Scrims really rocks, it's so easy to control hard vs soft light with scrims. The only problems I can find is the spill off of light, and I have to set up an U-formed shape of scrims to control the light, or a V-shape.

First photo. Camera left, a panel as a reflector, Camera right a V-shape scrim setup. One panel to block light to spilling on to the background, and one transparent fabric to soften the light on the model. A silver reflector under the models arms.



Second photo. Nearly same setup as for the first photo. Didn't block any light to spill on to the background, instead I feathered the light to the model, and directed raw light on to the background. Second light, raw light on to the model, placed to high so I had to dodge a shadow below the models nose.



What I have found is that my work is not good enough for the Finnish market, so any suggestions of improvements would be helpful. I don't get any clients or very few, and this cannot go on forever, so I'm thinking of giving up my thoughts of being a professional photographer. Go back to what I used to do as a salesman. Any suggestions?

Robert,

Don't ever give up on your dreams. You are a good photographer but it is tough to make a living behind a camera. Trust me. I understand your frustration. I am looking at approaching a whole new market next year. Something has to click...and the same goes for you my friend. Hang in there and keep at it.

Hi, Steve!

Persons like you means lot to me, and I'm very glad that you not only share your knowledge you even encourage people to keep on with what they are doing. That is some coach, wow. I'm not in Hawaii but I would have helped you if I would, instead I do hope by putting a link to your website on my blog will help you in some way. A post in English on my blog.

Robert! You are wrong about not being good enough! You ARE good enough! Your work that I've seen is excellent, and your passion for it is key. Do NOT give up! One thing I would say to you is to stop trying to copy what the other guys do in Finland. I think you have a style of your own beginning to emerge, and you need to work on developing and defining it.

Since you seem to want to specialize in fashion work, you might consider going after one or 2 big agencies there, and offer to do some work for them in trade for exposure and photo credits. And cultivate relationships in the agencies. It all takes time, but one thing I've learned about that end of the industry...it's WHO you know, and who likes you...not so much What you know!

Meanwhile, you might consider going after some of the high school senior market. With your fashion/glamour style, you should be able to attract a good bit of business...And who knows, you might just like it!

Don't give up. MAKE it work!
Aloha,

Stan, you also rock as Steve!

I have been doing a free job for a new Finnish Fashion magazine. But when the Finnish editor called me middle of paid wedding shooting and asked where in the ½#%&½ world I'm at to I said I don't think would do any more job for them.

I will try all that you suggest as long as it doesn't cost me money, because I'm run out of that now, and also with equipment.

Oh yeah...your equipment got ripped...Man! That hurt! I really feel for you on that, and I'm hoping your insurance came through for you...as it seems it must since you posted those images I assume you made after your gear got ripped. Uuugh! So, hang in there Hammar! (Beautiful images B-T-W..I love the dialated pupils on yuor model. She looks really interested!)

There's a story about a guy who gave up prospecting for gold in an area he had staked out. He had found a vein of gold, but it ran out after a short while. He dug around trying to find it again, but finally gave it up and went back home. Another man took up in the same location and after digging just one more foot from where the quitter left off, he struck the vein, and got really rich!

The moral is: perseverance pays off! If you have the passion, and I believe you do, keep at it with faith and belief. And PERSEVERE!

Aloha,