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I had about 15 mins to set up and 5 mins to take a shot of Alicia before Alex decided he wanted attention.

My aim is to get a good understanding of the basics of studio lighting before I start playing around too much.

The objective here was for flattering, high-key lighting. I would have liked another light either providing more of a hair light or greater lighting on the backdrop.

C&C appreciated.

I really don't know much at all about studio lighting... alright. I know nothing about studio lighting... *sigh*... but I would have thought that a little more lighting on the backdrop and less on her face would have been more flattering for her...

Btw.. your fortunate to have such an attractive model who is willing to model for you... and I think your posing is great...

I think you've done really well Patrick. If you're going for high-key(ish) then your key light is about right but I'd crank up the fill light a little and as you've mentioned lighten the background. Try doing exactly the same setup but slow your shutter speed down - that way the lighting on your subject will be the same but your background will be lighter.

Thanks guys - agree with the lighitng of the backdrop. We realised, with a 15 week old, we need to allow ourselves more time

Oh, and Liam, further to your comments, I had the fill light (via brollie) at lower power than the main (soft box) - I probably should have had them equal power given the brollie will spread the light more widely than the soft box (remember for next time!) and the shutter speed was 1/100th on the 85mm - I will try a slower speed (1/60th). I will also aim to set up a third light for the background as well.

I really like them, I think the #2 shot is my pick of these two, the light looks a little softer around Alicia and overall make for a nicer effect.