Good references?
 

I tried setting up inside tonight with a cheap light that has a reflector bowl around it. It clips onto things and I tried 2 different bulbs, the 'Reveal' and 'Enrich' brands.

This is my first try at using an inside light set up instead of natural. I do not think they are very dramatic, but let me hear your comments on whether they could work.

I need to try moving the light source around more - I did not have much room tonight since I did it at home instead of the studio. I used a piece of foamcore to reflect back into shadows. I could not get rid of that shadow behind them - I do not recall seeing that on other good photos I have seen.

These are not planned portraits, just me grabbing the family to try.

I have a commission with 3 kids that I need to photograph tomorrow.

Clearly this model did not appreciate having his movie interrupted. Oh, too bad!

One more - my only fully cooperative model.

Kim,

This sounds like the "drop light" that I used to use under the hood of my '57 Chevy. What you have created are drop light photos.

Ohhh I wish it were that easy.

Ok, Mike - I take it you think these are no good. Why exactly?

I think these are quite good, with the exception of the fact that the skin tones are too warm, in my opinion. You may want to try this set up with cooler temperature bulbs. You can get lightbulbs around 5000 degrees kelvin at a professional photographer's store and that will give you light similar in temperature to a north light window.

To reduce the intensity of the shadow behind the figures, try moving the subject further from the backdrop.

On the first photo, there's very little shadow area. I'd back away from him with the reflector so the shadows aren't washed out by the "fill".

Thanks Michele, good tips. Specifics are appreciated! I will get one of those bulbs you mentioned tomorrow.

Kimberly,

As I reread my previous post, I think I could have stated my case with a little more grace. My apologies.

No problems Mike. What IS your case though? If you had not known I used a $4.99 set-up would that have made a difference? What are the problems with the lighting that you see?

It's not a drop-light, so says the contractor husband. Just a metal bowl where you screw a bulb into. I am sure that studio lights, better cameras, etc would bring better results, but
this is what I have for now.

These are not planned portraits and I am not easily offended, so no worries. These are posted so I can learn.