Need help with lighting

[AmandaJean]

I just started to think about doing studio, or portrait pictures. i have been trying to get my lighting perfect but seem to get shadows. or not enough light then to much light. i cant even find a happy medium. is it the position of the lights, is it a setting on the camera. I just dont know I am using 2 soft boxes and 2 umbrella lights.... Please help :)

[aparmley]

Perhaps posting a photo of your set up and then the resulting photo with that setup would help others see where your problems are being caused. . .

[AmandaJean]

the back drop with is about 8 feet wide
the subject is placed about 5 feet from back drop
the camera is 4 feet from subject
umbrella lights are placed 3' off center and 7' from back drop
1 soft box is placed 4' back from 1 umbrella and 2' out
2 soft box is placed 3' back from umbrella and 1' in
i have moved them in and around and all over and this set up gave me what i was looking for except for a little shadow under the ear lobe. but my photos dont look anything like they should and i am really frustrated:confused:

[TheObiJuan]

are they firing in synch, and what's firing them?

I'm not too good at visualizing or understanding your image.
Could you draw the setup, and label the lights, then take a picture of it and post it?

[24Peter]

...i have moved them in and around and all over and this set up gave me what i was looking for except for a little shadow under the ear lobe. but my photos dont look anything like they should and i am really frustrated:confused:

First off, it's hard to eliminate shadows completely. Again, an actual photo that you are unhappy with might help us help you. But frankly, if all you're worried about is "a little shadow under the ear lobe", you're probably doing OK. What do other people think of the photos? I know for me, sometimes I am my own harshest critic. It's pretty tough to get the perfect photo. I shoot 300-400 portraits/headshots at a time and am constantly moving lights, the camera, my subject etc. (BTW - are you changing the height of the lights as well as the position?). If I get 15 or 20 good shots, it's a success. I'm sure people with more skill/experience have a better hit ratio, but the point is, it is very tough to get the perfect shot - which is what it seems you're expecting.