High Key Portrait

For the last several weeks I've been studying about studio lighting and portrait photography. I set up a small studio and I've been practicing on anybody I could get to volunteer to be a model. This was my first for-real session. I used three mismatched speedlights I've accumulated over the years and my new Alien Bees studio strobe to light this high key portrait.

As a longtime nature and outdoor photographer, using artificial lights, with no ambient light at all, is a whole different world. I wonder what my fellow nature photographers think of this?

I love it Buck, and that's with the insight from over 20 years in the studio business. High key is the toughest in my book, especially when sustaining the subtle modeling in a subject's face, and you nailed it.

Of course, you'll never see natural light the same way again!

This looks GREAT Buck, coming from someone who, unlike Hank, has basically zero experience with studio work; but I know what I like.

I have zero experience with this type of photography, but I know what I like. And I like this a lot!!
Looks almost like a pencil sketch. Outstanding work, Buck!

Buck, I don't know anything about it, either, but this is beautiful.

Looks VERY professional to me--like you have been doing this for years. I believe you have created an additional income stream.

Ken

Buck,

Nicely done. My only suggestion for future shots like this one is to light the subject so that the near shoulder and arm have a bit more detail. Beautiful young lady!
--P

Facial highlights look a little blown on my moniter. Also, for high key you need to bring your main light a little more back toward center for a flatter light. You almost have what is called Rembrant lighting going here with the highlight under the eye on the shadow side. These are really just nits in the finer scheme of things.....you should be compimented on a fine first attempt.
Joe Rogers