2 replies to this topic

[DarrenJudson]

Hi Guys,

Lomg time no post. Hope everyone is doing well.

I've been asked by a friend to take some 'crooner' style photos. I've got 2 x yongnuo flashes (a 560III and a 560IV) a white shoot through umberella. Two rectangular medium softboxs and a flash bender.

I imagine I'm leaning more towards a low key image. Any ideas on which lighting combination would work best or any tips at all...flash is something I've always struggled with.

[morticiaskeeper]

If I was asked for crooner, I would be thinking high contrast, monochrome with a key light set to the side & above. Another flash to the other side & below, but with much less power, just enough to show the dark side of the face.

Have a look at a half moon, if you use a lens, or scope, the craters nearest to the dark edge look well defined. Try to do that to the face.

Main light quite soft, but not beauty soft. With my gear, I would be looking at a soft box, quite close in.

OR...

A softish spotlight, still high to the side. Drinking straws and duct tape!

[Merco_61]

I would try to emulate the publicity stills of Sinatra from the 40-s. High contrast monochrome with a softbox at about 45° both vertical and horizontal, a reflector to lighten the shadow side of the face and the umbrella to light the background. If there was another flash available, I would use that with a shallow raster instead of the reflector.