Kalan by doorway #1 – Austin, Texas
The toughest place I shot during Jake’s surprise birthday party was by a glass door, next to the living room. With a wall immediately behind the model and a light source mainly on one side, I was at a loss of how to make this place interesting and to get a good exposure. A little post processing and a black and white conversion made all the difference.
What I really needed was a reflector on the left side to add more fill light to the shadows. There was a reflector handy but no one around so I went with what I had. While it looks fairly bright, the light was falling fast. These were shot at ISO 2500 and I bumped the exposure compensation up 2/3 of a stop. On the positive side, the door glass was frosted so it acted somewhat like a soft box.
Kalan by doorway #2 – Austin, Texas
I lifted the shadows a bit in post but making these monochrome really changed the mood. The shadows now work and add mystery rather than being a liability. Kalan had these wonderful dramatic poses and a beautiful profile. These portraits are very different from my usual. I didn’t pre visualize these but I’m glad I tried them. I came up with something unexpected.
Kalan by doorway #3 – Austin, Texas
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atmtx photo blog 
I always shoot portraits from the dark side. Apparently so do you. You might be surprised to know that we are very much in the minority. I have ALWAYS shot from the shadow side and think it produces an elegant portrait. I don’t think the lack of bright light made your pictures less attractive. Quite the opposite.
Thanks Marilyn. I’m not sure if I always shoot from the dark side but I certainly did here and I think it does add a bit of mystery.
I like the “short light” approach as well. That second image is real nice. Should have grabbed me to hold a reflector for you or to blast some light through that frosted door to get your ISO down. That door is an awesome soft box.
Thanks Mike. Maybe we need to go out shooting portraits again.
You have a beautiful model to work with, that is always half the photo. And you balance your subject well.
I love it.
I just wish I had time to put more photos in my blog … I can write like crazy, but I seldom find time for photos. luvsiesous.com
Wayne
Thanks, Wayne.
I don’t think you needed any more fill light on these images. I really like them as they are.