Lighting excercise - High Key

So, I ll be writing two articles in the same week.. with my schedule, thats a first :). One reason I love studio work (although its my small living room and lights are just speed lights) is because I am a control freak.. :) In a good way that is. What I meant by that is that I am very picky about highlights and shadows, the mood of lighting, the pose etc...

The living area in my apartment is pretty small and hence doing low key is hard. So, I decided to try out some high key stuff first. Of course I did go to low key in the same shoot.. But that s for another post :D

Whats used in this set up were mainly cheap umbrellas as modifiers. My ever supporting Wife volunteered as the model for these experiments...  So got her ready for the shot and took these two high key shots (in two separate sittings to be honest). 

1. Lights - A simple one light setup. Location - A small bedroom. Type - Wraparound light. Gaze - into the camera. * White balance is a little off (towards yellow)

2. Lights - A simple two light setup. Location - A small living room. Type - Wraparound light. Background - Light colored wall. Gaze - Off camera

What both shots have in common and something I do always look at are "well lit eyes!". If you want a very pleasant shot, you need to have the eyes lit very well. Dark eyes usually gives out a grim look and is extremely unflattering to specially female subjects. The two shots above are different in where the eyes are looking towards... but they both give a pleasant feeling due to good light.

Would love to hear what you think about these.. and a big thank to my Wife for volunteering and helping me out as always. 


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Thanks
Akila.