that sounds like it's time to start over with another photographer...

Wow! I have one post? I haven't posted here in years, and the board has had a makeover since then, but it still seems weird to be brand new again!

You sound upset.

Just because some people on a chat board say not to use natural lighting doesn't mean that you're shot is bad.

Contrary to what some here may say, you can get great shots with natural light. But just like any lighting, it is a skill that needs to be mastered.

You'd think shooting in natural light would be easy, after all there's no strobes to deal with. Well that's not the case. Natural light is actually harder than strobe lighting because the photographer has to control the natural light that can have many variables, sometimes from frame to frame, second to second.

I believe that a great shot is a great shot in that when all the components line up, lit well, good chemistry between subject and photographer, right clothing choice, clean make up, good hair, great eye contact, relaxed face and body. You have a great shot.

Why don't you post your shot. There are many people on this board who have great suggestions.

rod

quote:

Originally posted by rgp:
You sound upset.

Just because some people on a chat board say not to use natural lighting doesn't mean that you're shot is bad.

Contrary to what some here may say, you can get great shots with natural light. But just like any lighting, it is a skill that needs to be mastered.

You'd think shooting in natural light would be easy, after all there's no strobes to deal with. Well that's not the case. Natural light is actually harder than strobe lighting because the photographer has to control the natural light that can have many variables, sometimes from frame to frame, second to second.

I believe that a great shot is a great shot in that when all the components line up, lit well, good chemistry between subject and photographer, right clothing choice, clean make up, good hair, great eye contact, relaxed face and body. You have a great shot.

Why don't you post your shot. There are many people on this board who have great suggestions.

rod

The photographer is great, dont get me wrong. Awesome guy, talented. Would use again.I do like the shot, just compared to a studio lighting, wish I couldve gone that route.

I will have to post it to get feedback. So, does that mean retouching/photoshop cannot do anything about that though? Really appreciate you alls quick responses.

Photoshop is a powerful tool. In the right hands almost anything can be done. Almost.

But fixing a poorly lit shot could be an uphill battle not worth fighting.

You should really consider posting the shot, there are many photographers, me included, who can give you an idea of what, if anything, can be done.

rod

This is one. Any feedback is welcome!

Sorry double post

You look bored. There's also too much of your body showing. A tighter shot with a little "something" in your eyes and an expression would serve you better. This shot does not grab me. Next.

I agree. I actually liked it first couple times, but the more I look at it, I think youre right on. Something to think about for next time! Im glad you took a look miss stone, i was waiting....

As far as lighting is concerned, I think the shot looks great.

Well Onmyway,

As far as the lighting goes, the shot is fine but Miss Stone is right on. You can do better. You need to create a little more energy in your vibe. You're close though...you can do it.

rod

quote:

Originally posted by onmyway:
I've been reading this board for a little while and came across info saying not to use natural lighting for headshots.

I am probably the biggest advocate for studio lighting over natural lighting for headshots on this board, as most Back Stage readers know.
Last year, I originated the thread: LIGHTING FOR HEADSHOTS on the forum, which started a firestorm of dissent from all the headshot photographers who use natural light.

But I've never said that you shouldn't ever use it or that it doesn't look good. Please read my recent review on the photographer "Zoe McKenzie," http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8011031/m/605107281 where I was the first and only professional who liked her work. Just for clarification, I have found that most photographers use NATURAL LIGHT for headshots in both LA and NY, not the other way around.

My only issue with using natural light has always been the same. The weather. If it fails to cooperate, you have problems that can ruin your entire shoot. There are those photographers who can work with the constantly changing moods of Mother Nature, but many more who can't. And when hundreds of an actor's hard earned dollars are on the line, I don't like offering excuses.

It has never rained or snowed in my studio.

With all the things that can conceivably go terribly wrong with natural sunlight, I choose studio lighting, every time.

On the subject of your current photo, onmyway, the lighting is fine-- it is the other elements of the shot that didn't work.


www.robertkim.com
Check out our all-new “Before & After” Headshots
www.imdb.com/name/nm0453647/

I will say this about Natural light v.s. Studio light. As a photographer, I use both. For Headshots I go with natural light and for Fashion and Beauty I obviously use studio lighting. I don't think it comes down to which is used, after all Steven Klein and Bruce Weber use both in their fashion work, it's more about the result of the light your using and how you use it.

There is a way to use Natural light to really get the eyes to pop and have a shadowless look, but there's also a way to use natural light that looks flat and boring and looks like your parents took it on vacation.

Like I said I use natural light, but NOT ANY NATURAL LIGHT, it has to be the right type of natural light.

onmyway....it's not a terrible shot, but it's not something that stands out in a pile of headshots or a thumnail gallery. You're eyes have no pop factor, the whole shot is a bit neutral and flat from a photography standpoint. You're a good looking guy and could get something much better!

http://www.davidmullerphotography.com

the lighting in this shot is fine. The expression just isn't that good.