Bigger soft box!

[kat]

I'm going to post three shots..

First, which if any do you prefer.
Second, over all what could be done to make these better.

The first I think I was able to get most reflective light out, second HDR (I think I goofed it up with my manual changing) the color of the green is slightly off, and the last with reflection.

[casil403]

I'm kind of partial to the second one because the greys in the background give it a bit more depth and the angle of the helmet work for me as well. Also the greens pop a bit more off the helmet.
As for better...maybe shot 3 could be turned a bit more to have a similar angle to shot 2.

[Iguanasan]

I agree with casil that the 2nd seems to be the best angle. I'm a little put off by the (searching for right term/phrase here) wash out of colour that occurs half way down the side of the helmet. I'm guessing there is just too much light in your soft box creating too great a tonal range. Ideally, the soft box should light everything perfectly, shouldn't it?

[kat]

Hence the need a bigger box. The front of the mask sticks out a bit to far..I can't get any angles on the darn thing. But at this rate I'll need a box the size of a dishwasher!!!

I think it may be not enough light all around? I have it at a high fstop and I want it lower but can't it's soo dark.

Time to get a sheet and make a darn tent or something.

[kat]

I think I've figured it out. I've been searching more on the light boxes. I have to rebuild and get more lights. I just don't have enough power yet!

Thanks for the replies

[Marko]

I like shot 2 the best as well. This is because to my eye the helmet's pattern is best rendered in this version. Hope that helps - Makro

[jchurill]

What about getting the mask up off the table and inch or two....50mm Might help with the lower reflection?

Did you by chance do the airbrushing? Sweet!!

[Mad Aussie]

I think I've figured it out. I've been searching more on the light boxes. I have to rebuild and get more lights. I just don't have enough power yet!

Thanks for the replies

I did warn you about that

I think the 1st lacks any colour strength and constrast.

The 2nd I like best because it has more definition in the colours and edges. The background looks nice too but you'd have to reproduce that fairly consistently to make a series of photos look professional I think.

The 3rd has an unfair advantage because it's larger and the reflections do actually show the viewer it's glossy instead of a matt finish. I do think the angle of the 2nd shot is better though.

[Bambi]

Okay,, I showed these to my husband -he's a hockey fan and has bought his share of gear over the years. His preference is for #3 because it shows more detail of the work and the helmet.

I like the background in #2 but you can see the inside of the helmet more and it's a bit distracting.

[JAS_Photo]

I would choose #3 as well. It's a cleaner shot IMHO.