Hi all. I hope I can ask this clearly.. I would really love to know what I need to do/learn to achieve images like Tracy Bayne http://www.tracybayne.com . I COMPLETELY understand that this is not something I can learn over night or anything like that. It's just that I have gotten down my lighting for portraits pretty good and I'm always buying books and learning about lighting and I feel like I've reached a plateau. If someone could point me in some direction so I can stop blindly buying books that only devote one chapter to what I'm trying to do that would be great! Robert Hammar's image at the top of the page is in the area I'm trying to achieve. Is it all in the makeup they wear?? Photoshop? Do I not have the correct lights? Or can I achieve the look solely from my lighting. I have a large soft box, medium soft box, 4 Alienbees units, honeycombs, reflectors, pass through umbrella, reflective umbrella, boom, etc... Am I missing something I need? A ringflash perhaps? Beauty dish? They get that perfect highlight on the skin. Stephen if you've got a book that can really assist me I'd love to know which one! Sorry if my questions seem bothersome :/ I just don't see any reason to not build off of existing knowledge more experienced people have. Thank you all for your time. Really! Thanks!

Hi Aaron,

We ALL go through the plateaus along our journey. I'm fighting through one now. I spent last year undertaking a huge creative challenge to take my gear [some, but not MUCH more than what you have] and come up with enough different lighting schemes to write what I hope is a good book. Did I succeed? I hope so. My point is that there is now a let down phase where I am almost bored with my little studio...I want to light real sets in real locations...but I also know that it will pass because this is simply the end of one phaseof my development as a photographer. Plataeus for me, while frustrating at times, are really important transition phases...they are times when your brain is assimilating all of the information that you have been exposed to and is working on changing its understanding--and its ability to understand--photography. Your brain is changing the rules, if you will, and is developing the ability to understand the next level [hey blame PD--he mentioned psychology!] :eek: Be patient and keep feeding the fire!

I looked at Tracy's work. It's terrific. Remember that the odds are that there are more creative people involved at that level--make-up artists, stylsts, wardrobe consultants, art directors, digital retouchers--and yes, a great photographer who can pull it all together to get the shot. The gear you have will serve you well for now. Keep playing and experimenting until the next "ah ha" moment comes.

Thanks Stephen! I was afraid of that! I guess there's some things that only personal experience can teach you. Your response is greatly appreciated! I'll let you know when the "a ha" moment hits me. Thank you.

Hi Aaron!

Thanks for mention my name and I'm glad you like my picture. I can say it's a very easy light setup.

Light in front and back. Reflectors to fill the shadows and some time in Photoshop.

Some month ago I took a photo of Miriam with same light setup but only with one flash light. Instead of using studio light as for the header this time I used a Canon flashlight in a silver umbrella.



Miriam, the model, made the make up by herself. And I think our beauty location helped us too. It was only she and me in the new parking house. Setup below for the shot above.

Of course nothing beats a great light set up. Also, as we all know experience, and asking those who are experienced helps. Nothing beats a great makeup artist though...esp one who knows how to create the makeup to work with the lighting and the camera. A great makeup artist can make almost anyone look flawless, the rest is up to the person behind the camera!

oops, almost forgot!
I love that image, makeup, lighting, expression. Everything looks flawless roberthammar!