Study by maggiemae

Study

Now experimenting with light for portraiture without all the equipment. I opened the side curtain to allow some sun through on my right side and on the left I postioned a white sheet on a chair back. I still think there is too much light under my chin but its the best of a bunch. The whole idea, I think is not to get any shadows on the face. Another shot of the same subject but smiling, ( she was quite amenable to posing) is here: http://365project.org/maggiemae/jessie-s-nest-e/2013-08-09
Three good things:
1. We've been invited back for a 3 day Sydney event! All expenses paid! Another whoopee!
2. I'm not taking my high heels
3. Found out I'm drowning my herb rosemary - so no more watering for a while.
Beautiful soft light here maggie & I like your serious expression...I always want to smile as I look fierce I think if I don't but i do like the 'sultry' look!! You keep your hair a little longer than me, lovely waves
You must have behaved yourselves to be invited back to Sydney, must not have drunk too much LOL Something to look forward to & only spends to find ....hooray!
August 29th, 2013  
lovely light, handled well. Woohoo about Sydney!
August 29th, 2013  
@happypat It's John's public speaking talent that got us invited back, Pat! I tend to get bold after a couple of wines but the only thing I did was play the grand piano in the hotel passageway! ....without a seat which was difficult!
August 29th, 2013  
@maggiemae No seat...the piano was just for show then...how can they expect people to play with no seat.....I must go to bed!!!
August 30th, 2013  
This is why I love 365--I know very little about light, so I am anxious to read what everyone says here ; ) How exciting to be invited back (especially the "all expenses paid". And I chuckled about you not taking the high heels!
August 30th, 2013  
@happypat NIGHT!
August 30th, 2013  
@yonnie I took them last time but didn't wear them. The girls over there wear heels about 8 inches high!
August 30th, 2013  
I don't know much about lighting, but you look lovely! And I am chuckling over the piano playing! HAH!
August 30th, 2013  
@maggiemae 8" high--YIKES--2" is about my limit anymore ; )
August 30th, 2013  
Soft focus
August 30th, 2013  
Vee
The experiment is a success!
August 30th, 2013  
Great portrait
August 30th, 2013  
Beautiful soft lighting and congratulations on your return performance in Sydney.
August 30th, 2013  
You did a great job of using available light to the best advantage, Maggiemae. I would have like to see a smile but that is just me. Maybe a little Mona Lisa smile!
August 30th, 2013  
I like the soft focus and how exciting for you to be going back to Sydney.
August 30th, 2013  
I like soft focus too ... I think I could use some of that for my wrinkles!
August 30th, 2013  
This can be tricky, but it is neat to experiment. I would love to take some time to learn the tricks of getting great natural lighting portraits
August 30th, 2013  
@havrotb Yup, its good for wrinkles! Mine are all there but the because there is no shadows, you can't see them!
August 30th, 2013  
Lovely light, but a little smile would be better. How nice you are going to Sydney again :)
August 30th, 2013  
A serious light success
August 30th, 2013  
@anazad511 @grammyn @happypat @yonnie I posted another smiling portrait using different lighting: http://365project.org/maggiemae/jessie-s-nest-e
August 30th, 2013  
Jo
I never water my rosemary and its growing in really poor well drained soil and looking as "happy as Larry" which is really happy !!! Great shot. Like the lighting in this.
August 30th, 2013  
are you mad at me? :-) you're looking so serious like i did something wrong that i didn't know about in the first place. hahaha! can i give you a little tip? get a large cardboard and wrap it in foil the shiny side up and use it as your reflector to even up your lighting. i read that somewhere in the discussion page some time ago. okay, i go to the smiling pic now.
August 30th, 2013  
@summerfield I read that too but would have to get tons of tin foil! I was serious because actually I was just practicing and then when I decided to get a bit more friendly, the photos didn't work.
August 30th, 2013  
Oh dear...at least your subject is willing!! Mine never is...lol
August 30th, 2013  
This reminds me of the expressions that people had when they sat in front of the camera for long amounts of time in the "old days". Smile!! I like the lighting- it looks good to me.
August 30th, 2013  
I like the light and golden tones.
August 30th, 2013  
Lovely atmospheric portrait
August 30th, 2013  
Lovely portrait.
August 30th, 2013  
Atmospheric -but rather a sad face -- would much rather you *put on a happy face *
August 30th, 2013  
Lovely selfie with great tones. You look so very thoughtful :-) Enjoy your trip to Sydney and I sure can't blame you for "no heels".... don't see them much around Florida. Very casual living here.
August 30th, 2013  
@beryl you did see my other side? The other posting?
August 30th, 2013  
I like the lighting under your chin but it is your cheek bones for me, they are gorgeous
August 30th, 2013  
lovely photo Maggiemae fav enjoy your trip when it comes around
August 30th, 2013  
Oh dear, I think you look a bit glum in this one. Lovely model but she looks better when she's smiling ;o) xx
August 30th, 2013  
Great shot Maggiemae!!! You are so creative, love the smiley version more though!
August 30th, 2013  
Love the colour and the softness here, but like Ruth I prefer your smile.
August 31st, 2013  
Nice color and lights...but miss your charming smile!!!
August 31st, 2013  
@eyesmile @tristansmum @ruthmouch @psychographer Thanks for your wonderful comments. This effort was for lighting not for brilliant smiles but after seeing the glum me, the smiley one must have to be better!
August 31st, 2013  
I want to see your gorgeous grin!! But I love the light.
August 31st, 2013  
Lovely light and great portrait!
August 31st, 2013  
Great use of natural light.
September 1st, 2013  
Now it would be impossible for me to get too much light under my chin(s) so don't complain about that!
September 1st, 2013  
Love the lighting and color -- a sort of watercolor effect.
September 3rd, 2013  
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